Resource · Compliance

Miami-Dade DERM Notice of Violation: the response playbook

A stormwater Notice of Violation from Miami-Dade RER (DERM) is not a fine notice — it's a corrective directive with a clock. Here's the sequence that gets it closed without escalation.

Read the citation carefully — the fix is scoped by it

DERM issues stormwater NOVs under the Miami-Dade RER Environmental Quality Control Board rules. The letter names the specific structure, outfall, or discharge event that triggered it — an oil sheen at an outlet, a full sump seen during a routine inspection, an illicit discharge, or missed ERP O&M recurrence. The corrective scope is bounded by that citation; don't over-scope, and don't under-scope.

Response windows

Most stormwater NOVs give 15–30 days to respond in writing and a follow-on window (often 60–90 days) to complete corrective action. Missing the response window is what turns a NOV into a Corrective Action Directive with fines running $500–$5,000 per day. If the timeline isn't achievable, request an extension in writing before it lapses — DERM will usually grant a reasonable one with a concrete work plan attached.

The closeout package DERM expects

Before-and-after photos of every cited structure, debris volume removed, disposal manifests from a licensed hauler, CCTV footage if a pipe is implicated, and a signed inspector report. If a BMP was added (a hood, a filter insert, a grease interceptor), include the product cut sheet and install date. Submit the package with the case number in the subject line and keep a copy — audits reference NOV history for years.

What we do on a DERM-driven job

Same-week CCTV inspection of the cited structure, targeted catch basin vacuum and hydro-jetting of any pipe involved, manifests filed, and a written closeout formatted for DERM's file. See our DERM compliance guide and Miami city page.

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