SWC Rules, Ch apter A
Tribal code
Ask Donna
What actually matters in this document.
Text
SWC Rules, Ch apter A
Adopted December, 14, 1994
SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA
SEMINOLE WATER COMMISSION
RULES
TO CARRY OUT
THE TRIBAL WATER CODE
Adopted by the Commission on December 14, 1994.
Ratified by the Tribal Council on January 12, 1995.
Resolution C-95-95.
Authority: In the Tribal Water Code, the Tribal Council of the Seminole Tribe has delegated
authority to the Seminole Water Commission to issue rules to carry out Tribal law and federal
law. The Tribal Water Code consists of two subtitles: Subtitle A -- Beneficial Use and
Conservation of Water Resources; and Subtitle B -- Water Quality Code. The Commission's
authority to issue rules is based on both Subtitles. In section 3.5 of Subtitle A of the Tribal Water
Code, the Tribal Council authorized the Commission to issue rules establishing procedures to
carry out the Tribal Water Code, the Water Rights Compact, and the Criteria Manual. In section
12.3 of Subtitle B of the Tribal Water Code, the Tribal Council authorized the Commission to issue
rules to establish both procedural and substantive provisions of law relating to water quality
under federal law (the Clean Water Act). These procedural rules are based on Subtitle A of the
Tribal Water Code, except that Part 19 is based on Part 19 of the Subtitle B of the Tribal Water
Code..
SWC Rules, Ch apter A
Adopted December, 14, 1994
Effective date: January 12, 1995
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
CHAPTER A. PROCEDURAL RULES
PART 1.
GENERAL
SECTION 1.1
SECTION 1.2
SECTION 1.3
SECTION 1.4
SECTION 1.5
SECTION 1.6
SECTION 1.7
SECTION 1.8
SECTION 1.9
SECTION 1.10
AUTHORITY OF THE COMMISSION
WATER RIGHTS COMPACT
DEFINITIONS
COMPOSITION OF THE COMMISSION
ROLE OF THE COMMISSION
ROLE OF THE DEPARTMENT
ROLE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL
PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING MEETINGS OF THE
COMMISSION
GENERAL PROCEDURES FOR MAKING DECISIONS
DECISIONS ON PERMIT APPLICATIONS
SECTION 1.1 AUTHORITY OF THE COMMISSION
The Seminole Water Commission (Commission) was established by the
Tribal Council of the Seminole Tribe of Florida through the enactment of the
Tribal Water Code in 1988. The Commission has been empowered by the Tribal
Council to administer and enforce the Tribal Water Code, including the issuance
of permits for consumptive water uses and for the construction and operation of
surface water management systems. With the enactment of the Tribal Water
Quality Code in 1993, the Tribal Council further empowered the Commission to
establish regulatory programs to protect the quality of reservation surface
waters, including the establishment of water quality standards. Part 19 of the
Water Quality Code, enacted in 1994, authorizes the Commission to establish a
Transportation Safety permit program to regulate the transportation of
wastewater treatment residuals through the Tribe's reservations. The Tribal
- Part 1, Page 1 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
Council has delegated to the Commission those powers that are necessary for it
to carry out its legislative mandate, including the authority to issue rules to
establish procedures for carrying out the Commission's functions and the
authority to issue rules to establish substantive provisions of law to protect and
restore the quality of the water resources of the Tribe's reservations.
Note: The Tribal Water Code was originally enacted by the Tribal Council on September
20, 1988, through the adoption of Ordinance No. C-03-89. The Tribal Water Quality Code
(Subtitle B of the Tribal Water Code) was enacted by the Tribal Council on December 10,
1993, through the adoption of Resolution No. C-95-94. On May 10, 1994, through the
adoption of Resolution No. C-216-94, the Tribal Council enacted an amended version of
the Tribal Water Code, in which the original Code, as amended, is designated "Subtitle A
-- Beneficial Use and Conservation of Water Resources." This Resolution also enacted an
amended version of Subtitle B -- Water Quality Code. In addition, on May 10, 1994, the
Council adopted Resolution No. C-218-94, enacting a new Part 19 of Subtitle B to require
that any transporter of wastewater treatment by-products obtain a "Transportation
Safety" permit from the Commission before transporting such by-products through any of
the Tribe's reservations. Part 19 of Subtitle B authorizes the Commission to issue rules to
establish procedures governing applications for, as well as the issuance or denial of, such
Transportation Safety permits. Additional minor amendments to Subtitle A of the Tribal
Water Code were enacted by the Tribal Council on January 12, 1995, by Resolution
C-91-95.
SECTION 1.2 WATER RIGHTS COMPACT
In 1987 the Seminole Tribe entered into a Water Rights Compact with the
State of Florida and the South Florida Water Management District (District). This
Compact was ratified by federal and state legislation. Under the Water Rights
Compact the Tribe has water rights that are recognized under federal law. In
exchange for recognition of these Compact rights the Tribe gave up its federally
reserved water rights under the Winters doctrine. The Tribe is obligated to
comply with the "essential terms and principles" of the system for regulating
water use under state law, as the state law was codified in 1986, as reflected in
the Compact. This means that the Tribe is bound to comply with those
non-procedural provisions of the Florida Water Resources Act of 1972, as
- Part 1, Page 2 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
amended and codified in 1986 in Chapter 373 of the Florida Statutes. The Tribe
is not, however, subject to the procedural provisions of the Florida Water
Resources Act, nor is the Tribe subject to administrative control by the District.
Rather, the Tribe exercises regulatory authority over water use and surface
water management within the Tribe's reservations under Tribal law.
SECTION 1.3 DEFINITIONS
The term activities means consumption or other use of water including,
but not limited to, those uses listed in the Manual, or any diversion or storage of
water, or any action or inaction which directly or indirectly affects the quality or
quantity of water within the jurisdiction of the Tribe, or the fish, shellfish or other
wildlife which depend on such water.
The term applicant means a person who files an application with the
Department for a permit.
The term director means the Director of the tribal Water Resource
Management Department.
The term Com m ission means the Seminole Water Commission, which is
empowered by the Tribal Council to administer and enforce this Code.
The term Com pact means the Water Rights Compact among the Tribe,
the State and the District.
The term Departm ent means Water Resource Management Department
or its successor, which administers all provisions of this Code as assigned by the
Tribal Council or the Commission.
The term District means the South Florida Water Management District.
- Part 1, Page 3 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
The term dom estic use means consumption in and around the residence
of the applicant by the applicant, members of his household, and non-paying
guests, and not involving the irrigation of fruits, vegetables or livestock to be
held for commercial sale, or other commercial use of water.
The term M anual means the Evaluation Criteria Manual approved by the
Tribe, the State and the District, containing specific technical and procedural
criteria.
The term m ajor use means any activity involving a use of water which is
not a minor use. Activities using water for supplemental crop irrigation, public
utilities, and commercial and industrial purposes generally considered major
uses.
The term m inor use means an activity involving (a) one or more wells,
using one or more pipes, none of which have casing diameters in excess of four
inches; or (b) a pump or other device for the movement of water provided that
the total amount of water used by the activity does not exceed 100,000 gallons
per day (gpd). Any other activity is a major use.
The term person means any individual, whether a member or
non-member of the Tribe, and any business entity, whether tribal, corporate or
individual, or any combination of persons, including any joint venture,
partnership or other enterprise (whether or not the Tribe, or any member
thereof, is a party to such entity or enterprise), engaged in activities within the
meaning of this Code on lands within the jurisdiction of the Tribe.
The term R eservation means each of the land areas that has been
formally designated by action of the United States government as for the use of
the Seminole Tribe, including the Hollywood, Big Cypress, Brighton, Immokalee,
and Tampa (Hillsborough County) reservations. As used in these rules, the term
R eservation also means any other land area that is held in trust by the United
States for the Seminole Tribe regardless of whether such an area has been
- Part 1, Page 4 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
formally proclaimed a reservation by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
The term R eservation Lands means all lands within the boundaries of
any of the Tribe's Reservations.
The term State means the State of Florida
The term substantially affected third person means any person,
group, or entity that demonstrates a non-frivolous interest substantially affected
by the exercise of the Tribe's rights under the Compact, or under Tribal, state or
federal law. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida
Department of Community Affairs, and the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish
Commission, successor agencies, and owners of lands within the basins affected
by the exercise of the Tribe's rights under the Compact are presumed to be
substantially affected third parties. This presumption can be rebutted by an
affirmative showing that a state agency or landowner does not have an interest
that would be substantially affected by the exercise of rights under the Compact.
Any tribal member is presumed to be a substantially affected third person for
purposes of raising an objection to a permit application or appealing from the
issuance of a permit by the Commission.
The term Tribal Trust Lands means lands held in trust by the United
States for the benefit of the Tribe
The term Tribe means the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
The term user means any person conducting activities on lands within the
jurisdiction of the Tribe.
[NOTE: Most of these definitions are taken from Subtitle A of the Tribal Water Code.
The terms "major use," "substantially affected third person" and "Reservation" are new,
and the term "Reservation lands" has been revised to use the definition of "Reservation.
The definition of "substantially affected third person" is based on the Compact.]
- Part 1, Page 5 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
SECTION 1.4 COMPOSITION OF THE COMMISSION
The Commission consists of three voting members, each of whom has
been appointed by the Tribal Council for a three year term. In addition, the
Director is an ex officio non-voting member of the Commission. Once each year
the Commissioners elect one voting member to serve as Chairperson.
SECTION 1.5 ROLE OF THE COMMISSION
(a) Permits. The Tribal Council has empowered the Commission to
administer and enforce the Tribal Water Code. The Commission regulates the
use and management of water resources by issuing permits. Any person who
intends to dig a well or to use, drain or divert surface water or groundwater must
apply to the Commission for a permit. By including conditions in the permits that
it issues, the Commission enforces compliance with the Tribal Water Code,
including the Water Quality Code (Subtitle B). Permit conditions also ensure
compliance with the Compact and Criteria Manual. This is the main regulatory
process used by the Commission -- considering applications for water use and
water management permits and including appropriate conditions in the permits
that it decides to issue.
(b) Meetings. The Commission meets on a regular basis, usually on
the third Wednesday of each month. General meetings are open to the public.
In addition to its regular meetings, the Commission may hold special meetings,
which may be held without providing notice and which may be held by telephone
conference call. The Commission will provide notice of all decisions made at any
special meeting (including any decisions made by a telephone conference call
meeting). At the request of any substantially affected third person whose
interests may be affected by a decision made at a special meeting, the
Commission will stay action to carry out its decision and will reconsider the
decision at its next regular meeting, at which time the objecting person will be
- Part 1, Page 6 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
given the opportunity to make an oral presentation and to submit documents for
the Commission's consideration.
(c) Hearings. The Commission serves as the forum for hearings on
citations issued by the Director for alleged violations of the Code, Compact,
Manual or the Commission's rules. The Commission may appoint a special
hearing officer to conduct a hearing and issue a recommended decision. At the
conclusion of a hearing, the Commission may issue an Order to enforce
compliance with the Code, which may include an order to take corrective action
and may assess civil penalties. The Commission also serves as the forum for the
administrative review of actions taken by the Director. In addition, pursuant to
subsection 12.2.6.8 of the Tribal Water Code, at the request of the General
Counsel the Commission serves as the forum for an inquiry hearing to investigate
possible violations of the Tribal Water Quality Code or the Federal Clean Water
Act.
(d) Cease and Desist Orders. In some cases the Commission's normal
enforcement procedure of holding a hearing on a citation issued by the Director
may not be adequate to protect the Tribe or its members from harm resulting
from violations of the Commission's rules. In such a case, there may be a need
for immediate action before a hearing can be held. In any such case, the
Chairperson of the Commission is authorized, upon request of the Director, to
issue a Cease and Desist Order to any person subject to the Tribe's jurisdiction
who is engaged in an activity that: (1) is alleged to be a violation of the Code;
and (2) is a serious, ongoing threat to the health or safety of the Tribe or any
member of the Tribe. A Cease and Desist Order may be issued in any case in
which the Director has issued a Citation for an alleged violation and the person
who has been cited has not voluntarily ceased the activity pending a hearing. In
addition, at the request of the Director, the Chairperson may issue a Cease and
Desist Order to be served on an alleged violator at the same time that a Citation
issued by the Director is served.
- Part 1, Page 7 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
SECTION 1.6 ROLE OF THE DEPARTMENT
(a) Staff Support to the Commission. The Department provides
technical staff support to the Commission and administers the Commission's
permit programs. Any application for a permit must be filed with the
Department, in accordance with section 2.6 of these rules. The Director reviews
each application and makes a report to the Commission, including
recommendations for conditions should the Commission decide to issue a permit.
The Director's report on a permit application is usually presented orally at a
regularly scheduled meeting of the Commission at which the permit application
has been included on the agenda for the meeting. In his/her discretion, the
Director may submit a written report on a permit application, in which case the
written report may be distributed either prior to the meeting or during the
meeting. The Commission will not act on an application until it has considered
the Director's report. Although the Department provides staff support to the
Commission, the Commission does not exercise supervisory authority over the
Department; rather, the General Counsel exercises supervisory authority over the
Department.
(b) Enforcement. The Director is authorized by the Tribal Water Code
to issue a Citation to any person believed to have violated the Code, the
Compact, the Manual or the Commission's rules. The Director also may request
the Chairperson of the Commission to issue a Cease and Desist Order.
(c) Water Quality. In addition to administering the Commission's water
use and surface water management permit programs, the Department has
substantial responsibilities for the Commission's water quality program, including
the Transportation Safety Permit program. The water quality program is
described in Chapter B of the Commission's Rules.
SECTION 1.7 ROLE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL
- Part 1, Page 8 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
The General Counsel, as the chief attorney for the Tribal Council of the
Seminole Tribe, shall exercise general supervisory authority over the Department
consistent with the provisions of these rules. These Rules do not in any way
limit the exercise of authority by the General Counsel.
EXPLANATORY NOTE: The General Counsel performs a number of functions in the
administration of the Tribal Water Code and the Compact. Some of the functions of the
General Counsel are discussed at appropriate points in the Commission's Rules. It is
important to note, however, that the General Counsel's authority under Tribal law is
separate and distinct from the authority of the Commission and that the Commission
exercises no authority over the General Counsel.
- Part 1, Page 9 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
SECTION 1.8 PROCEDURES FOR MEETINGS OF THE COMMISSION
The Commission shall conduct its meetings generally in accordance with
Robert's Rules of Order. Unless otherwise directed, the Director of the
Department shall prepare an agenda for each meeting, including any permit
applications pending before the Commission. In considering any permit
application, the Director shall make a brief oral presentation summarizing the
permit application, the applicant shall be given the opportunity to make a
presentation to the Commission, and the Director shall be given the opportunity
to respond. Members of the public may also make statements to the
Commission. In any matter that comes before the Commission, the Commission
may establish a special procedure for the particular matter.
SECTION 1.9 PROCEDURES FOR MAKING DECISIONS
(a) General. In matters that come before the Commission for a decision,
the general procedure shall be for any member of the Commission to make a
motion, to be seconded, stating a proposed decision by the Commis-sion. The
Chairperson may make or second such a motion. In addition, the Director, in
his/her capacity as ex officio member of the Commission, may make or second
such a motion, but may not vote. Once moved and seconded, the Chairperson
may allow further discussion or may call for an immediate vote. A vote of two
members of the Commission is necessary to pass any such motion. The
Chairperson may make, second and vote on any such motion. In any matter that
comes before the Commission, the Commission may establish a special
procedure for making a decision in that particular matter.
(b) Decisions on Permit Applications. At any meeting of the
Commission at which a permit application is scheduled to be considered, the
Director will report orally to the Commission on the Department's analysis of the
permit application, including recommendations as to whether the permit should
- Part 1, Page 10 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
be issued, and, if so, what specific conditions should be included. The Director,
in his/her discretion, may submit a written report and/or a recommended written
decision to the Commission for consideration. In any case in which the Director
recommends that a permit be issued subject to conditions, the Director shall
provide the Commission with any written conditions to be included in the permit.
After the Director has made his/her report to the Commission, the applicant will
be given the opportunity to make a presentation. If any affected third party
objects to the issuance of the permit, such a third party will be given the
opportunity to make a presentation. These presentations will be followed by any
such questions or statements that the Chairperson and other members of the
Commission may choose to make. After a permit has been discussed to the
satisfaction of members of the Commission, any member of the Commission or
the Director, may offer a motion that the Commission decide the matter in a
particular way. The Commission may decide to table the application for further
consideration at a subsequent meeting. All decisions on permit applications will
be issued in writing, and a copy of the written decision shall be provided to the
applicant within forty-five (45) days after the meeting at which the decision is
made.
- Part 1, Page 11 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
PART 2. WATER USE AND MANAGEMENT PERMITS
SECTION 2.1
SECTION 2.2
SECTION 2.3
SECTION 2.4
SECTION 2.5
SECTION 2.6
SECTION 2.7
SECTION 2.8
SECTION 2.9
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
TRIBAL WORK PLANS
WATER USE PERMITS
SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT PERMITS
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
APPLICATION FEES
OBJECTIONS TO APPLICATIONS
PERMIT CONDITIONS
EARLY WORK ORDERS
SECTION 2.1 PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
(a) Permit Required. No person may dig a well on any lands within the
boundaries of any of the Tribe's Reservations without first obtaining a water use
permit from the Commission. No person may use, drain or divert surface water,
or construct or operate any surface water management system, without first
obtaining a surface water management permit from the Commission. This Part
of the Commission's Rules establish procedures governing the issuance of such
permits.
(b) Exemptions. The following activities are exempt from permit
requirement specified in paragraph (a) of this section:
(1) Construction of a new home on an existing lot in an approved
subdivision that is served by an approved surface water management
system or by a surface water management system that is "grandfathered"
under section II.F of the Compact.
(c) Conceptual Permits. The Commission may issue a "conceptual
- Part 2, Page 1 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
permit" as a preliminary step in the permitting process in cases in which an
applicant has not submitted sufficient information for the Commission to take
final action on an application. The issuance of a "conceptual permit" does not
exempt an applicant from the permit requirement specified in paragraph (a) of
this section.
(d) Special Permits. If the Commission determines that the proposed
activity for which a permit application has been filed would not result in any
substantial effects on any interest protected by the Tribal Water Code, the
Commission may issue a Special Permit exempting the proposed activity from
any further procedures required under the Code and the Commission's Rules.
The Commission will not issue a Special Permit unless the Director has referred a
permit application to the Commission with a recommendation that a Special
Permit be issued.
SECTION 2.2 TRIBAL WORK PLANS
Under the Water Rights Compact the Department submits a Work Plan to
the District on an annual basis. The Work Plan describes the water use and
management activities that the Tribe plans to carry out over the coming year.
The purpose of the Work Plan is to inform the District about planned water use
and management activities that, if conducted on lands under the District's
jurisdiction, would be subject to the District's permitting authority. If the
Department's plans change, the Department may submit a Work Plan
Amendment to the District. For any activity approved by the Commission
through the issuance of a permit under this Part, a description of the permitted
activity will be included in the next annual Tribal Work Plan or in a Work Plan
amendment, whichever is appropriate as determined by the Department. Under
the Compact, an activity covered by a permit issued by the Commission cannot
lawfully be commenced before the Tribe has submitted a Work Plan that includes
the permitted activity to the District in accordance with Chapter 7 of the Manual.
Section 2.9 of these Rules establishes a procedure through which a permittee
- Part 2, Page 2 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
may apply for an early work order, in order to obtain authorization to commence
certain aspects of the permitted work prior to the submission of the Work Plan to
the District.
SECTION 2.3 WATER USE PERMITS
A water use permit is required for any activity that involves the drilling
and/or use of one or more wells for the withdrawal of groundwater or for any
activity that involves the consumptive use of surface water. An activity requiring
a water use permit may be either a major use or a minor use in accordance with
the definitions in section 1.3 of these rules.
SECTION 2.4 SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT PERMITS
A surface water management permit is required for any activity that
involves the construction or use of any ditch, pond, pump or control structure, or
any other facility used for draining, diverting, storing, or otherwise controlling or
managing surface water. An activity requiring a surface water management
permit may be either a major use or a minor use in accordance with the
definitions in section 1.3 of these rules.
SECTION 2.5 APPLICATION PROCEDURES
(a) Application Forms. Any application for a water use or surface water
management permit shall be submitted using the appropriate form, which may
be obtained from the Department. The staff of the Department will provide
assistance to applicants in understanding the requirements of the Code and the
Commission's Rules and determining which applications forms to use.
- Part 2, Page 3 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
(b) Required Information. Any application for a permit shall include:
(1)
a completed application form;
(2)
a copy of construction plans and specifications as prepared by a
Florida registered architect or engineer;
(3)
a boundary survey and topographical map prepared by a Florida
registered land surveyor;
(4)
a sufficient description to locate the site of the proposed activity
and related facilities on aerial photographs maintained by the
Department;
(5)
basic technical information about the proposed activity, including
minimum road and floor levels;
(6)
proposed discharge rate and retention/detention volume, design
plans and technical specifications of any irrigation pipe, well or
pump, as prepared by a Florida registered architect or engineer;
and
(7)
any other information requested by the Director.
(c) Supplemental Information. At any point in the application
process, the Director or the Commission may determine that supplemental
information will be required from the applicant before the Commission will make
a decision on the application. In any such case, the Director or Commission will
advise the applicant on the specific nature of the required supplemental
information.
(d) Waiver of Requirements. In certain cases, particularly in the case
of an application for a minor use, the Director may grant a waiver of one or more
- Part 2, Page 4 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
of the requirements for a permit application if the Director determines that such
a waiver would be appropriate. In such cases, the Director will provide
supplemental written instructions to the applicant explaining the terms of the
waiver and giving notice to the applicant that the Commission may overrule the
Director and determine that a waiver is not appropriate. In such a case, the
Commission will not act upon an application until all the required information has
been submitted.
(e) Placing on the Commission's Agenda. Once an application has
been reviewed by the Department and determined to be complete, the Director
will place the permit on the agenda for the next regularly scheduled meeting of
the Commission that is at least thirty (30) days from the date on which the
Director determines that the application is complete. If the Director determines
that more than thirty (30) days will be required to fully review and evaluate the
application, the permit application may be scheduled for the next regularly
scheduled Commission meeting that is at least sixty (60) days from the date on
which the Director determines that the application is complete. When an
application has been placed on the Commission's agenda, the Director shall
notify the applicant of the date on which the Commission is scheduled to
consider the application.
(f) Publication of Notice. The Department shall publish notice of each
application that has been scheduled for consideration by the Commission. Such
notice shall include: posting in at least one conspicuous public place on each
reservation for a period of not less than one week; and direct mail to every
registered major user of water and every other person who has notified the
Department in writing of his/her request to receive such notices.
SECTION 2.6 APPLICATION FEES
(a) Filing Fee Required. No application for a permit shall be deemed
properly filed with the Department unless accompanied by the appropriate filing
- Part 2, Page 5 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
fee, if any, unless the Director has waived the payment of the fee.
EXPLANATORY NOTE: These fees are used by the Department to defray the costs of
processing applications, including evaluations, notices, advertising, and mailing.
(b) Fee Schedule. The Permit Application Schedule of Fees has been
developed by the Department and approved by the Commission. A copy of the
Schedule of Fees is included in this Part of the Commission's Rules as Appendix
2-A. In any case in which the Director determines that the evaluation of a permit
application requires outside technical assistance, the Director may assess an
additional processing fee, over and above the standard fee schedule, consistent
with the expenses that would be incurred to evaluate the application. In any
case in which such an additional processing fee is assessed, the permit
application shall not be considered by the Commission until the additional fee has
been paid by the applicant.
(c) Waiver of Fee. The Director is authorized to waive the filing fee for
any applicant for a minor use of water, provided that the application is for an
activity involving water exclusively for the domestic use of the applicant, and
further provided that waiver of the fee is consistent with the purposes of the
Tribal Water Code.
SECTION 2.7 OBJECTIONS TO APPLICATIONS
(a) Right to Object. The Tribal Water Code provides that any
substantially affected third person may object to the issuance of a permit. Any
such person who objects to a permit must notify the Director not less than
fifteen (15) days following the publication of notice as provided in section 2.5 of
these Rules. Notice to the Director need not be in writing, but, in order to
preserve the right to raise the objection, any person who does not file a written
notice with the Director must obtain a dated, written confirmation from the
Director that notice of the objection was provided. For good cause shown, the
Director may allow an objection to be filed even though the person objecting
- Part 2, Page 6 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
failed to notify the Director of the intent to file an objection within the fifteen day
time limit.
(b) Written Objection. Any objection to a permit must be submitted to
the Department in written form, and must contain sufficient information to
enable the Department to understand the nature of the objection. The written
objection must be filed with the Department within thirty (30) days after
publication of notice of the issuance of the permit which is the subject of the
objection.
(c) Resolving the Objection. The Department shall notify the applicant
of the objection and, within available resources, will facilitate the resolution of
the objection. Oral or written acknowledgement from the objecting person that
the objection has been resolved will be sufficient. In the case of oral
acknowledgement, the Director will provide both the applicant and the objecting
person with written confirmation that the objection has been resolved. The
written confirmation will explain that the objecting person will have five (5) days
from the receipt of the written confirmation to inform the Director of any
inaccuracy or misunderstanding, after which time the written confirmation will be
presumed to be accurate and the objection will be considered to have been
resolved.
(d) Rescheduling Consideration of the Permit Application. The
Director may reschedule consideration of the permit application if he/she
determines that the objection to the application may not be resolved before the
date of the meeting in which the application is scheduled to be considered. The
decision to reschedule is a matter that is solely within the discretion of the
Director. If the Director decides to reschedule, he/she shall provide notice of the
rescheduled date to the applicant and the objecting person, and shall publish
notice in accordance with section 2.5 of these Rules. As provided in section
3.6.7 of the Tribal Water Code, the rescheduled date shall be the next regularly
scheduled meeting of the Commission.
- Part 2, Page 7 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
(e) Resolution by Commission. If the objection is not resolved before
the permit application comes before the Commission for a decision, then the
Commission shall decide how the objection will be resolved. The person who
filed the objection will be given the opportunity to appear before the
Commission.
SECTION 2.8 PERMIT CONDITIONS
In accordance with the Tribal Water Code, the Commission is required to
include certain conditions in each permit that it issues. Any violation of a
condition included in a permit is a violation of the Code and these Rules. Any
permittee who violates a condition of a permit will be subject to sanctions
imposed by the Commission, which may include civil penalties and/or revocation
of the permit.
SECTION 2.9 EARLY WORK ORDERS
(a) Authority. The authority for promulgating this section of these Rules
is section 3.5.10 of the Tribal Water Code and section 7.1.4 of the Manual.
(b) Effect of Early Work Order. Under the Compact, the Tribe is not to
commence any activity covered by the Compact until a work plan or work plan
amendment which includes the planned activity has been submitted to the
District in accordance with the Manual. Thus an activity covered by a permit
issued by the Commission is not authorized under the Compact until a work plan
or amendment has been submitted. The effect of an early work order is to
provide a permittee with authorization to proceed with certain aspects of the
permitted work prior to the submission of a work plan or work plan amendment
to the District. No construction or alteration of a surface water management
system may be commenced until the permittee receives written authorization to
proceed from the Department.
- Part 2, Page 8 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
(c) Application Procedure. Any person who applies for a surface water
management permit may also apply for an early work order for qualifying work
related to the construction and/or alteration of a surface water management
system and for incidental site work associated with such a system. An
application for an early work order may be filed at the same time as an
application for a surface water management permit, after such a permit
application has been filed but before it has been acted on by the Commission, or
after the Commission has issued a permit. The Department shall develop an
appropriate application form to ensure that an applicant provides the necessary
information and assurances. In addition to whatever other information the
Department deems necessary, the applicant shall be required to give reasonable
assurances that all of the following conditions will be satisfied:
(1)
The proposed surface water management system must meet the
criteria specified in Chapter 4 of the Manual;
(2)
The project or incidental site work must not be located in natural
water bodies, viable wetlands habitat, surface waters of the state,
or an Outstanding Florida Water as listed in Rule 17-3.041, Fla.
Admin. Code; and
(3)
If the project proposes to connect with, place structures in or
across, or otherwise make use of works of the District, the
permittee must obtain approval from the District for such use
before commencing work.
(d) Processing by the Department. The Director shall prepare, or
cause to be prepared, a report on each application for an early work order which
will enable the Director to make a determination of whether the proposed work
qualifies for an early work order and, if conducted as planned, would comply with
the Tribal Water Code, the Compact, and all applicable federal and tribal
environmental laws and regulations. If the Director determines that the
- Part 2, Page 9 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
proposed work so qualifies, the Director shall give notice to the District that,
unless the District disapproves the application within ten (10) days as provided in
Subsection 7.1.4.3 of the Manual, the Department will issue an early work order.
The Director's notice to the District shall include a copy of the application, the
Director's report, and a draft authorization to proceed including all those
conditions that the Director intends to impose on the authorized early work.
(e) Objection or Concurrence by District. If, within ten (10) days of
receipt of the Director's notice, the District provides notice of objection to the
Department stating that, in the District's view, the proposed work does not
qualify for an early work order, the Department shall not issue an early work
order. If the District expressly indicates its concurrence within ten (10) days of
receipt of the Director's notice but advises the Department in writing that its
concurrence is conditioned on the inclusion of certain specified conditions in the
early work order, the Department may issue the early work order only if such
conditions are included. If the District does not respond within ten (10) days
from receipt of notice, then the District shall be deemed to have given its
concurrence for the Department to issue an early work order. (If the tenth day
falls on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, the District shall have until the next
working day to respond.)
(f) Authorization to Proceed. Unless the District disapproves the
application within 10 days, the Department may issue an early work order, which
shall constitute authorization to proceed with the early work specified in the
application. The authorization shall include any limiting conditions requested by
the District and may include an other reasonable conditions that are appropriate
to assure that the permitted work will not be inconsistent with the overall
objectives of the Tribe and the District and will not be harmful to water resources
protected under the Compact. In addition, each early work order shall also
include the following conditions.
(1)
The early work order may be revoked by the Department at any
time for violation of: (A) the terms of its conditions; (B) other
- Part 2, Page 10 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
applicable Tribal law or regulations; or (C) the Water Rights
Compact and Criteria Manual.
(2)
The applicant shall not refuse immediate entry or access to any
authorized representative of the Tribe or the District who requests
entry for purposes of inspection of the early work and presents
appropriate credentials.
(3)
If, in the opinion of the Department or District staff, the incidental
site work is the cause of adverse water resource impacts, the
Department staff will so notify the applicant and the applicant shall
take corrective action specified by the Department.
(4)
The property must be restored to the satisfaction of the
Department if the permit under the Tribal Water Code is ultimately
denied or the permitted project is otherwise not in accord with the
incidental site work authorized in the early work order.
(5)
The applicant agrees to hold and save the District and the Tribe
harmless from any and all liability arising from property damage or
bodily injury as a result of the work conducted pursuant to early
work order.
(6)
Any damage of off-site property which may have been caused by
the incidental site work authorized in the early work order must be
mitigated or otherwise offset to the satisfaction of the Department.
(7)
The activities are commenced at the applicant's own risk.
(8)
The applicant shall proceed to timely obtain all permits required
under the Tribal Water Code.
(9)
This early work order only applies to authorization from the South
- Part 2, Page 11 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
Florida Water Management District and the Water Department of
the Seminole Tribe; it is possible that additional permits from
federal authorities may be necessary, and nothing contained herein
relieves the permittee from timely compliance with applicable
federal and tribal laws.
(g) Reporting in Next Annual Work Plan. The Department shall
include a summary report of all work authorized under early work orders in any
year in the next annual work plan submitted to the District. The Manual provides
that the District's review of such work and associated planned work included in
the proposed work plan shall be on a de novo basis -- the fact that certain
aspects of the work may have been completed shall not determine whether the
remainder of the work will be authorized or whether work that has been
completed complies with the requirements of the Compact.
(h)
Manual:
Expiration, Revocation or Suspension. As provided in the
(1)
Each early work order shall expire on the date of final District
action, or federal district court action, whichever is later, on the
Tribal Work Plan, which includes the project for which the early
work order was issued. Any further work associated with the early
work order must thereafter be authorized in a Tribal Work Plan
approved under the Compact.
(2)
Violations of this section or of any of the conditions included in an
early work order may result in revocation or suspension of the early
work order.
(3)
The Director may revoke or suspend an early work order as
provided in the Tribal Water Code.
- Part 2, Page 12 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
- Part 2, Page 13 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
PART 3. GRIEVANCE AND APPEAL PROCEDURE
SECTION 3.1
SECTION 3.2
SECTION 3.3
SECTION 3.4
SECTION 3.5
SECTION 3.6
SECTION 3.7
APPEALS FROM DECISIONS BY THE DIRECTOR
TIME LIMIT FOR APPEALS TO THE COMMISSION
ACTION BY COMMISSION
MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS
APPEALS FROM DECISIONS BY THE COMMISSION
ACTION BY TRIBAL COUNCIL
COMPLAINTS BY AFFECTED THIRD PARTIES
Authority: Part 3 is based on both Subtitle A and Subtitle B. For appeals from actions
authorized under Subtitle A, this part becomes effective upon publication. For appeals
from actions based on Subtitle B, this part becomes effective upon approval by the Tribal
Council, along with the other rules for Subtitle B.
SECTION 3.1 APPEALS FROM DECISIONS BY THE DIRECTOR
Any person aggrieved by a final action of the Director may file a notice of
appeal addressed to the Commission, specifying the aggrieved person's name,
address, the basis for grievance, and the relief requested. Any such notice of
appeal must be mailed or delivered to the Department, which shall provide a
copy to each member of the Commission. The Commission shall consider any
such appeal at its next regularly scheduled meeting, provided that the notice of
appeal is filed at least ten (10) days prior to the next scheduled meeting of the
Commission. If the notice is filed less than ten (10) days before the date of a
meeting, the appeal shall be considered at the following meeting. The Director
may, if he chooses, respond in writing by providing a copy of his response to
each Commissioner, and by delivering or mailing by certified mail a copy of his
response to the aggrieved person at the address specified. For purposes of this
section and sections 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4, an aggrieved person is any person who
- Part 3, Page 1 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
objects to any final decision or other final action by the Director, including a final
decision by the Director under Part 13 of the Commission's Rules (certification of
compliance with Water Quality standards).
SECTION 3.2 TIME LIMIT FOR APPEALS TO COMMISSION
Any person who is aggrieved by an action of the Director and who wishes
to appeal such decision to the Commission must do so within thirty (30) days
from the date appearing in the notification of the Director's decision. If the
grievance is not filed within thirty (30) days from the date of notification, the
applicant will be deemed to have waived his/her right to appeal the action. If
the applicant mails the notice of appeal to the Department, rather than delivering
it in person, the postmark date on the mailing must be no later than thirty (30)
days from the date appearing on the Director's notification.
SECTION 3.3 ACTION BY COMMISSION
The Commission shall consider any timely filed notice of appeal at its next
regular meeting by reviewing any papers received from aggrieved persons and
other interested persons, and any response received from the Director. Upon
such consideration, the Commission shall issue a written Order to take one of the
following actions:
(a) Sustain the final decision or action by the Director;
(b) Grant the relief requested by the aggrieved party, or such
other relief as the Commission deems appropriate; or
(c) Set the matter for hearing on a date certain either before the
Commission or before a hearing officer (other than the Director) who shall
report findings and recommend action to the Commission. At such
- Part 3, Page 2 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
hearing, the aggrieved person and the Director shall have the opportunity
to be heard, to present and question witnesses, and to present
photographic or documentary evidence. Following a hearing by the
Commission, or report by the hearing officer, the Commission shall take
action in accordance with Subparagraph (a) or (b) of this Paragraph.
SECTION 3.4 MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS
All notices, papers, responses, reports, orders and documentary or
photographic evidence received as a result of a grievance proceeding, shall be
retained in a file under the name of the aggrieved person at the Department. A
separate file shall be maintained for each activity or grievance for which an
aggrieved person may file a grievance or appeal.
SECTION 3.5 APPEALS FROM DECISIONS BY THE COMMISSION
(a) Appeal by Applicant. Any applicant aggrieved by any final action or
order of the Commission may file a Notice of Appeal addressed to the
Commission, specifying the aggrieved person's name, address, the basis for
appeal, and the relief requested, and by mailing or delivering a copy of the
Notice of Appeal to the Office of the General Counsel. Any such notice of appeal
must be filed with the Office of the General Counsel within ten (10) days of the
receipt of the Commission's written decision by the Applicant. The General
Counsel shall provide a complete copy of the Notice of Appeal to the Director.
The Director shall respond in writing to the General Counsel within fifteen (15)
days of receipt of the Notice of Appeal from the General Counsel by providing a
copy of the Commission action or order at issue together with any applicable
report of the Director, or of a hearing officer, and any other papers, responses,
or documentary photographic evidence in the file, and the Director's response to
the appeal, and by delivering or mailing a copy of the response to the appellant
at the address specified. After having received the Director's response to the
- Part 3, Page 3 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
appeal and supporting documentation, the General Counsel will ensure that the
matter is noted by name of the aggrieved party on the agenda of the Tribal
Council under "new business" and to distribute all papers received from the
aggrieved persons and all responses received from the Director to each Member
of the Tribal Council with the agenda of the meeting. If the Director's response
is received by the General Counsel less than ten (10) days before the next
scheduled Tribal Council meeting, the General Counsel may, in his discretion,
hold the matter over until the next Tribal Council meeting.
(b) Appeal by Director. The Director may file an appeal from a decision
by the Commission. Any such appeal shall be filed with the Office of the General
Counsel within fifteen (15) days from the date of the Commission's decision. The
Director shall provide each member of the Commission with a copy of any appeal
so filed. The General Counsel shall allow the Commission fifteen (15) days in
which to submit any additional documentation in support of the Commission's
decision. The General Counsel may attempt to resolve the matter through
mediation or may refer the matter to the Tribal Council, following substantially
the same procedure as for appeals under paragraph (a).
SECTION 3.6 ACTION BY THE TRIBAL COUNCIL
The Tribal Council, in its discretion, may:
(a) Decline to consider the grievance;
(b) Consider the grievance based on the papers filed; or
(c) Provide a limited time for the applicant to be heard on the
subject of the grievance, or
(d) Appoint a referee or mediator to consider the grievance, and
report a recommended decision to the Tribal Council at a subsequent
- Part 3, Page 4 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
meeting.
SECTION 3.7 COMPLAINTS BY AFFECTED THIRD PERSONS
(a) Procedures under the Compact. The Compact and the Manual
provide administrative procedures through which the District will investigate any
complaint filed by a substantially affected third person.
(b) Tribal Remedy. In any case in which a substantially affected third
person alleges that an action by the Tribe constitutes a violation of the Compact,
the affected person may file a request for reconsideration by the Commission.
Any matter in which the Commission is requested to reconsider its decision shall
be addressed by the Commission following substantially the same procedure as
was applicable under these rules for the initial decision. A decision by the
Commission on reconsideration may be appealed to the Tribal Council following
the procedure set forth in section 3.5.
- Part 3, Page 5 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
PART 4.
ENFORCEMENT
SECTION 4.1
SECTION 4.2
SECTION 4.3
SECTION 4.4
SECTION 4.5
SECTION 4.6
SECTION 4.7
VIOLATIONS
CITATIONS AND PENALTIES
ORDER TO CEASE AND DESIST
REVOCATION OF PERMITS
DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT
REQUESTS FOR ENFORCEMENT BY THE DISTRICT
RIGHT TO A HEARING
[Authority: Part 4 is based on Subtitle B of the Tribal Water Code. It will become
effective upon approval by the Tribal Council.]
SECTION 4.1 VIOLATIONS
The Director is authorized to enforce the Tribal Water Quality Code
(Subtitle B) and the Tribe's water quality standards and other provisions of the
rules issued by the Commission. Any violation of water quality standards
adopted through rules issued by the Commission, and any violation of the
conditions imposed by a permit to ensure compliance with the Tribe's water
quality standards, shall constitute a violation of the Code.
SECTION 4.2 CITATIONS AND PENALTIES
The Director may issue a citation to any person the Director reasonably
believes to have violated the Code. Such citation shall inform the person cited of
the range of actions that could be taken by the Commission if it determines after
a hearing that a violation has in fact occurred, including:
- Part 4, Page 1 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
(a) assessment of civil penalties;
(b) referral to EPA for possible enforcement action; and
(c) in the case of nonmembers of the Tribe, the possibility of
exclusion from the Tribe's Reservations.
SECTION 4.3 ORDER TO CEASE AND DESIST
If, prior to the hearing (to be scheduled in accordance with Part 5 below),
the person cited does not voluntarily cease the activity that is alleged in the
citation to be a violation of the Code and the Director has reason to believe that
the alleged violation constitutes a serious and ongoing threat to the health,
safety or welfare of the Tribe or any member of the Tribe, the Director may
apply (with or without notice to the alleged violator), to the Commission
Chairman for a Cease and Desist Order. The Commission Chairman, in his/her
discretion, may issue an Order on behalf of the Tribe to Cease and Desist or to
modify the activity constituting the alleged violation. A Cease and Desist Order
may revoke, pending the hearing, any privileges that the alleged violator may
have to make use of and have access to the portion of Tribal land on which the
alleged violation occurred. If a Cease and Desist Order does include such a
temporary exclusion from the site of the alleged violation, the Order shall
describe with particularity the site from which the alleged violator is excluded.
SECTION 4.4 REVOCATION OF PERMIT
(a) Grounds for Revocation. The Commission may enforce the
provisions of the Tribal Water Code or these Rules by revoking a permit that has
been issued. A permit may be revoked on any of the following grounds:
(1) The Commission finds that the permittee has violated the
- Part 4, Page 2 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
provisions of the Code, the Compact or the Manual; or
(2) The Commission finds that the permittee has violated or failed
to comply with the conditions of his/her permit; or
(3) The permit is in force, but the Commission finds that the
permittee has not proceeded in a timely fashion to construct facilities
authorized under the terms of the permit, if required, and more than one
year has elapsed since the permit was issued.
(b) Procedure. The sanction of revocation may be imposed following a
hearing pursuant to Part 5 of these Rules. In the alternative, a permit may be
revoked at any regularly scheduled meeting of the Commission, provided that, at
least thirty (30) days prior to the date of the meeting the permittee has been
given written notice that the matter has been placed on the agenda by the
Director. If the sanction of revocation is imposed in a decision by the
Commission in a regularly scheduled meeting, the permittee may ask the
Commission to hold a hearing to reconsider its decision or may appeal the
revocation to the Tribal Council. In either case, the permit shall be deemed to
have been suspended pending reconsideration or final decision by the Tribal
Council. After the initial decision by the Commission to revoke a permit, if the
permittee engages in any activity that was formerly authorized by the permit,
such activity shall be treated as a violation of the Code.
SECTION 4.5 DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT
The Director may seek the assistance of the Seminole Department of Law
Enforcement to:
(a) deliver a copy of a Cease and Desist or Modification Order, or
any order of the Commission, to the alleged violator; and
- Part 4, Page 3 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
(b) enforce an Order to Cease and Desist or any Order of the
Commission issued after a hearing as specified in Part 5 of these rules,
below.
SECTION 4.6 RIGHT TO A HEARING
(a) Notice of Hearing. A citation issued for a violation of the Code, or
rules issued pursuant to the Code, shall inform the person cited that he/she is
required to appear before the Commission on a date specified in the citation for a
hearing on the charge. The citation shall specify the time and place of such
hearing and inform the person cited of his/her opportunity to present evidence
that the cited activity is consistent with the Code or rules issued pursuant to the
Code. The date for the required appearance shall be at least five (5) days and
not more than sixty (60) days from the date of the citation, unless the Director
and the person cited (or that person's representative) agree to another date or
settle the matter, and so inform the Commission prior to its next scheduled
meeting.
(b) Waiver of Right to Hearing. A person charged with a violation
may waive the right to a hearing by entering into a consent agreement with the
Director, provided that any such agreement must be approved by the
Commission. If the Commission disapproves of any proposed consent
agreement, the Director shall provide notice to the alleged violator informing
him/her that the Commission will hold a hearing on the alleged violation.
- Part 4, Page 4 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
PART 5. HEARINGS
SECTION 5.1
SECTION 5.2
SECTION 5.3
SECTION 5.4
SECTION 5.5
SECTION 5.6
SECTION 5.7
PROCEDURES FOR HEARINGS
REPRESENTATION
ACTION BY COMMISSION
CIVIL PENALTIES
OTHER SANCTIONS
EXCLUSION FROM RESERVATIONS
SPECIAL RULES FOR INQUIRY HEARINGS
Authority: Part 5 is based on both Subtitle A and Subtitle B. For hearings relating to
Subtitle A, this part becomes effective upon publication. For hearings relating to Subtitle
B, this part becomes effective upon approval by the Tribal Council, along with the other
rules for Subtitle B.
SECTION 5.1 PROCEDURES FOR HEARINGS
(a) Presentation of Alleged Violations. At any hearing, the Director,
or his/her designate, will present the case to the Commission to establish that a
violation has occurred and that the person cited is responsible for the violation.
The Director will also present a recommended Order, including proposed findings
of fact, for consideration by the Commission. Such a recommended Order may
include the imposition of any sanction authorized by the Commission's Rules,
including the assessment of civil penalties. In the discretion of the General
Counsel, the General Counsel's office may assume a lead or supporting role in
the presentation of the case against an alleged violator.
(b) Rights of the Alleged Violator. At any hearing, the alleged
offending party shall be given the opportunity to be heard, to present
documentary and photographic evidence, to present witnesses and to question
witnesses presented by the Department. The alleged violator has the right to be
represented by legal counsel at his/her own expense.
- Part 5, Page 1 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
(c) Hearing Officer. The Commission may, in its discretion, designate a
hearing officer, other than the Director or a member of the Commission, to
conduct the hearing on its behalf and report findings and recommended action to
the Commission.
SECTION 5.2 REPRESENTATION
Any person required to appear before the Commission or who receives a
citation or an Order to Cease and Desist, or is otherwise required to appear
before the Commission at a hearing held pursuant to this Part, may represent
him/herself, or appear with legal counsel, or be represented by counsel of
his/her choice, at his/her sole expense.
SECTION 5.3 ACTION BY THE COMMISSION
The Commission may, at the conclusion of the hearing, or after receiving
the report of the hearing officer:
(a) vacate the citation; or
(b) issue an Order in accordance with the recommendations of the
Director or the hearing officer, with or without modification. Any such
Order may include civil penalties or other sanctions in accordance with
sections 5.4 and 5.5, provided that the possibility of such sanctions being
imposed was raised in the hearing and the violator was given the
opportunity to be heard regarding such additional sanctions.
SECTION 5.4 CIVIL PENALTIES
- Part 5, Page 2 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
In the event that the Commission's Order requires the payment of civil
penalties, such penalties shall be assessed in accordance with the schedule of
civil penalties in Table 5.4. In assessing civil penalties, the Commission may take
into consideration the following factors:
(a) the seriousness of the violation(s);
(b) the economic benefit (if any) resulting from the violation(s);
(c) any history of prior violations;
(d) any good faith efforts to comply with applicable requirements of
the Commission's rules, and with the Tribal Water Code and federal Clean
Water Act; and
(e) the economic impact of the penalty on the violator.
[Note: A schedule of civil penalties has not yet been developed.]
SECTION 5.5 OTHER SANCTIONS
In addition to, or in lieu of, civil penalties, an Order issued by the
Commission may:
(a) Exclude the violator from the area of Tribal lands on which the
violation occurred, including revoking any privileges the violator may previously
have held to use such Tribal lands; and/or
(b) Declare personal property left at the site of the violation by the
violator to be forfeited to the Tribe.
SECTION 5.6 EXCLUSION FROM RESERVATIONS
- Part 5, Page 3 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
In the case of a violator who is not a member of the Tribe, an Order
issued by the Commission may prohibit the violator from entering one or more of
the Tribe's Reservations for a specified period of time or indefinitely. In any case
in which the Commission's Order includes such a prohibition, the violator shall
have a right to request reconsideration at a subsequent hearing scheduled by the
Commission. The Commission, in its discretion, may suspend the effective date
of such an exclusion Order until after the reconsideration hearing.
SECTION 5.7 SPECIAL PROCEDURES FOR INQUIRY HEARINGS
(a) At the request of the Director, the Commission may conduct an
"inquiry hearing" to determine whether an alleged violation of the Clean Water
Act should be referred to the General Counsel for possible referral to EPA for
federal enforcement action.
(b) At the request of the General Counsel, the Commission shall conduct
an inquiry hearing to determine whether an alleged violation of the Clean Water
Act should be referred to EPA for federal enforcement action.
(c) In its discretion, the Commission may publish notice of any inquiry
hearing, if such notice would serve the purposes of the inquiry.
(d) In preparation for any inquiry hearing, the Commission may issue a
subpoena to any person subject to the Tribe's jurisdiction requiring the person to
appear before the Commission at the hearing, provided that any such subpoena
must be issued at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the hearing. Any
person so directed to appear may be accompanied by legal counsel, at his/her
sole expense.
(e) At any inquiry hearing held at the request of the Director or the
General Counsel, the Commission shall ensure that an administrative record is
- Part 5, Page 4 -
SWC Rules, Chapter A
Adopted December 14, 1994
developed, which may include a transcript of the hearing and the maintenance of
all documentation and photographic records presented at the hearing.
(f) The General Counsel may, in his/her discretion, refer an alleged
violation directly to EPA without first requesting the Commission to hold an
inquiry hearing.
- Part 5, Page 5 -
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.