SECTION 285.71. Authorized Agent Enforcement of OSSFs

(a) Complaints. The authorized agent shall investigate a complaint regarding an on-site sewage facility (OSSF) within 30 days after receipt of the complaint, notify the complainant of the findings, and take appropriate and timely action on all documented violations. Appropriate action may include criminal or civil enforcement action as necessary under the authority of their order, ordinance, or resolution, the Texas Water Code, Chapters 7 and 26, or the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapters 341 and 366. This may include complaints against:

(1) registered apprentices, maintenance technicians, licensed installers, site evaluators, maintenance providers, and designated representatives;

(2) individuals performing the duties listed above not holding a current commission license or registration or failing to maintain a license or registration, including professional engineers and professional sanitarians;

(3) owners in violation of this chapter or the authorized agent's order, ordinance, or resolution; or

(4) owners of malfunctioning OSSFs on the owners' property.

(b) Conviction or court judgment under subsection (a)(1) and (2) of this section. Upon conviction or court judgment, the authorized agent shall send a copy of the conviction or court judgment to the executive director.

(c) Referral of complaints under subsection (a)(1) and (2) of this section. If there are unusual circumstances involved, or if the authorized agent is unable to take enforcement action, the authorized agent may refer complaints to the executive director in writing at any time after a documented investigation of the complaint has been completed.

Source Note: The provisions of this §285.71 adopted to be effective June 13, 2001, 26 TexReg 4115; amended to be effective December 17, 2001, 26 TexReg 10363; amended to be effective August 3, 2006, 31 TexReg 6013; amended to be effective September 11, 2008, 33 TexReg 7536