(a) Any person who violates, fails to comply with, or continues to violate any provision of this chapter or any permit issued under this chapter shall be liable to the county for a maximum civil penalty of up to $10,000.00 per violation per day for as long as the violation continues. Each day on which a violation shall occur or continue shall be deemed a separate and distinct violation. In determining the amount of the civil penalty, the director shall take into account all relevant circumstances, including, but not limited to, the extent of harm caused by the violation, the magnitude and duration of the violation, efforts to correct the violation, the compliance history of the person against whom the violation is assessed, cost of enforcement to the county, whether the violation was committed willfully or intentionally, and any other factor as justice requires.
(b) If any person violates the provisions of this chapter or the terms or conditions of any permit issued under this chapter, a civil action may be commenced in the general court of justice in the name of the county for such legal and equitable relief as may be appropriate.
(c) The remedies provided in this section are not exclusive. The county may take any one, all, or any combination of these actions against any person in violation of the provisions of this chapter or the terms or conditions of any permit issued under this chapter, or any other action allowed pursuant to G.S. 153-123.
(Amend. of 11-3-2003)