904.303—Notice of intent to deny permit (NIDP).
(a)
NOAA may issue a NIDP if the permit applicant has been charged with a violation of a statute, regulation, or permit administered by NOAA, for failure to pay a civil penalty or criminal fine, or for failure to comply with any term of a settlement agreement.
(b)
The NIDP will set forth the basis for its issuance and any opportunity for a hearing, and will be served in accordance with § 904.3.
(c)
NOAA will not refund any fee(s) submitted with a permit application if a NIDP is issued.
(d)
A NIDP may be issued in conjunction with or independent of a NOPS. Nothing in this section should be interpreted to preclude NOAA from initiating a permit sanction action following issuance of the permit, or from withholding a permit under § 904.310(c) or § 904.320.