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17.30.1421    UPSET PROVISION

(1) "Upset" as used in this rule means an exceptional incident in which there is unintentional and temporary noncompliance with categorical pretreatment standards because of factors beyond the reasonable control of the industrial user.   An upset does not include noncompliance to the extent caused by operational error, improperly designed treatment facilities, inadequate treatment facilities, lack of preventive maintenance, or careless or improper operation.

(2) An upset constitutes an affirmative defense to an action brought for noncompliance with categorical pretreatment standards if the requirements of (3) of this rule are met.

(3) An industrial user who wishes to establish the affirmative defense of upset shall demonstrate, through properly signed, contemporaneous operating logs, or other relevant evidence, that:

(a) an upset occurred and the industrial user can identify the cause of the upset;

(b) the facility was at the time being operated in a prudent and workmanlike manner and in compliance with applicable operation and maintenance procedures;

(c) the industrial user has submitted the following information to the POTW and control authority within 24 hours of becoming aware of the upset, or if this information is provided orally, a written submission within 5 days:

(i) a description of the indirect discharge and cause of noncompliance;

(ii) the period of noncompliance, including exact dates and times, or if not corrected, the anticipated time the noncompliance is expected to continue;

(iii) steps being taken and/or planned to reduce, eliminate, and prevent recurrence of the noncompliance;

(iv) in any enforcement proceeding the industrial user seeking to establish the occurrence of an upset has the burden of proof;

(v) in the usual exercise of prosecutorial discretion, state enforcement personnel will review any claims that noncompliance was caused by an upset.   No determinations made in the course of the review constitute final agency action subject to judicial review.   Industrial users have the opportunity for a judicial determination   on any claim   of upset only in an enforcement action brought for noncompliance with categorical pretreatment standards;

(vi) the industrial user shall control production or discharges to the extent necessary to maintain compliance with categorical pretreatment standards upon reduction, loss, or failure of its treatment facility until the facility is restored or an alternative method of treatment is provided.   This requirement applies in the situation where, among other things, the primary source of power of the treatment facility is reduced, lost, or fails.

History: 75-5-304, MCA; IMP, 75-5-304, MCA; NEW, 1989 MAR p. 2063, Eff. 12/8/89; TRANS, from DHES, 1996 MAR p. 1499.

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