What is a Notice of Violation (NOV) Letter?

A Notice of Violation or “NOV” letter one step in the EPA’s investigation and enforcement of violations of EPA statutes and regulations. A NOV notifies the recipient that the EPA believes the recipient has committed one or more violations and provides instructions for coming into compliance with the statutes and regulations.  NOVs typically offer an opportunity for the recipient to discuss their actions, including efforts to achieve compliance.  NOVs are not a final EPA determination that a violation has occurred. The EPA considers all appropriate information to determine the final enforcement response.