OAR 340-012-0026: Policy

(1) The goals of enforcement are to: (a) Protect the public health and the environment; (b) Obtain and maintain compliance with applicable environmental statutes and DEQ's rules, permits and orders; (c) Deter future violators and violations; and (d) Ensure an appropriate and consistent statewide enforcement program. (2) DEQ shall endeavor by conference, conciliation and persuasion to solicit compliance. (3) DEQ endeavors to address all alleged violations in order of priority, based on the actual or potential impact to human health or the environment, using increasing levels of enforcement as necessary to achieve the goals set forth in section (1) of this rule. (4) DEQ subjects violators who do not comply with an initial enforcement action to increasing levels of enforcement until they come into compliance. (5) DEQ endeavors to issue a formal enforcement action within six months from completion of the investigation of the violation.