An upset shall be an affirmative defense to an enforcement action brought against a user or violating a pretreatment standard and requirement if the following conditions are met:
(1)
The user can identify the cause of the upset;
(2)
The facility was operating in a prudent and workmanlike manner at the time of the upset and was in compliance with applicable O&M procedures;
(3)
The user submits, within 24 hours of becoming aware of the upset, a description of the discharge and its causes, the period of noncompliance (if not corrected, then time noncompliance is anticipated to end), and the steps being taken to reduce, eliminate and prevent recurrence of the noncompliance;
(4)
If this report is given orally, the user must also submit a written report containing such information within five days unless waived by the director;
(5)
Upset shall mean an exceptional incident in which there is unintentional and temporary noncompliance with categorical pretreatment standards and requirements because of factors beyond the reasonable control of the industrial user. Noncompliance caused by operational error, improperly designed pretreatment facilities, inadequate treatment facilities, lack of preventive maintenance, or careless or improper operation does not constitute an upset.
(Code 1985 § 22-82A)