Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Violations Removal

NYC DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) can issue ECB violations for not having a backflow device installed. NYC DEP legally mandates certain businesses and residential properties to install an approved backflow prevention device.  This device is required to prevent contamination and protect the city drinking water supply.  The following are some properties required to install a backflow prevention device:

  • Metal plating, cleaning, processing or fabricating facilities
  • Photo-processing facilities
  • Laundries and dry cleaners
  • Commercial car washes
  • Greenhouses
  • Hospitals, Clinics and Laboratories (including veterinary hospitals)
  • Medical and Dental Offices
  • Funeral Parlors
  • Food processing plants and meat / fish packers
  • Dye Plants
  • Paper processors
  • Auto Repair Shops
  • Breweries
  • Tanneries
  • Exterminators
  • Large residential dwellings with water boilers that use rust-inhibitors or other water treatment chemicals, (“treated water boilers”)
  • Sewage treatment plants or handling facilities
  • Premises with multiple water service lines;
  • Premises with roof tanks and elevated storage lines
  • Canneries
  • Slaughterhouse / Live Poultry Processing Facilities
  • Ice Manufacturing Facilities
  • Printing Facilities
  • Supermarkets
  • Premises with large boilers or chemically treated boilers
  • Warehouses (with toxic chemical storage)
  • Premises with Commercial or Public Kitchens
  • Premises with water cooled equipment or chillers
  • Premises with Groundwater Wells
  • Premises that Reuse or Recycle Water
  • Shipyards and Marinas
  • Schools and Colleges
  • Food Preparation Facilities
  • Nursing Homes
  • Barber Shops & Beauty Salons
  • Properties with in-ground irrigation sprinklers

Building owners that are required to have a backflow device that do not will eventually receive an order, which is a letter from NYC DEP stating that the premise is required to install a backflow device within 30 days of the notice.  Typically once proof is shown to the NYC DEP by a registered Engineer or Architect that work is being done, an extension is given.  If nothing is done then a NOV (notice of violation) will be issued and handled by ECB (Environmental Control Board) where a civil penalty up to $1,000 can be issued.  If nothing is done it may result in the water supply being shut off.

Once the plans for the device is prepared by a Professional Engineer or Registered Architect the device is to be filed and installed by a Licensed Master Plumber.  After being installed by a NYC licensed Master Plumber it must be tested by a NYS certified Backflow Prevention Device Tester.  The final test report is submitted on a gen215 from to NYC DEP.  If this is not submitted to the NYC DEP a violation could be issued with a maximum penalty of $1,000 where the city can take money and property to pay this fine.

We can assist in clearing these violation types and can determine the correct device and most cost effective design based on the building’s unique conditions.  The process will be handled so that all legal forms and sign offs will be filed to ensure no related future fines will be issued.

Call Us Today For DEP Violation Removal – 718-352-5900