Wiring to Water Meter Was Damaged

LVT Number: #25829

DEP issued a violation notice to landlord for inadequately protecting the remote receptacle wire for a water meter. Landlord claimed that he told the inspector that the wire to the water meter had been cut and was no longer connected to the meter box. He said he obtained an extended wire and left it next to the wall near the meter believing that DEP would return and reconnect it. Landlord also argued that he never received an Inspector Warning Notice before the violation was issued.

DEP issued a violation notice to landlord for inadequately protecting the remote receptacle wire for a water meter. Landlord claimed that he told the inspector that the wire to the water meter had been cut and was no longer connected to the meter box. He said he obtained an extended wire and left it next to the wall near the meter believing that DEP would return and reconnect it. Landlord also argued that he never received an Inspector Warning Notice before the violation was issued. The ALJ ruled for landlord and dismissed the violation, finding that the violation notice failed to say how the protection of the remote receptacle wire was inadequate. DEP appealed and won. Regulations governing the protection of meters and settings make landlord responsible for any break or disconnection of the wire within the building and require landlord to protect the water meter wiring and remote against damage. DEP's violation notice adequately described the violation. Landlord was fined $250.

HPG LLC: ECB App. No. 1400711 (8/28/14) [3-pg. doc.]

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