§ 44-56-50 — Powers of commissioner.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the director, upon receipt of information that the storage, transportation, treatment, or disposal of any waste may present an imminent and substantial hazard to the health of persons or to the environment, may take such action as he determines to be necessary to protect the health of persons or the environment. The action the director may take may include, but is not limited to: 1. Issuing an order directing the operator of the treatment, storage or disposal facility or site, or the custodian of the waste, which constitutes the hazard, to take such steps as are necessary to prevent the act or eliminate the practice which constitutes the hazard. Such action may include, with respect to a facility or site, permanent or temporary cessation of operation; 2. Requesting that the Attorney General commence an action enjoining such acts or practices. Upon a showing by the department that a person has engaged in such acts or practices, a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order, or other order may be granted; 3. Issuing an order directing a response action by the department to eliminate the hazard and protect the public from exposure to the hazard; and 4. Requesting the Attorney General to commence an action to recover the costs of the response action from all parties liable under state or federal law.

Legislative History

HISTORY: 1978 Act No. 436 SECTION 10; 1985 Act No. 140, SECTION 4; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1134.