§ 12A-9-1 Upset.
(A) An upset shall constitute an affirmative defense to an action brought for noncompliance with categorical Standards if the requirements of subsection (B) of this section 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 all of the following:
(1) An upset occurred and the User can identify the cause(s) 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 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 noncompliance;
(b) The period of noncompliance, including exact dates and times or, if not corrected, the anticipated time the noncompliance is expected to continue; and
(c) Steps being taken and/or planned to reduce, eliminate, and prevent recurrence of the noncompliance.
(C) In any enforcement proceeding, the User seeking to establish the occurrence of an upset shall have the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence.
(D) Users shall have the opportunity for a judicial determination on any claim of upset only in an enforcement action brought for noncompliance with a categorical Standards.
(E) Users shall control production of all discharges to the extent necessary to maintain compliance with categorical Standards upon reduction, loss, or failure of its 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. 14-1290, passed 3-3-2014; Am. Ord. 23-1584, passed 9-25-2023)