75-10-714. Administrative penalties. (1) In lieu of proceeding under 75-10-711(5), the department may assess penalties of not more than $1,000 a day for each violation against a person liable under 75-10-715(1) for a release or threat of release who has failed or refused to comply with an order issued by the department pursuant to 75-10-711(4) or against a person who has failed or refused to comply with an order issued by the department pursuant to 75-10-707(5).

(2) In determining the amount of any penalty assessed pursuant to this section, the department shall take into account the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the noncompliance and, with respect to the person liable under 75-10-715(1):

(a) the person's ability to pay;

(b) any prior history of violations;

(c) the degree of culpability;

(d) the economic benefit or savings, if any, resulting from the noncompliance; and

(e) any other matters that justice may require.

(3) An administrative penalty may not be collected pursuant to this section unless the person charged with the noncompliance is given notice and opportunity for a hearing with respect to the noncompliance. The hearing is before the board of environmental review. A hearing may be requested by submitting a written request stating the reason for the request within 30 days after receipt of the notice of penalty assessment.

(4) The contested case provisions of the Montana Administrative Procedure Act, Title 2, chapter 4, part 6, apply to a hearing held under this section.

(5) Administrative penalties collected under this section must be deposited in the environmental quality protection fund established in 75-10-704.

History: En. Sec. 9, Ch. 709, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 79, L. 2001.