b) Requests for final payment shall be sent directly to the Agency. The Agency issues a payment in accordance with 40 CFR 30 which may be up to, but not including, that percentum of the grant which is equal to that percent of the contract price which the applicant withholds from the contractor, pending final inspection and final audit.

1. 1) The Agency shall conduct an on-site inspection to determine whether or not final payment is approvable. The inspection shall be made within 60 days of notification by the applicant that the building of the project is complete. The Agency shall not approve final payment unless verification is received that:

   1. A) The project was built in accordance with permitted plans and specifications.
   2. B) For projects to improve at a sewage treatment plant, the hydraulic and organic loads to the plant are less than plant capacity.
   3. C) For projects to improve a sewage treatment plant, the removal efficiencies are within the design criteria.
   4. D) Operation of the facility is under the direct and active supervision of operators properly certified by the Agency under 35 Ill. Adm. Code 380.
2. 2) The Agency shall either approve the release of final payment or issue a letter to the applicant identifying any deficiencies in the building and/or operation of the completed project.
3. 3) Final approval of the request for final payment is issued by the Agency, following the completion of the final inspection by the Agency.