On March 13, 2024, an Investigator from PHMSA's Office of Hazardous Materials Safety Field Operations ("OHMSFO") conducted a routine compliance inspection at Respondent's business pursuant to 49 U.S.C. § 5121 and 49 C.F.R. § 107.305. PHMSA's investigator reported one (1) alleged violation of the HMR. At the conclusion of the investigation, PHMSA's Investigator conducted an "exit briefing" during which the investigator discussed the alleged violations and the required corrective actions with Respondent's representative.

Upon completion of the investigation, the investigator submitted a report to the Director of OHMSFO's Central Region, who reviewed the report for accuracy and sufficiency of evidence. Based on that review, the Regional Director referred the matter to PHMSA's Office of Chief Counsel thereby recommending the initiation of a civil penalty action against Respondent pursuant to 49 C.F.R. § 107.311.

Based on a preliminary assessment of the apparent nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the probable violation, as set forth in the inspector's report, on November 26, 2024, an attorney from PHMSA's Office of Chief Counsel issued a Notice of Probable Violation ("Notice" or "NOPV") alleging one (1) violation of the HMR and proposing a $1,875 civil penalty.

In consideration of Respondent's corrective actions for this violation, and in the interest of settlement, the penalty is further reduced by $375, which represents a 20% reduction of the penalty proposed in the Notice.