Norwalk City's Aquifer Protection Agency reviewed draft ordinance language that would add a local citation-and-fine path to enforce aquifer protection regulations, aligning local procedures with state statute language and establishing a hearing-officer process for contested fines.

Alexis, the agency's staff member leading the discussion, said the draft is intended to sit in Chapter 17 of the city code and would let staff issue citations when violations persist beyond a corrective deadline. The draft text discussed at the meeting set an initial citation amount at $500, with a potential escalation after five days to a higher per-day amount (draft language cited up to $1,000 per day as a cap in some statutory sections).

"What the ordinance would allow is a separate kind of financial penalty for violations," Alexis said, explaining how that track would run in parallel with existing administrative orders and the agency's ability to suspend or revoke registrations under current regulations.

Members pressed for specifics. One asked where collected fines would be paid (general fund versus program-specific account), whether the fine amounts are discretionary or capped, and what level of evidence would be required to assess a daily fine. The chair and members asked staff to seek clarification from the law department and to consult other city entities that have emergency authority (for example, the fire or health departments).

Lou, an agency member, raised a hypothetical emergency to test the agency's limits: "For example, someone sending raw sewage directly into the Norwalk River... Is there a way to take action that could stop that immediately?" Alexis said active spills typically trigger state spill response and that the agency's program is primarily administrative and slower-moving, though staff will explore whether code language or interagency arrangements could enable prompt action in extreme cases.

Alexis also referenced state statutory authority for aquifer fines (section 22a-354 and related statute language) and noted that the draft would rely on a hearing officer not currently employed by the city to adjudicate citation appeals. Staff will return with edits and legal clarifications for the ordinance committee and the agency to consider at a future meeting.

Next steps: Alexis will consult with the law department, the health and fire departments as appropriate, and prepare clarified language on fine amounts, burden of proof, daily-fine mechanics, and the recipient fund for collected fines; the agency scheduled a December 10 special meeting to consider enforcement options and pending reregistrations.