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The Legislative Service Commission staff updates the Revised Code on an ongoing basis, as it completes its act review of enacted legislation. Updates may be slower during some times of the year, depending on the volume of enacted legislation.

Chapter 3752 | Cessation of Regulated Operations

 
 
 
Section
Section 3752.01 | Cessation of regulated operations definitions.
 

As used in this chapter:

(A) "Asbestos" has the same meaning as in section 3710.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) "Asbestos-containing material" means any material that contains more than one per cent by weight of asbestos.

(C) "Cessation of regulated operations" means the discontinuation or termination of regulated operations or the finalizing of any transaction or proceeding through which those operations are discontinued.

(D) "Disposal," "storage," and "treatment" have the same meanings as in section 3734.01 of the Revised Code.

(E) "Emergency planning district," "fire department," and "local emergency planning committee" have the same meanings as in section 3750.01 of the Revised Code.

(F) "Establishment" means an economic unit generally at a single physical location where business is conducted or where services or industrial operations are performed.

(G) "Extremely hazardous substance" means a substance identified or listed in rules adopted under division (B)(1)(a) of section 3750.02 of the Revised Code.

(H) "Facility" means all buildings, equipment, structures, and other stationary items that are located on a single site or on contiguous or adjacent sites and that are owned or operated by the same person. However, in the case of a site or contiguous or adjacent sites that are owned by the same person and on which two or more establishments are located, each portion of the site or contiguous or adjacent sites and the buildings, equipment, structures, and other stationary items located thereon that is occupied by an establishment that is not owned or operated by the same parent corporation as, or does not have common corporate or business interests in or with, another establishment located thereon is a separate facility; and, in the case of a building or structure that is so located and that is occupied by two or more establishments, each portion of the building or structure and the equipment and other stationary items located therein that is occupied by an establishment that is not owned or operated by the same parent corporation as, or does not have common corporate or business interests in or with, another establishment that is located therein is a separate facility.

For the purpose of division (C) of section 3752.06 of the Revised Code, when used in connection with the storage, treatment, or disposal of hazardous waste, "facility" has the same meaning as in section 3734.01 of the Revised Code.

(I) "Flammable substance" means any material or substance defined as "flammable" or as a "combustible fiber," "combustible liquid," "flammable liquid," or "flammable solid" by the fire code adopted under section 3737.82 of the Revised Code.

(J) "Hazardous chemical" means a substance identified or listed in rules adopted under division (B)(1)(b) of section 3750.02 of the Revised Code.

(K) "Hazardous substance" means a substance identified or listed in rules adopted under division (B)(1)(c) of section 3750.02 of the Revised Code regardless of whether the substance is an unused product or a waste. "Hazardous substance" does not include any asbestos-containing material applied to or incorporated into a building or structure; any component or structural member of a building or structure; or any equipment, piping, or vessel located at a facility.

(L) "Hazardous waste" means a substance identified or listed in rules adopted under division (A) of section 3734.12 of the Revised Code.

(M) "Issue," when used in connection with any order that the director of environmental protection is authorized to issue under this chapter, includes modify, suspend, or vacate.

(N) "Motor vehicles and rolling stock" means cargo-carrying vehicles that are used or originally designed to be used for the transportation of cargo by any mode, including, without limitation, automobiles, vans, tractors, trucks, semitrailers, tank cars, or rail cars that are so used or designed to be so used.

(O) "Operator" means the person responsible for the overall operation of a reporting facility.

(P) "Outdoor location of operation" means an outdoor location at a reporting facility upon which is situated any stationary tank, vat, electrical transformer, vessel, piping, or nonstationary container that contains a regulated substance or upon which is situated any motor vehicle or rolling stock that is used for the storage or other handling of a regulated substance and that contains a regulated substance in a quantity or manner other than that necessary for the operation of the motor vehicle or rolling stock in transporting cargo.

(Q) "Owner" means the person who owns a reporting facility or part of a reporting facility.

(R) "Person" has the same meaning as in section 1.59 of the Revised Code and also includes the state, any political subdivision, any other state or local body, and the United States and any agency or instrumentality thereof.

(S) "Petroleum" and "underground storage tank system" have the same meanings as in section 3737.87 of the Revised Code.

(T) "Regulated operations" means the production, use, storage, or other handling of regulated substances.

(U) "Regulated substances" includes extremely hazardous substances, hazardous substances, flammable substances, and petroleum.

(V) "Reporting facility" means a facility where regulated operations occur in connection with which the owner or operator of the facility is required to submit a list of hazardous chemicals or one or more material safety data sheets under section 3750.07 of the Revised Code and is required to submit annual emergency and hazardous chemical inventory forms under section 3750.08 of the Revised Code.

(W) "Tank" has the same meaning as in section 3737.87 of the Revised Code. "Tank" also includes any stationary device that is designed to contain or contains an accumulation of a regulated substance and that is constructed of man-made materials.

Section 3752.02 | Exceptions.
 

Nothing in this chapter or rules adopted under it applies to any of the following:

(A) Oil or gas production operations regulated under Chapter 1509. of the Revised Code and rules adopted under it;

(B) Equipment, petroleum, or piping owned or operated by a public utility as defined in section 4905.02 of the Revised Code or other electric light company as defined in section 4905.03 of the Revised Code or by a subsidiary of such a public utility or electric light company;

(C) Any tank or underground storage tank system regulated under sections 3737.87 to 3737.98 of the Revised Code and rules adopted under them;

(D) Except as otherwise specifically provided in sections 3752.11, 3752.111, and 3752.113 of the Revised Code, any person to which those sections apply.

Section 3752.03 | Adoption of rules.
 

(A) The director of environmental protection, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, shall adopt, and subsequently may amend or rescind, rules doing all of the following:

(1) Establishing guidelines for the demonstrations required to be made in an application for a waiver under division (A) of section 3752.10 of the Revised Code;

(2) Prescribing methods to be used in securing buildings, structures, and outdoor locations of operation in accordance with sections 3752.07, 3752.11, 3752.111, 3752.112, and 3752.113 of the Revised Code;

(3) Defining the phrase "contaminated with" as used in this chapter. The definition shall be consistent with and no more stringent than provisions in state and federal environmental laws dealing with the demonstration that tanks, drums, containers, pipelines, and other vessels are empty and free of regulated substances, including, without limitation, Chapters 3734., 3752., and 6111. of the Revised Code and rules adopted under those chapters; and the "Toxic Substances Control Act," 90 Stat. 2003 (1976), 15 U.S.C.A. 2601, as amended, the "Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976," 90 Stat. 2806, 42 U.S.C.A. 6921, as amended, and the "Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980," 94 Stat. 2779, 42 U.S.C.A. 9601, as amended, and regulations adopted under those acts.

(B) The director, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, may adopt, amend, and rescind such other rules as he considers necessary or appropriate for the implementation, administration, and enforcement of this chapter.

(C) No person shall violate a rule adopted under this section.

Section 3752.04 | Notice of cessation of regulated operations.
 

Unless the owner or operator of a reporting facility has submitted to the director of environmental protection in connection with the facility a notice of the temporary discontinuation of all regulated operations at the facility in compliance with division (A)(1) of section 3752.09 of the Revised Code or an application for a waiver in compliance with division (A) of section 3752.10 of the Revised Code, the owner or operator, not later than thirty days after the cessation of all regulated operations at the facility, shall submit to the director, the local emergency planning committee of the emergency planning district in which the facility is located, and the fire department having jurisdiction where the facility is located a notice of the cessation of all regulated operations at the facility. The notice shall be submitted on a form prescribed by the director.

No person shall fail to comply with this section.

Section 3752.05 | Designating contact person for facility.
 

(A) Each owner or operator who is required to submit a notice of cessation of all regulated operations under section 3752.04 of the Revised Code and a certification of the removal of regulated substances under section 3752.06 of the Revised Code shall designate a contact person in connection with the reporting facility. The contact person shall have the responsibility to provide access to the facility named in the notice and certification to the director of environmental protection or his authorized representative to inspect the facility for the purpose of ascertaining compliance with this chapter and rules adopted and orders issued under it. In addition, the director or his authorized representative may request information regarding the facility and compliance with this chapter and rules adopted and orders issued under it from the contact person and may notify the contact person of emergencies and other occurrences at the facility; however, the designation of a contact person does not preclude the director or his authorized representative from requesting any such information from or making any such notification to the owner or operator.

(B) The written designation of the contact person shall accompany the notice of the cessation of all regulated operations at the facility submitted under section 3752.04 of the Revised Code. The written designation shall include the address of the principal office of the owner or operator and the business or residence address and telephone number of the contact person and otherwise shall be in such form as the director prescribes.

(C) An owner or operator shall maintain a contact person for the purposes of this chapter until the director has concurred in the owner's or operator's certification of compliance with section 3752.06 of the Revised Code. If the contact person changes, the owner or operator, within fourteen days after the change, shall provide the director with the name and business or residence address and telephone number of the new contact person in such form and manner as the director prescribes.

(D) If the designated contact person changes his residence or business address or telephone number from that appearing on the record in the director's office, the owner or operator, or the contact person on behalf of the owner or operator, shall provide the director with the new address or telephone number in such form and manner as the director prescribes.

(E) No person shall fail to comply with this section.

Section 3752.06 | Duties of owner or operator within ninety days of cessation of regulated operations.
 

(A) Unless the owner or operator of a reporting facility has submitted to the director of environmental protection in connection with the facility a notice of the temporary discontinuation of all regulated operations at the facility in compliance with division (A)(1) of section 3752.09 of the Revised Code, has submitted an application for a waiver in compliance with or been issued a waiver under division (A) of section 3752.10 of the Revised Code, or, pursuant to division (B) of this section, has been granted an extension of time for compliance with divisions (A)(4) to (6) of this section, and except as provided in division (C) of this section, the owner or operator, not later than ninety days after the cessation of all regulated operations at the facility, shall do all of the following:

(1) Submit to the director a copy of the most recent emergency and hazardous chemical inventory form for the facility submitted to the emergency response commission in accordance with section 3750.08 of the Revised Code accompanied by a statement indicating whether any asbestos-containing materials are present at the facility;

(2) Submit to the director a copy of the current hazardous chemical list, or of each of the material safety data sheets, that the owner or operator is required to have on file with the commission under section 3750.07 of the Revised Code in connection with the facility;

(3) Submit to the director a list of every stationary tank, vat, electrical transformer, and vessel of any type that contains or is contaminated with regulated substances and that is to remain at the facility; a precise description of the location of each; and an identification of the regulated substances that are in or contaminate each;

(4) Drain or remove all regulated substances from each stationary vat, tank, electrical transformer, and vessel, and from all piping, that is to remain at the facility and do any or a combination of the following:

(a) Transfer the regulated substances to another facility owned or operated by the owner or operator. If any regulated substances are transferred to another facility of the owner or operator located within this state, they shall be transferred to a facility that is operating. If any regulated substances are transferred to another facility of the owner or operator located outside this state, they shall be transferred in compliance with the applicable laws governing the receiving facility of the state in which the receiving facility is located.

(b) Lawfully transfer ownership of the regulated substances to another person through sale or otherwise;

(c) Cause the regulated substances to be transported off the premises of the facility and managed in compliance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 3734. of the Revised Code and rules adopted under that chapter; the "Toxic Substances Control Act," 90 Stat. 2003 (1976), 15 U.S.C.A. 2601, as amended, and regulations adopted under it; or the "Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976," 90 Stat. 2806, 42 U.S.C.A. 6921, as amended, and regulations adopted under it; or, if transported out of state, to be managed in compliance with the waste management laws of the state to which the regulated substances are transported.

In the case of any regulated substance that also is a hazardous material identified or listed in regulations adopted under the "Hazardous Materials Transportation Act," 88 Stat. 2156 (1975), 49 U.S.C.A. 1801, as amended, and that is to be transported off the premises of the facility, the owner or operator of the facility shall transport the regulated substance, or cause it to be transported, in compliance with the applicable rules adopted under Chapters 4905., 4921., and 4923. of the Revised Code.

(5) Remove from the facility all debris, nonstationary equipment and furnishings, nonstationary containers, and motor vehicles and rolling stock that contain or are contaminated with a regulated substance and do any or a combination of the following:

(a) Transfer the debris, equipment, furnishings, containers, and motor vehicles and rolling stock to another facility owned or operated by the owner or operator. If any such debris, equipment, furnishings, containers, or motor vehicles and rolling stock is transferred to another facility of the owner or operator located in this state, it shall be transferred to a facility that is operating. If any such debris, equipment, furnishings, containers, or motor vehicles and rolling stock is transferred to another facility of the owner or operator located outside this state, it only shall be transferred in compliance with the applicable laws governing the receiving facility of the state in which the receiving facility is located.

(b) Lawfully transfer ownership of the debris, equipment, furnishings, containers, and motor vehicles and rolling stock to another person through sale or otherwise;

(c) Cause the debris, equipment, furnishings, and containers to be transported off the premises of the facility and managed in compliance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 3734. of the Revised Code and rules adopted under that chapter; the "Toxic Substances Control Act," 90 Stat. 2003 (1976), 15 U.S.C.A. 2601, as amended, and regulations adopted under it; or the "Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976," 90 Stat. 2806, 42 U.S.C.A. 6921, as amended, and regulations adopted under it; or, if transported out of state, to be managed in compliance with the waste management laws of the state to which the debris, equipment, furnishings, and containers are transported.

(6) Make a written certification to the director that the actions required by divisions (A)(4) and (5) of this section have been completed in compliance with those divisions and any applicable rules adopted under section 3752.03 of the Revised Code. The certification shall be made on a form prescribed by the director and, in addition to the information required in division (A) of this section, shall include, without limitation, the owner's or operator's name and the address of the owner's or operator's principal office.

(B) Upon the written request of the owner or operator of a facility who is subject to division (A) of this section, the director, at the director's discretion, may extend the length of time required for compliance with divisions (A)(4) to (6) of this section for any period of time the director considers reasonable and necessary if the director finds from the request that either of the following applies:

(1) The inability of the owner or operator to complete the required actions within the time prescribed in that division is due to circumstances that are temporary in nature and are beyond the control of the owner or operator;

(2) The owner or operator, exercising reasonable diligence, is unable to complete the required actions within the time prescribed in that division due to facility size, operational complexity, or other such relevant factors.

Upon making a decision on a request submitted under division (B) of this section, the director shall mail notice of the decision to the owner or operator by certified mail, return receipt requested, and, if the request was approved, notice of the length of the extension.

(C) An owner or operator of a reporting facility who is subject to this section is not required to perform the removal actions required by it or to make the certification required by division (A)(6) of this section with respect to hazardous waste stored, treated, or disposed of at the facility, or portion of the facility, for which the owner holds a valid hazardous waste facility installation and operation permit or renewal permit issued under section 3734.05 of the Revised Code or has obtained a generator identification number pursuant to rules adopted under section 3734.12 of the Revised Code. Instead, the owner shall comply with the applicable closure and post-closure care requirements established in rules adopted under section 3734.12 of the Revised Code.

(D) No person shall fail to comply with any provision of division (A) of this section within the time required by that division and any extension of that time granted under division (B) of this section, as appropriate.

Section 3752.07 | Securing building, structure or outdoor location against unauthorized entry.
 

(A) Within thirty days after the cessation of regulated operations at a facility for which a notice and certification are required to be submitted under sections 3752.04 and 3752.06 of the Revised Code, the owner or operator of the facility shall secure against unauthorized entry each building or structure at the facility where regulated operations were conducted and that contains or is contaminated with regulated substances and each outdoor location of operation. The owner or operator shall secure each such building, structure, or outdoor location of operation by boarding windows, doors, and other potential means of entry, by providing security personnel, or by other methods prescribed in rules adopted under section 3752.03 of the Revised Code. Within that thirty-day period, the owner or operator also shall post about each such building, structure, or outdoor location of operation in publicly visible locations warning signs that prohibit trespassing and state that the building, structure, or outdoor location of operation contains or is contaminated with regulated substances that may endanger public health or safety if released into the environment. The owner or operator shall continue the security measures, and maintain the warning signs, as required at each such building, structure, or outdoor location of operation until the owner or operator has complied with section 3752.06 of the Revised Code and the director has verified the compliance and concurred with the owner's or operator's certification made under that section.

(B) Promptly after discovering that any of the entry barriers or warning signs installed pursuant to this section have been damaged, lost, or removed, the owner or operator shall repair or replace them in order to maintain the security of the building, structure, or outdoor location of operation.

(C) No person shall fail to comply with this section.

(D) Any law enforcement officer, as defined in section 2901.01 of the Revised Code, may arrest for violations of this section.

(E) Notwithstanding any section of the Revised Code relating to the distribution and crediting of fines for violations of the Revised Code, fines imposed under division (B) or (C) of section 3752.99 of the Revised Code for violations prosecuted by the prosecuting attorney of a county, a city director of law, or a village solicitor shall be credited to the general fund of the political subdivision on whose behalf the legal officer prosecuted the violation and shall be used exclusively to defray the costs to the political subdivision of enforcing this chapter and rules adopted and orders issued under it.

Section 3752.08 | Inspection.
 

(A) Promptly after receiving a certification under section 3752.06 of the Revised Code, the director of environmental protection or an authorized representative of the director shall conduct an inspection of the facility named in the certification to determine whether the requirements of that section, applicable rules adopted under section 3752.03 of the Revised Code, and any orders issued under section 3752.16 of the Revised Code have been met. Prior to conducting the inspection, the director or his authorized representative shall schedule a time to conduct the inspection with the contact person designated by the owner or operator under section 3752.05 of the Revised Code. The contact person shall accompany the director or his authorized representative during the inspection. Nothing in this division diminishes the authority of the director or his authorized representative to conduct inspections under section 3752.12 of the Revised Code.

(B) The director, upon request or upon his own initiative, may investigate or make inquiries into any violation of this chapter or rules adopted or orders issued under it.

Section 3752.09 | Certifying temporary discontinuance of operations.
 

(A)(1) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, the owner or operator of a reporting facility who temporarily discontinues all regulated operations at the facility for a period of not less than thirty days nor more than three hundred sixty-five consecutive days, within forty-five days after discontinuing those operations, shall make a written certification to the director of environmental protection that indicates the date on which those operations were discontinued and that states that the discontinuation will not exceed a period of three hundred sixty-five consecutive days.

No person shall fail to comply with division (A)(1) of this section.

(2) If an owner or operator who has made a written certification under division (A)(1) of this section thereafter fails to resume regulated operations at the facility within three hundred sixty-five days after the date on which those operations were discontinued as indicated in the certification, the owner or operator shall designate a contact person in connection with the facility in accordance with section 3752.05 of the Revised Code within thirty days after the anniversary date on which those operations were discontinued and maintain such a contact person; comply with divisions (A)(1) to (6) of section 3752.06 of the Revised Code within ninety days after that anniversary date unless the owner or operator has obtained an extension of time under division (B) of that section; and secure each building or structure at the facility where regulated operations occurred and that contains or is contaminated with regulated substances and each outdoor location of operation in compliance with section 3752.07 of the Revised Code within thirty days after that anniversary date.

No person shall fail to comply with division (A)(2) of this section.

(3) If the director determines that an owner or operator has failed to comply with division (A)(2) of this section, the director may issue an order in accordance with Chapter 3745. of the Revised Code requiring the owner or operator, within a specified, reasonable length of time, to take the actions required by that division that the owner or operator failed to take within the times prescribed in that division.

No person shall violate a term or condition of an order issued under division (A)(3) of this section.

(B) The owner or operator of any of the following is exempt from making a written certification to the director under division (A) of this section:

(1) A coal mining and reclamation operation for which the owner or operator holds a valid permit issued under Chapter 1513. of the Revised Code;

(2) A surface mining operation for which the owner or operator holds a valid permit issued under Chapter 1514. of the Revised Code;

(3) A temporary facility located on a construction site that is idle due to weather or scheduling delays and ultimately will be removed upon the completion of construction activities.

Section 3752.10 | Requesting waiver in connection with temporary discontinuance.
 

(A) The owner or operator of a reporting facility who temporarily discontinues all regulated operations at the facility for a period exceeding three hundred sixty-five days may request a waiver from the requirements of sections 3752.05 to 3752.07 of the Revised Code. The owner or operator shall submit to the director of environmental protection the application for a waiver, in a form prescribed by the director, within forty-five days after the discontinuation of all regulated operations at the facility. The application shall be accompanied by an interim maintenance and operation plan for the facility that contains the date by which regulated operations are to be resumed at the facility, a demonstration that those operations will be resumed, a plan to prevent entry by unauthorized persons into each building or structure at the facility where regulated operations occurred and that contains or is contaminated with regulated substances and each outdoor location of operation during the period that those operations are discontinued, and a plan for preventing the occurrence of air and water pollution and soil contamination at the facility during the period that those operations are discontinued.

The director, by issuance of an order in accordance with Chapter 3745. of the Revised Code, shall approve the application only if the application and accompanying interim maintenance and operation plan demonstrate to the director's satisfaction that the measures set forth in the plan effectively will prevent unauthorized entry into buildings and structures at the facility where regulated operations occurred and that contain or are contaminated with regulated substances and outdoor locations of operation, and prevent the occurrence of air and water pollution and soil contamination at the facility, during the period of the temporary discontinuation of all regulated operations, and that regulated operations will resume at the facility on or before the date specified in the application. If the application and accompanying plan do not make the required demonstrations, the director shall disapprove the application. The director may include in an order approving a waiver application any terms and conditions he considers necessary or appropriate to protect public health or safety or the environment during the period of the temporary discontinuation of all regulated operations.

If the director disapproves an application for a waiver, he shall include in the order of disapproval the requirements that the owner or operator designate a contact person in connection with the facility in accordance with section 3752.05 of the Revised Code within thirty days after the issuance of the order and maintain such a contact person; comply with divisions (A)(1) to (6) of section 3752.06 of the Revised Code within ninety days after issuance of the order unless the owner or operator has obtained an extension of time under division (B) of that section; and secure each building or structure at the facility where regulated operations occurred and that contains or is contaminated with regulated substances and each outdoor location of operation in compliance with section 3752.07 of the Revised Code within thirty days after the issuance of the order.

A waiver granted under this division may be renewed subject to any terms and conditions the director considers necessary or appropriate to protect public health or safety or the environment.

No person shall do any of the following:

(1) Violate or fail to comply with an interim maintenance and operation plan approved under division (A) of this section;

(2) Violate or fail to comply with a term or condition of an order issued under division (A) of this section approving an application for a waiver or renewal of a waiver;

(3) Violate or fail to comply with a term or condition of an order issued under division (A) of this section disapproving an application for a waiver or renewal of a waiver.

(B) If, during the period that a waiver granted under division (A) of this section is in effect, the director determines that the owner or operator of the facility named in the waiver has failed to comply with the approved interim maintenance and operation plan under the waiver or with a term or condition of the order approving the waiver, the director may issue an order in accordance with Chapter 3745. of the Revised Code requiring the owner or operator to achieve compliance with the approved plan or terms and conditions of the order of approval within a specified, reasonable length of time, or he may issue an order in accordance with that chapter revoking the waiver, as the director considers appropriate. If the director revokes the waiver, he shall include in the order doing so the requirements that the owner or operator designate a contact person in connection with the facility in accordance with section 3752.05 of the Revised Code within thirty days after the issuance of the order and maintain such a contact person; comply with divisions (A)(1) to (6) of section 3752.06 of the Revised Code within ninety days after issuance of the order unless the owner or operator has obtained an extension of time under division (B) of that section; and secure each building or structure at the facility where regulated operations occurred and that contains or is contaminated with regulated substances and each outdoor location of operation in compliance with section 3752.07 of the Revised Code within thirty days after the issuance of the order.

No person shall violate or fail to comply with a term or condition of an order issued under this division.

(C)(1) If the owner or operator of a facility for which a waiver was issued under division (A) of this section has not resumed regulated operations at the facility named in the waiver and has not obtained a renewal of the waiver under that division on or before the date specified in the waiver for the resumption of those operations, the owner or operator shall designate a contact person in connection with the facility in accordance with section 3752.05 of the Revised Code within thirty days after the date specified in the waiver for the resumption of regulated operations and maintain such a contact person; comply with divisions (A)(1) to (6) of section 3752.06 of the Revised Code within ninety days after that date unless the owner or operator has obtained an extension of time under division (B) of that section; and secure each building or structure at the facility where regulated operations occurred and that contains or is contaminated with regulated substances and each outdoor location of operation in compliance with section 3752.07 of the Revised Code within thirty days after that date.

No person shall fail to comply with division (C)(1) of this section.

(2) If the director determines that an owner or operator to whom a waiver was issued under division (A) of this section has failed to comply with division (C)(1) of this section, he may issue an order in accordance with Chapter 3745. of the Revised Code requiring the owner or operator, within a specified, reasonable length of time, to take the actions required by that division that the owner or operator failed to take within the times prescribed in that division.

No person shall violate a term or condition of an order issued under division (C)(2) of this section.

Section 3752.11 | Duties of holder of first mortgage upon abandonment of facility by owner.
 

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Reporting facility" means a reporting facility at which all regulated operations have been temporarily or permanently discontinued.

(2) "Abandoned by the owner" means either of the following that occurs on or after July 1, 1996:

(a) All of the fee owners of a reporting facility have indicated affirmatively in writing to the holder of the first mortgage on the real property at the facility that they, and all tenants claiming possession under those owners, have abandoned all rights of possession to the reporting facility;

(b) The first mortgage loan on the real property at the reporting facility is in default, the property is not occupied by any tenants, and the holder of the first mortgage has been unable to contact the mortgagor under the mortgage regarding the default within the earlier of ninety days after the default or sixty days after the first time the first mortgage holder has attempted unsuccessfully to contact the mortgagor following the default if the first mortgage holder is unable to contact the mortgagor within the sixty-day period.

(3) "Default" means the failure of the mortgagor to make any payment to the holder of the first mortgage required by the terms of the mortgage documents that is not cured by the mortgagor within any applicable cure periods, deferred with the consent of the holder of the first mortgage, or waived by the holder of the first mortgage.

(4) "Contact" means actual person to person, telephonic, or similar direct voice conversation between the holder of the first mortgage and the mortgagor or written correspondence from the mortgagor to the holder of the first mortgage by mail, any other method capable of documenting the intended recipient's receipt of the document or notice, or similar means of communication.

(B) Not later than fifteen days after a reporting facility has been abandoned by the owner, the holder of the first mortgage on real property at the reporting facility shall do both of the following:

(1) Secure against unauthorized entry each building or structure at the facility where regulated operations were conducted and that contains or is contaminated with regulated substances and each outdoor location of operation. The holder shall secure each such building, structure, or outdoor location of operation by boarding windows, doors, and other potential means of entry, by providing security personnel, or by other methods prescribed in rules adopted under section 3752.03 of the Revised Code. Within that period, the holder also shall post about each such building, structure, or outdoor location of operation in publicly visible locations warning signs that prohibit trespassing and state that the building, structure, or outdoor location of operation contains or is contaminated with regulated substances that may endanger public health or safety if released into the environment. The holder shall continue the security measures, and maintain the warning signs, as required at each such building, structure, or outdoor location of operation until title to the facility has been transferred or until the holder files a release of the mortgage with the county recorder of the county in which the facility is located. Promptly after discovering that any of the entry barriers or warning signs installed pursuant to division (B)(1) of this section have been damaged, lost, or removed, the holder shall repair or replace them in order to maintain the security of the building, structure, or outdoor location of operation.

(2) Submit to the director of environmental protection, the local emergency planning committee of the emergency planning district in which the facility is located, and the fire department having jurisdiction where the facility is located a notice of the abandonment of the facility by the owner and of the holder's compliance with division (B)(1) of this section. The holder shall submit the notice on a form prescribed by the director.

(C) Within thirty days before the date when the holder of a mortgage will cease to maintain security and warning signs at a reporting facility pursuant to the filing of a release of the mortgage as provided in division (B)(1) of this section, the holder shall so notify the director, the local emergency planning committee of the emergency planning district in which the facility is located, and the fire department having jurisdiction where the facility is located. The holder shall submit the notice on a form prescribed by the director.

(D) Actions undertaken by a holder of a mortgage under division (B) of this section, and the undertaking of any other activities relating to protecting and securing the facility, do not cause the holder to be an owner, operator, or mortgagee in possession of the facility or subject the holder to this chapter or any other provision of state law imposing liability or responsibility for the cleanup, removal, or remediation of regulated substances, provided that all activities not specified in that division shall be performed in compliance with the applicable requirements of Chapters 3704., 3714., 3734., 3737., 3750., 3751., 6109., and 6111. of the Revised Code and rules adopted under them.

(E) The holder of a mortgage who proceeds in good faith under divisions (B) and (C) of this section is not liable to the owner of the facility or the mortgagor, as appropriate, for damages suffered by the owner or mortgagor due to actions taken by the holder under those divisions.

(F) Nothing in this section prevents the holder of a first mortgage from applying to the court for the appointment of a receiver. If a receiver is appointed, the receiver shall succeed to the obligations of the holder of the first mortgage under divisions (B) and (C) of this section.

(G) No person shall fail to comply with this section.

Last updated September 13, 2023 at 9:03 AM

Section 3752.111 | Fiduciary's authority where operator fails to comply.
 

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Fiduciary" means a person who for purposes of administering an estate or trust holds legal title to a reporting facility, holds an equity or partnership interest in a reporting facility, or is a lessee of a reporting facility, but who has not exercised actual and direct control over the use, generation, transportation, treatment, storage, or disposal of regulated substances at the facility.

(2) "Actual and direct control" does not include any action taken to inspect the facility for the occurrence of a release or threatened release of a regulated substance; any response action taken under section 107(d)(1) of the "Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980," 94 Stat. 2781, 42 U.S.C.A. 9607, as amended, and applicable regulations adopted under that act; compliance with the requirements established in division (B) of this section; or any remedial action taken under the trust agreement or other similar document.

(B) If the operator of a reporting facility fails to comply with section 3752.07 of the Revised Code, a fiduciary, within sixty days after receiving actual notice of the cessation of regulated operations at the facility, shall undertake the actions required under division (B) of section 3752.11 of the Revised Code, to the extent there are sufficient assets in the trust, unless the fiduciary is prevented from doing so by circumstances beyond the control of the fiduciary. For the purposes of the application of that division to this division, "holder" shall be deemed to be "fiduciary," and each of the following applies:

(1) To the extent there are sufficient assets in the trust, the fiduciary shall continue the security measures, and maintain the warning signs, as required under division (B)(1) of that section until the fiduciary no longer holds legal title to or an equity or partnership interest in the facility or leases the facility or until the fiduciary or another person has performed the measures required under divisions (A)(4) and (5) of section 3752.06 of the Revised Code in connection with the regulated substances present at the facility;

(2) The notice required under division (B)(2) of section 3752.11 of the Revised Code shall be of the cessation of regulated operations at the facility and of the fiduciary's compliance with the requirements established in division (B)(1) of that section.

(C) Within thirty days before the date when a fiduciary will cease to maintain security and warning signs at a reporting facility pursuant to division (B)(2) of this section, the fiduciary shall so notify the director, the local emergency planning committee of the emergency planning district in which the facility is located, and the fire department having jurisdiction where the facility is located. The fiduciary shall submit the notice on a form prescribed by the director.

(D) A fiduciary is not liable for compliance with divisions (B) and (C) of this section if the fiduciary rejects an appointment as a fiduciary within sixty days after receiving actual notice of its appointment.

Nothing in this section precludes claims against the assets that constitute an estate or the corpus of a trust for compliance with the requirements of this chapter and rules adopted under it, including, without limitation, the requirements of this section.

(E) No person shall fail to comply with this section.

Section 3752.112 | Holder of mortgage or fiduciary failing to act.
 

(A) If the holder of a mortgage or fiduciary fails to undertake the actions required under division (B) of section 3752.11 or of section 3752.111 of the Revised Code, respectively, the director of environmental protection, on behalf of the state, or any political subdivision in which the affected reporting facility is located may undertake the actions required under division (B) of either of those sections. The costs so incurred by the director or the political subdivision shall be recoverable as a civil penalty under division (C) of section 3752.17 of the Revised Code.

(B) If, after receiving notice under division (C) of section 3752.11 or of section 3752.111 of the Revised Code, the director or the political subdivision in which the affected reporting facility is located determines that the facility should continue to be secured against unauthorized entry, the director or the political subdivision may undertake any of the actions specified in division (B)(1) of section 3752.11 or division (B) of section 3752.111 of the Revised Code. The costs so incurred are a lien upon the facility. The director or the appropriate official of the political subdivision shall prepare and present for recording in the office of the county recorder of the county in which the facility is located notice of the lien. The county recorder shall not charge a fee for recording a notice of lien under this division.

Section 3752.113 | Exemption of indentured trustee for debt securities.
 

(A) Except as otherwise specifically provided in this section and subject to compliance with the conditions set forth in it, nothing in this chapter or rules adopted under it applies to a person residing, incorporated, or otherwise organized within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States who is subject to service of process in this state and who is serving as an indenture trustee for debt securities or certificates of participation in any such debt securities, provided that the indenture trustee has not exercised actual and direct control over the use, generation, transportation, treatment, storage, or disposal of regulated substances at a reporting facility.

For the purposes of this section, "actual and direct control" does not include any action taken to inspect the facility for the occurrence of a release or threatened release of a regulated substance; any response action taken under section 107(d)(1) of the "Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980," 94 Stat. 2781, 42 U.S.C.A. 9607, as amended, and applicable regulations adopted under that act; compliance with the requirements established in this section; or any remedial action taken under the trust indenture or other similar document or trust agreement.

(B) In order to be and remain exempt from this chapter and rules adopted under it, if the operator of a reporting facility fails to comply with section 3752.07 of the Revised Code, and if the indenture trustee has foreclosed on its interest either by formal means such as the use of judicial process or informal means such as through the terms of the indenture agreement or similar financing document between the indenture trustee and the issuing entity, the indenture trustee shall do one of the following to the extent there are sufficient assets in the trust:

(1) Petition the court for the appointment of a receiver under Chapter 2735. of the Revised Code to perform or cause the performance of the actions required under section 3752.04, divisions (A)(4) to (6) of section 3752.06, and section 3752.07 of the Revised Code. The court may appoint the indenture trustee as the receiver. The receiver has the powers necessary to spend money and to perform or cause the performance of those measures as so required with such additional terms and conditions as may be imposed by the court. The receiver shall perform the required actions or cause them to be performed within such times as the court may prescribe. The indenture trustee is not liable for any of the costs of the receivership.

(2) Do both of the following:

(a) Secure against unauthorized entry each building or structure at the facility where regulated operations were conducted and that contains or is contaminated with regulated substances and each outdoor location of operation. The indenture trustee shall secure each such building, structure, or outdoor location of operation by boarding windows, doors, and other potential means of entry, by providing security personnel, or by other methods prescribed in rules adopted under section 3752.03 of the Revised Code. The indenture trustee also shall post about each such building, structure, or outdoor location of operation in publicly visible locations warning signs that prohibit trespassing and state that the building, structure, or outdoor location of operation contains or is contaminated with regulated substances that may endanger public health or safety if released into the environment. The indenture trustee shall continue the security measures, and maintain the warning signs, as required at each such building, structure, or outdoor location of operation until the indenture trustee no longer holds legal title to the facility or until the indenture trustee or another person has performed the measures required under divisions (A)(4) and (5) of section 3752.06 of the Revised Code in connection with the regulated substances present at the facility. Promptly after discovering that any of the entry barriers or warning signs installed pursuant to division (B)(2)(a) of this section have been damaged, lost, or removed, the indenture trustee shall repair or replace them in order to maintain the security of the building, structure, or outdoor location of operation.

(b) Submit to the director, the local emergency planning committee of the emergency planning district in which the facility is located, and the fire department having jurisdiction where the facility is located a notice of the cessation of regulated operations at the facility and of the indenture trustee's compliance with division (B)(2)(a) of this section. The indenture trustee shall submit the notice on a form prescribed by the director.

(C) No person shall fail to comply with this section.

Section 3752.12 | Right of entry.
 

(A) The director of environmental protection or his authorized representative , upon proper identification and upon stating the purpose and necessity of an inspection, may enter at reasonable times upon any public or private property, real or personal, to inspect or investigate, obtain samples, and examine and copy records to determine compliance with this chapter and rules adopted and orders issued under it. The director or his authorized representative may apply for, and any judge of a court of record may issue for use within the court's territorial jurisdiction, an administrative inspection warrant under division (F) of section 2933.21 of the Revised Code or other appropriate search warrant necessary to achieve the purposes of this chapter.

(B) If the entry authorized by division (A) of this section is refused or if the inspection or investigation so authorized is refused, hindered, or thwarted by intimidation or otherwise, and if the director or his authorized representative applies for and obtains a search warrant under division (A) of this section to conduct the inspection or investigation, the owner or operator of the premises where entry was refused or inspection or investigation was refused, hindered, or thwarted is liable to the director for the reasonable costs incurred by him for the regular salaries and fringe benefit costs of personnel assigned to conduct the inspection or investigation from the time the entry, inspection, or investigation was refused, hindered, or thwarted until the search warrant is executed; for the salary, fringe benefits, and travel expenses of the attorney general or an authorized assistant incurred in obtaining the search warrant; and for expenses necessarily incurred for the assistance of local law enforcement officers in executing the search warrant. In the application for the search warrant, the director may request, and the court, in its order granting the search warrant, may order the owner or operator of the premises to reimburse the director for such of those costs as the court finds reasonable. From the moneys recovered under this division, the director shall reimburse the attorney general for the costs incurred by him or his authorized assistant in connection with the proceedings for obtaining the search warrant, shall reimburse the political subdivision in which the premises is located for the assistance of its law enforcement officers in executing the search warrant, and shall deposit the remainder of any such moneys to the credit of the general revenue fund.

Section 3752.13 | Expending moneys from immediate removal fund to take remedial actions.
 

(A) If the director of environmental protection determines that conditions at a reporting facility constitute an imminent and substantial threat to public health or safety or are causing or contributing to, or are threatening to cause or contribute to, air or water pollution or soil contamination, the director may expend moneys from the immediate removal fund created in section 3745.12 of the Revised Code to take such remedial actions as are necessary or appropriate to protect the public health or safety or the environment, provided that a violation or failure to comply with any of the following has occurred or is occuring at the facility:

(1) Section 3752.06 of the Revised Code, a rule adopted under section 3752.03 of the Revised Code implementing that section, or a term or condition of an order issued under section 3752.16 of the Revised Code to enforce that section or rule;

(2) Section 3752.07 of the Revised Code, a rule adopted under section 3752.03 of the Revised Code implementing that section, or a term or condition of an order issued under section 3752.16 of the Revised Code to enforce that section or rule;

(3) Division (A)(2) of section 3752.09 of the Revised Code;

(4) A term or condition of an order issued under division (A)(3) of section 3752.09 of the Revised Code;

(5) An interim maintenance plan approved under division (A) of section 3752.10 of the Revised Code;

(6) A term or condition of an order issued under division (A) of section 3752.10 of the Revised Code approving or disapproving an application for a waiver;

(7) A term or condition of an order issued under division (B) of section 3752.10 of the Revised Code revoking a waiver;

(8) Division (C)(1) of section 3752.10 of the Revised Code;

(9) A term or condition of an order issued under division (C)(2) of section 3752.10 of the Revised Code;

(10) Section 3752.11, 3752.111, or 3752.113 of the Revised Code or a rule adopted under section 3752.03 of the Revised Code pertaining to the securing of buildings, structures, and outdoor locations of operation in connection with any of those sections.

Expenditures from the fund to perform any such remedial action shall be made pursuant to contracts entered into by the director with persons who agree to furnish all of the materials, equipment, work, and labor as provided in the contract. Agents or employees of persons contracting with the director under this division may enter upon any land, public or private, as necessary to perform a remedial action under this division. The director shall keep a detailed accounting of the cost of each such remedial action.

(B) The owner or operator of a facility where a remedial action is undertaken under division (A) of this section is liable to the state for the total cost of the remedial action in addition to any other liabilities imposed by law. The total cost of the remedial action is a lien upon the facility. The director shall prepare and present for recording in the office of the county recorder of the county in which the facility is located notice of the lien. The county recorder shall not charge a fee for recording a notice of lien under this division.

(C) Upon completion of a remedial action under division (A) of this section, the director shall certify the total cost of the remedial action to the attorney general and shall send a copy of the notice of the lien to him. Upon receiving the director's certification and notice, the attorney general shall do one or both of the following:

(1) Bring a civil action to recover the total cost of the remedial action as certified by the director;

(2) Upon the written request of the director, foreclose the lien imposed by division (B) of this section.

All moneys recovered under this division shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the immediate removal fund.

Section 3752.14 | Entry or remaining on premises of reporting facility in violation of warning signs.
 

(A) No person, without privilege to do so, shall do any of the following:

(1) Enter or remain on the premises of a reporting facility at which warning signs are posted in compliance with section 3752.07, 3752.11, 3752.111, 3752.112, or 3752.113 of the Revised Code;

(2) Enter or remain in a building or structure located at a reporting facility, or an outdoor location of operation, at which warning signs are posted in compliance with any of those sections;

(3) Being on the premises of a reporting facility at which warning signs are posted in compliance with any of those sections, in a building or structure located at such a facility, or at an outdoor location of operation at such a facility, fail or refuse to leave upon being ordered to do so by the owner or operator or an agent or servant of either.

(B) It is no defense to a charge under this section that the premises of the reporting facility involved was owned, controlled, or in the custody of a public agency.

(C) It is no defense to a charge under this section that the offender was authorized to enter or remain on the premises of the reporting facility involved when the authorization was obtained by deception.

(D) Violation of this section is not criminal trespass under section 2911.21 of the Revised Code.

Section 3752.15 | Prohibitions.
 

No person shall falsify, tamper with, or render inaccurate any certification, information, or records required to be kept or submitted under this chapter or a rule adopted or order issued under it. Violation of this section is not falsification under section 2921.13 of the Revised Code.

Section 3752.16 | Order to abate violation.
 

The director of environmental protection may issue orders in accordance with Chapter 3745. of the Revised Code directing the owner or operator of a reporting facility to abate a violation of any section of this chapter other than section 3752.11, 3752.111, or 3752.113 of the Revised Code, or a rule adopted under this chapter, within a specified, reasonable time.

No person shall violate a term or condition of an order issued under this section.

Section 3752.17 | Injunction.
 

(A) The attorney general, upon the written request of the director of environmental protection, shall criminally prosecute to termination or bring a civil action for injunction in any court of competent jurisdiction against any person who has violated or is violating any section of this chapter or any rule adopted or order issued under it. The court in which an action for injunction is filed has jurisdiction to and shall grant preliminary and permanent injunctive relief upon a showing that the person against whom the action is brought has violated or is violating any section of this chapter or a rule adopted or order issued under it. Upon a showing that such a violation or threatened violation endangers or threatens to endanger public health or safety or is causing or threatening to cause air or water pollution or soil contamination, the court shall give precedence to such an action over all other cases. Notwithstanding any section of the Revised Code relating to the distribution and crediting of fines for violations of the Revised Code, fines imposed under section 3752.99 of the Revised Code for all violations prosecuted by the attorney general under this division shall be credited to the immediate removal fund created in section 3745.12 of the Revised Code.

(B) The prosecuting attorney of the county, city director of law of the city, or village solicitor of the village where a violation has occurred or is occurring, upon obtaining the written approval of the director and the attorney general, may bring a civil action for injunction on behalf of the county, city, or village, as appropriate, against any person who has violated or is violating any section of this chapter or a rule adopted or order issued under it. A prosecuting attorney, city director of law, or village solicitor who seeks to bring an action for injunction under this division first shall submit a written request for approval to do so to the director and the attorney general. The director and the attorney general, at their discretion, shall approve or disapprove the request and, upon doing so, shall mail notice of the approval or disapproval of the request by first class mail to the prosecuting attorney, city director of law, or village solicitor. If either the director or the attorney general disapproves the request, the prosecuting attorney, city director of law, or village solicitor shall not bring the action for injunction in connection with the violation named in the request.

A civil action for injunction authorized pursuant to this division may be brought in any court of competent jurisdiction. The court in which such an action for injunction is filed has jurisdiction to and shall grant preliminary and permanent injunctive relief upon a showing that the person against whom the action is brought has violated or is violating any section of this chapter or a rule adopted or order issued under it. Upon a showing that such a violation or threatened violation endangers or threatens to endanger public health or safety or is causing or threatening to cause air or water pollution or soil contamination, the court shall give precedence to such an action over all other cases.

(C) Whoever violates any section of this chapter or a rule adopted or order issued under it, except section 3752.07, 3752.11, 3752.111, or 3752.113 of the Revised Code, a rule adopted under section 3752.03 of the Revised Code pertaining to the securing of buildings, structures, or outdoor locations of operation, or an order issued to enforce section 3752.07 of the Revised Code or such a rule, shall pay a civil penalty of not more than ten thousand dollars for each day of each violation. Whoever violates section 3752.07 or 3752.113 of the Revised Code, a rule adopted under section 3752.03 of the Revised Code pertaining to the securing of buildings, structures, or outdoor locations of operation in connection with either of those sections, or an order issued to enforce section 3752.07 of the Revised Code or such a rule shall pay a civil penalty of not more than five thousand dollars for each day of each violation. Whoever violates section 3752.11 or 3752.111 of the Revised Code or a rule adopted under section 3752.03 of the Revised Code pertaining to the securing of buildings, structures, or outdoor locations of operation in connection with either of those sections shall pay a civil penalty in an amount equal to the costs incurred by the director or the appropriate political subdivision under division (A) of section 3752.112 of the Revised Code as a result of the violation.

(1) The attorney general, upon the written request of the director, shall bring a civil action for imposition of a civil penalty under division (C) of this section against any person who has committed or is committing any such violation.

(2) The prosecuting attorney of the county, city director of law of the city, or village solicitor of the village where a violation has occurred or is occurring, upon obtaining the written approval of the director and the attorney general, may bring a civil action for imposition of a civil penalty on behalf of the county, city, or village, as appropriate, against a person who has committed or is committing a violation of any section of this chapter or a rule adopted or order issued under it. A prosecuting attorney, city director of law, or village solicitor who seeks to bring an action for the imposition of a civil penalty first shall submit a written request for approval to do so to the director and the attorney general. The director and the attorney general, at their discretion, shall approve or disapprove the request and, upon doing so, shall mail notice of the approval or disapproval of the request by first class mail to the prosecuting attorney, city director of law, or village solicitor. If either the director or the attorney general disapproves the request, the prosecuting attorney, city director of law, or village solicitor shall not bring the action for imposition of a civil penalty in connection with the violation named in the request.

(3) All civil penalties received under division (C) of this section pursuant to actions brought under division (C)(1) of this section shall be credited to the immediate removal fund created in section 3745.12 of the Revised Code. All civil penalties received under division (C) of this section pursuant to actions brought under division (C)(2) of this section shall be credited to the general fund of the political subdivision whose legal officer brought the action for imposition of the civil penalty and shall be used exclusively to defray the costs to the political subdivision incurred under division (A) of section 3752.112 of the Revised Code and of enforcing this chapter and rules adopted and orders issued under it.

(D) Any action for injunction or civil penalties under division (A), (B), or (C) of this section is a civil action governed by the Rules of Civil Procedure.

Section 3752.18 | No effect on other remedies.
 

This chapter does not abridge rights of action or remedies in equity, under common law, or as provided by statute or limit the state or any political subdivision or person in the exercise of their rights in equity, under common law, or as provided by statute to suppress nuisances or to abate or prevent pollution.

Section 3752.99 | Penalty.
 

(A) Whoever recklessly violates any section of this chapter or a rule adopted or order issued under it, except section 3752.07, 3752.11, 3752.111, 3752.113, or 3752.14 of the Revised Code, a rule adopted under section 3752.03 of the Revised Code pertaining to the securing of buildings, structures, or outdoor locations of operation, or an order issued to enforce any of those sections or such a rule, shall be fined not less than ten thousand nor more than twenty-five thousand dollars or imprisoned not less than two nor more than four years, or both. Each day of violation is a separate offense. For each subsequent offense, the offender shall be fined not less than twenty-five thousand nor more than fifty thousand dollars or imprisoned not less than two nor more than four years, or both.

(B) Whoever recklessly violates section 3752.07 or 3752.14 of the Revised Code, a rule adopted under section 3752.03 of the Revised Code pertaining to the securing of buildings, structures, or outdoor locations of operation in connection with either of those sections, or an order issued to enforce either of those sections or such a rule is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. Each day of violation is a separate offense.

(C) Whoever recklessly violates section 3752.11, 3752.111, or 3752.113 of the Revised Code or a rule adopted under section 3752.03 of the Revised Code pertaining to the securing of buildings, structures, or outdoor locations of operation in connection with any of those sections is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.