Virginia Law

A. Notice. Whenever the commissioner or any district or local health department official has reason to believe that a violation of Title 32.1 or Title 35.1 of the Code of Virginia or of any provision of this chapter has occurred or is occurring, he shall so notify the alleged violator. Such notice shall be (i) in writing, with a request to the owner or camp operator to respond by providing any pertinent information on this issue they may wish; (ii) cite the statute, regulation or regulations that are allegedly being violated; and (iii) state the facts that form the basis for believing that the violation has occurred or is occurring. Such notification may be accompanied by a request that certain corrective action be taken.

B. Orders. Pursuant to the authority granted in §§ 32.1-26 and 35.1-6 of the Code of Virginia, the commissioner may issue orders to require any owner or camp operator, or other person, to comply with the provisions of these regulations. The order may require the following:

1. The immediate cessation and correction of the violation;

2. Appropriate remedial action to ensure that the violation does not continue or recur;

3. The submission of a plan to prevent future violations;

4. The submission of an application for a variance; and

5. Any other corrective action deemed necessary to comply with the regulations.

C. Hearing before the issuance of an order. Before the issuance of an order, pursuant to subsection B of this section, the commissioner must comply with the requirements of § 32.1-26 of the Code of Virginia.

D. Order—when effective. All orders issued pursuant to subsection B of this section shall become effective not less than 15 days after mailing a copy thereof by certified mail to the last known address of the owner, camp operator or person violating these regulations. Violation of an order is a Class 1 misdemeanor. See § 32.1-27 of the Code of Virginia.

E. Compliance. The commissioner may act as the agent of the board to enforce all effective orders and these regulations. Should any owner or camp operator fail to comply with any effective order or these regulations, the commissioner may:

1. Institute a proceeding to revoke the camp operator's permit in accordance with 12VAC5-501-230;

2. Request the attorney for the Commonwealth to bring a criminal action;

3. Request the Attorney General to bring an action for civil penalty, injunction, or other appropriate remedy; or

4. Do any combination of the above.

F. Not exclusive means of enforcement. Nothing contained in 12VAC5-501-70 or this section shall be interpreted to require the commissioner to issue an order prior to seeking enforcement of any regulation or statute through an injunction, mandamus or criminal prosecution.