How is a civil penalty categorized under OSSF regulations?

A civil penalty under On-Site Sewage Facilities (OSSF) regulations is categorized as an administrative action. This classification indicates that the penalty is imposed through a government agency’s authority to regulate and enforce compliance with laws aimed at protecting public health and the environment. Administrative actions are typically related to the enforcement of regulations and do not carry the same implications as criminal offenses, which involve criminal charges and potential imprisonment.

In the context of OSSF regulations, civil penalties are aimed at ensuring compliance by imposing fines or other sanctions on individuals or entities that fail to adhere to established standards. This regulatory framework emphasizes the importance of proper sewage disposal to prevent environmental contamination and safeguard public health, allowing for enforcement without resorting to criminal proceedings.

The options that suggest it being a minor violation, a criminal offense, or a regulatory fee do not accurately reflect the nature and purpose of civil penalties as administrative remedies for non-compliance with the regulations.