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You may have received either an Enforcement Notice, a Notice of Infraction, or both. Check the name at the top of the notice and see the FAQs for the type of notice you received.
Enforcement Notice | Notice of Infraction
Enforcement Notice FAQs
What is an Enforcement Notice?
An Enforcement Notice assesses a fine for violation of one or more District of Columbia environmental laws or regulations. Unlike a Notice of Infraction, an Enforcement Notice gives you an opportunity to resolve the violation directly with DOEE instead of going to court.
Why did I receive an Enforcement Notice?
DOEE believes you have violated one or more environmental laws or regulations.
When do I need to respond?
You have twenty (20) calendar days from the “Date of Service” on your Enforcement Notice to respond.
How do I respond to an Enforcement Notice?
Fill out your parts of the Enforcement Notice. Be sure to “Admit,” “Admit with Explanation,” or “Deny” each violation.
- If you “Admit” all violations, you must pay the fine at the same time. Payment of a fine will be considered an admission of liability for the infraction. Do not pay the fine if you do not wish to admit liability.
- If you want to give an explanation, provide that in writing and include any documents or information you would like DOEE to consider.
See also Process for Resolving a DOEE Enforcement Notice
Where do I send my response to an Enforcement Notice?
Send your completed and signed Enforcement Notice, as well as any payment or explanation or information you would like DOEE to consider, to:
Department of Energy and Environment
Office of Enforcement and Environmental Justice
1200 First Street, NE, 5th Floor
Washington, DC 20002
You may send documents via fax to (202) 727-6249 or e-mail (in PDF format) to [email protected].
How do I pay an Enforcement Notice fine?
Otherwise, payment must be made by check or money order, payable to the “D.C. Treasurer,” and sent to DOEE at the above address. Please include the Enforcement Notice number on your check. DOEE does not accept cash.
If you pay online, you will receive a receipt at the time of payment. If you pay by check or money order, DOEE will mail you a Notice of Final Payment.
If you cannot afford to pay the full fine, you may sign an agreement to pay in installments. Please contact the DOEE Office of Enforcement and Environmental Justice for information.
What happens after I respond to an Enforcement Notice?
- If you pay the fine, DOEE will close the case.
- If you give a written explanation, DOEE will review it and do one of the following:
- Cancel the case, if DOEE is persuaded that you did not commit the violation.
- Offer a reduced fine if warranted by the circumstances. If you pay the reduced fine by the deadline DOEE provides, DOEE will close the case.
- Give you an opportunity to pay the full fine, if DOEE is not persuaded by your explanation.
- If you deny the violation or don’t pay the full or reduced fine, DOEE will issue a Notice of Infraction.
See also Process for Resolving a DOEE Enforcement Notice
What happens if I respond late or don’t respond to an Enforcement Notice?
DOEE issues a Notice of Infraction.
If I come into compliance after receiving an Enforcement Notice, do I still have to pay a fine?
Yes.
Who should I contact for help with an Enforcement Notice?
DOEE Office of Enforcement and Environmental Justice
Phone: (202) 741-2139 | Email: [email protected]
Notice of Infraction FAQs
What is a Notice of Infraction?
A Notice of Infraction assesses a fine for violation of one or more District of Columbia environmental laws or regulations. Unlike an Enforcement Notice, a Notice of Infraction is resolved through an administrative court, the District of Columbia Office of Administrative Hearings. The Office of Administrative Hearings is a third-party District court that is independent of DOEE.
Why did I receive a Notice of Infraction?
DOEE believes you have violated one or more environmental laws or regulations.
When do I need to respond?
You have twenty (20) calendar days from the “Date of Service” on your Notice of Infraction to respond. If you do not respond on time, you may be assessed the full fine and penalties.
How do I respond to a Notice of Infraction?
Fill out your parts of the Notice of Infraction. Be sure to “Admit,” “Admit with Explanation,” or “Deny” each violation. Specific instructions can be found on your Notice of Infraction. If you “Admit” all violations, you must pay the fine at the same time. If you “Deny” a violation, the court will schedule a hearing. Get more information about the Office of Administrative Hearings.
Where do I send my response to a Notice of Infraction?
File the completed and signed Notice of Infraction, as well as any explanation or documents, at [email protected] or send to:
Clerk, Office of Administrative Hearings
One Judiciary Square, 441 4th Street, NW
Washington, DC 2001-2714
How do I pay a Notice of Infraction fine?
Use the Office of Administrative Hearings online payment portal or send a check or money order to:
Office of Administrative Hearings
441 Fourth Street, NW, Suite 450N
Washington, DC 20001
What happens after I respond to a Notice of Infraction?
- If you pay the fine, the court will close the case.
- If you provide a written explanation, the court will give DOEE an opportunity to review and respond to your explanation and issue a court order with a decision based on your explanation and DOEE’s response.
- If you deny a violation, the court will schedule a hearing. You must appear at the hearing, which may be online or in person. What to expect during a hearing
What happens if I don’t respond to a Notice of Infraction?
A judge may issue a court order finding you liable for the violation and the full amount of the fine, plus an additional penalty of double the fine amount. You will owe triple the fine amount.
Who should I contact for help with a Notice of Infraction?
Office of Administrative Hearings:
Website: oah.dc.gov | Phone: (202) 442-9094 | Fax: (202) 442-4789
DOEE Office of Enforcement and Environmental Justice:
Website: doee.dc.gov | Phone: (202) 741-2139 | Email: [email protected]
