(A) An upset shall constitute an affirmative defense to an action brought for non-compliance with categorical pretreatment standards if the requirements of subsection (B) below are met.
(B) A user who wishes to establish the affirmative defense of upset shall demonstrate, through properly signed, contemporaneous operating logs, or other relevant evidence, that:
(1) An upset occurred, and the user can identify the causes of the upset;
(2) The facility was at the time being operated in a prudent and workman-like manner, and in compliance with applicable operation and maintenance procedures; and
(3) The user has submitted the following information to the POTW Director within 24 hours of becoming aware of the upset (if this information is provided orally, a written submission must be provided within five days):
(a) A description of the indirect discharge and cause of non-compliance;
(b) The period of non-compliance, including exact dates and times or, if not corrected, the anticipated time the non-compliance is expected to continue; and
(c) Steps being taken and/or planned to reduce, eliminate, and prevent recurrence of the non-compliance.
(C) In any enforcement proceeding, the user seeking to establish the occurrence of an upset shall have the burden of proof.
(D) Users will have the opportunity for a judicial determination on any claim of upset only in an enforcement action brought for non-compliance with categorical pretreatment standards.
(E) Users shall control production of all discharges to the extent necessary to maintain compliance with categorical pretreatment standards upon reduction, loss, or failure of their 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.
(Ord. 33-2002, passed 10-21-2002)