SB373 HH&HR AM 2-12

CR 3338

    The Committee of Health and Human Resources moves to amend the bill on page three, immediately following the enacting clause, by striking out everything after the enacting clause and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

    “That §16-1-2, §16-1-9 and §16-1-9a of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended and reenacted; that said code be amended by adding thereto new sections §16-1-9c and §16-1-9d; that §22-26-2, §22-26-3, §22-26-5, §22-26-6, §22-26-7 and §22-26-8 of said code be amended and reenacted; and that said code be amended by adding thereto a new article, designated §22-30-1, §22-30-2, §22-30-3, §22-30-4, §22-30-5, §22-30-6, §22-30-7, §22-30-8, §22-30-9, §22-30-10, §22-30-11, §22-30-12, §22-30-13, §22-30-14, §22-30-15, §22-30-16, §22-30-17, §22-30-18, §22-30-19, §22-30-20, §22-30-21, §22-30-22, §22-30-23; and that said code be amended and reenacted by adding thereto a new article, designated §22-31-1, §22-31-2, §22-31-3, §22-31-4, §22-31-5, §22-31-6, §22-31-7, §22-31-8, §22-31-9, §22-31-10 and §22-31-11, all to read as follows:

CHAPTER 16. PUBLIC HEALTH.

ARTICLE 1. STATE PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM.

§16-1-2. Definitions.

    Unless the context in which used clearly requires a different

meaning, As used in this article:

    (a) (1) "Basic public health services" means those services that are necessary to protect the health of the public. The three areas of basic public health services are communicable and reportable disease prevention and control, community health promotion and environmental health protection;

    (b) (2) "Bureau" means the Bureau for Public Health in the department; of health and human resources;

    (c) (3) "Combined local board of health" means is one form of organization for a local board of health and means a board of health serving any two or more counties or any county or counties and one or more municipalities within or partially within the county or counties;

    (d) (4) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the bureau, for public health, who is the state health officer;

    (e) (5) "County board of health" means is one form of organization for a local board of health and means a local board of health serving a single county;

    (f) (6) "Department" means the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources;

    (g) (7) "Director" or "director of health" means the state health officer. Administratively within the department, the bureau for public health through its commissioner carries out the public health functions of the department, unless otherwise assigned by the secretary;

    (h) (8) "Essential public health services" means the core public health activities necessary to promote health and prevent disease, injury and disability for the citizens of the state. The services include:

    (1) (A) Monitoring health status to identify community health problems;

    (2) (B) Diagnosing and investigating health problems and health hazards in the community;

    (3) (C) Informing, educating and empowering people about health issues;

    (4) (D) Mobilizing community partnerships to identify and solve health problems;

    (5) (E) Developing policies and plans that support individual and community health efforts;

    (6) (F) Enforcing laws and rules that protect health and ensure safety;

    (7) (G) Uniting people with needed personal health services and assuring the provision of health care when it is otherwise not available;

    (8) (H) Promoting a competent public health and personal health care workforce;

    (9) (I) Evaluating the effectiveness, accessibility and quality of personal and population-based health services; and

    (10) (J) Researching for new insights and innovative solutions to health problems;

    (i) (9) "Licensing boards" means those boards charged with regulating an occupation, business or profession and on which the commissioner serves as a member;

    (j) (10) "Local board of health," "local board" or "board" means a board of health serving one or more counties or one or more municipalities or a combination thereof;

    (k) (11) "Local health department" means the staff of the local board of health;

    (l) (12) "Local health officer" means the individual physician with a current West Virginia license to practice medicine who supervises and directs the activities, of the local health department services, staff and facilities and is appointed by the local board of health with approval by the commissioner;

    (m) (13) "Municipal board of health" is means one form of organization for a local board of health and means a board of health serving a single municipality;

    (n) (14) "Performance-based standards" means generally accepted, objective standards such as rules or guidelines against which public health performance can be measured;

    (o) (15) "Program plan" or "plan of operation" means the annual plan for each local board of health that must be submitted to the commissioner for approval;

    (16) “Public groundwater supply source” means a primary source of water supply for a public water system which is directly drawn from a well, underground stream, underground reservoir, underground mine or other primary source of water supplies which is found underneath the surface of the state.

    (17) “Public surface water supply source” means a primary source of water supply for a public water system which is directly drawn from rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, impoundments or other primary sources of water supplies which are found on the surface of the state.

    (18) “Public surface water influenced groundwater supply source” means a source of water supply from a public water system which is directly drawn from an underground well, underground river or stream, underground reservoir or underground mine, and the quantity and quality of the water in that underground supply source is heavily influenced, directly or indirectly, by the quantity and quality of surface water in the immediate area.

    (s) (19) “Public water system” means;

    (A) Any water supply or system which regularly supplies or offers to supply water for human consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances, if serving at least an average of twenty-five individuals per day for at least sixty days per year, or which has at least fifteen service connections, and shall include:

    (1) (i) Any collection, treatment, storage and distribution facilities under the control of the owner or operator of the system and used primarily in connection with the system; and

    (2) (ii) Any collection or pretreatment storage facilities not under such control which are used primarily in connection with the system.

    (B) A public water system does not include a system which meets all of the following conditions:

    (1) (i) Which Consists only of distribution and storage facilities (and does not have any collection and treatment facilities);

    (2) (ii) Which Obtains all of its water from, but is not owned or operated by, a public water system which otherwise meets the definition;

    (3) (iii) Which Does not sell water to any person; and

    (4) (iv) Which Is not a carrier conveying passengers in interstate commerce.

    (20) “Public water utility” means a public water system which is regulated by the West Virginia Public Service Commission pursuant to the provisions of Chapter twenty-four of this code.

    (q)(21) "Secretary" means the secretary of the state department; of health and human resources;

    (r)(22) "Service area" means the territorial jurisdiction of a local board of health;

    (s)(23) "State Advisory Council on Public Health" is means the advisory body charged by this article with providing advice to the commissioner with respect to the provision of adequate public health services for all areas in the state;

    (t)(24) "State Board of Health" means and refers to, the secretary, notwithstanding any other provision of this code to the contrary, whenever and wherever in this code there is a reference to the state board of health.

    (25) “Zone of critical concern” means for a public surface water supply is initially a geographical area extending a length of twenty-five miles upstream and 1/4 miles downstream from a public water intake, and extending laterally a distance of 1000 feet along each bank of the principal river, stream or body of water on which the water intake is located, and extending laterally 500 feet along each bank of any tributary within 25 miles upstream of the public water intake. The length of the impacted zone may be expanded or reduced by the bureau, based upon the findings of a Surface Water Protection Assessment performed for the public water system in accordance with the Clean Water Act.

§16-1-9a. Regulation of public water systems.

    (a) A public water system is any water supply or system that regularly supplies or offers to supply water for human consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances, if serving at least an average of twenty-five individuals per day for at least sixty days per year, or which has at least fifteen service connections, and shall include:

    (1) Any collection, treatment, storage and distribution facilities under the control of the owner or operator of such system and used primarily in connection with such system; and

    (2) Any collection or pretreatment storage facilities not under such control which are used primarily in connection with such system.

    A public water system does not include a system that meets all of the following conditions:

    (1) Consists only of distribution and storage facilities (and does not have any collection and treatment facilities);

    (2) Obtains all of its water from, but is not owned or operated by, a public water system that otherwise meets the definition;

    (3) Does not sell water to any person; and

    (4) Is not a carrier conveying passengers in interstate commerce.

    (a) The commissioner shall regulate public water systems as prescribed in this section.

    (b)(1) The secretary shall prescribe by legislative rule The commissioner shall establish by legislative rule, in accordance with article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code:

    (1) The maximum contaminant levels to which all public water systems shall conform in order to prevent adverse effects on the health of individuals;

    and, if the secretary considers appropriate,

    (2) Treatment techniques that reduce the contaminant or contaminants to a level which will not adversely affect the health of the consumer; The rule shall contain

    (3) Provisions to protect and prevent contamination of wellheads and well fields used by public water supplies so that contaminants do not reach a level that would adversely affect the health of the consumer;

(2) The secretary shall further prescribe by legislative rule (4) Minimum requirements for:

    (A) Sampling and testing;

    (B) System operation;

    (C) Public notification by a public water system on being granted a variance or exemption or upon failure to comply with specific requirements of this section and regulations promulgated under this section;

    (D) Record keeping;

    (E) Laboratory certification; and

    (F) as well as Procedures and conditions for granting variances and exemptions to public water systems from state public water systems regulations.

    (3) In addition, The secretary commissioner shall establish by legislative rule, in accordance with article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code,

    (5) Requirements covering the production and distribution of bottled drinking water; and may by legislative rule, in accordance with article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code, establish

    (6) Requirements governing the taste, odor, appearance and other consumer acceptability parameters of drinking water; and

    (7) Any other requirement the commissioner finds necessary to effectuate the provisions of this article.

    (c) Authorized representatives of the bureau The commissioner or his or her authorized representatives have right of entry to may enter any part of a public water system, whether or not the system is in violation of a legal requirement, for the purpose of inspecting, sampling or testing and shall be furnished records or information reasonably required for a complete inspection.

    (d) The right of entry includes the right for a bureau representative or a designee of a bureau representative to The commissioner, his or her authorized representative or designee may conduct an evaluation necessary to assure the public water system meets federal safe drinking water requirements. The public water system shall provide a written response to the bureau commissioner within forty-five ten days of receipt of the evaluation by the public water system, addressing corrective actions to be taken as a result of the evaluation.

    (e) Each public or private public water utility shall be equipped with a sufficient secondary intake source of water; or at least three to five days of sufficient raw water storage.

    (f) The commissioner, or his or her authorized representative, may also seek injunctive relief in the circuit court of the county in which all or part of the public water system is located for threatened or continuing violations.

    (d) (g) (1) Any individual partnership, association, syndicate, company, firm, trust, corporation, government corporation, institution, department, division, bureau, agency, federal agency or any entity recognized by law who violates any provision of this section, or any of the rules or orders issued pursuant to this section, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than $50 is liable for a civil penalty not less than $1,000 nor more than $500 $5,000. and Each day’s violation shall constitute a separate offense. The commissioner or his or her authorized representative may also seek injunctive relief in the circuit court of the county in which all or part of the public water system is situated for threatened or continuing violations.

    (2) For a willful violation of a provision of this section, or of any of the rules or orders issued under this section, for which a penalty is not otherwise provided under subdivision (3) of this subsection, an individual partnership, association, syndicate, company, firm, trust, corporation, government corporation, institution, department, division, bureau, agency, federal agency or entity, recognized by law, upon a finding of a willful violation by the circuit court of the county in which the violation occurs, shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 $10,000 and each day’s violation shall be grounds for a separate penalty.

    (3) The commissioner or his or her authorized representative shall have authority to assess administrative civil penalties and initiate any proceedings necessary for the enforcement of drinking water rules. The administrative penalty for a violation of any drinking water rule is a minimum of $1,000 per day per violation and a maximum of $2,500 per day per violation for systems serving more than ten thousand persons, a minimum of $250 per day per violation and a maximum of $500 per day per violation for systems serving over three thousand three hundred persons up to and including ten thousand persons, a minimum of $100 per day per violation and a maximum of $200 per day per violation for systems serving three thousand three hundred or fewer persons and each day’s violation shall be grounds for a separate penalty.

    (3) Civil penalties are payable to the commissioner. All moneys collected under this section shall be deposited into a restricted account known as the “Safe Drinking Water penalty Fund”. previously created in the office of the state Treasurer. All money deposited into the fund shall be used by the commissioner to provide technical assistance to public water systems.

§16-1-9c. Source water protection plans.

    (a) By July 1, 2016, each existing public water utility which draws and treats water from a surface water supply source or a surface water influenced groundwater supply source shall submit to the commissioner a source water protection plan for each of its public water utilities to protect its public water system intakes and system water supplies from contamination. Every effort shall be made to inform and egage the public, local governments, local emergency planers, local health departments and affected residents at all levels of the development of the protection plan.

    (b) The plan, at a minimum, shall include the following:

    (1) A contingency plan that documents each public water utility’s planned response to contamination of its surface water supply source or its surface water influenced groundwater supply source;

    (2) A description of the public water utility’s ability to isolate or divert contaminated waters from its surface water intake or groundwater supply;

    (3) A description of the public water utility’s ability to switch to an alternative water source or intake, in the event of contamination of its primary water source;

    (4) A description of the public water utility’s available storage capacity on its system, how its available storage capacity compares to the utility’s normal daily usage, and how its available storage capacity could be utilized to minimize the threat of contamination to its system;

    (5) For a utility with a single-source intake system, the submitted plan should also discuss the public water utility’s plans and ability to install and secondary or backup intake or secure a source replacement in the event the utility is required to cease using its primary source of supply for an extended period of time due to contamination;

    (6) A management plan that identifies specific activities that will be pursued by the utility to protect its source water supply from contamination, including notification to and coordination with state and local government agencies in the event of a contamination event and periodic surveys of the system;

    (7) A communications plan that documents the manner in which state and local emergency response agencies and the public shall be notified of the initial contamination event and provided with updated information related to any contamination of the source water supply; and

    (8) A list of the potential significant contaminant sources contained within the zone of critical concern as provided by the Department of Environmental Protection. The exact location of the contaminants within the zone of critical concern is not subject to public disclosure in response to a Freedom of Information Act request under article one, chapter twenty-nine-b of this code. However, the location, characteristics and approximate quantities of potential significant contaminant sources within the zone of critical concern shall be made known to one or more designees of the public water utility, and shall be maintained in a confidential manner by the public water utility. In the event of a chemical spill, release or related emergency, information pertaining to any spill or release of contaminant shall be immediately disseminated to any emergency responders responding to the site of a spill or release, and the general public shall be promptly notified in the event of a chemical spill, release or related emergency: Provided, That within thirty minutes of obtaining information that affects the public health safety and welfare, state and local officials shall notify the public of any hazardous materials or events which may affect the area; and shall specifically notify the chief health official in the affected county of any hazardous materials or events which may affect the area.

    (c) Any public water utility that comes into existence on or after the effective date of this article shall submit prior to the commencement of its operations a source water protection plan satisfying the requirements of subsection (b) of this section.

    (d) The commissioner shall review a plan submitted pursuant to this section and provide a copy to the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection. Thereafter, within ninety days, the commissioner may reject the plan and require modifications as may be necessary and reasonable to satisfy the purposes of this article. The commissioner shall consult with the local public health officer and conduct at least one public hearing when reviewing the plan. Failure by a public water utility to comply with a plan approved pursuant to this section is a violation of this article.

    (e) The commissioner may request a public water utility to conduct one or more studies to determine the actual risk and consequences related to any potential significant contaminant sources identified by the commissioner and Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection.

    (f) A public water utility shall submit an updated source water protection plan at least every three years or when there is a change in the potential significant contaminant sources within the zone of critical concern as provided by the Department of Environmental Protection.

    (g) A public water utility shall review its source water protection plan currently on file with the bureau and update it to ensure it conforms with the requirements of subsection (b).

    (h) The commissioner’s authority in reviewing and monitoring compliance with a source water protection plan may be transferred by the bureau to a nationally accredited local board of public health.

§16-1-9d. Wellhead and Source Water Protection Grant Program.

    (a) The commissioner shall continue the Wellhead and Source Water Protection Grant Program. In prospectively awarding any grants, the commissioner shall prioritize those public water utilities where there is the highest probability of contamination of the water source based on the source water assessment report. Priority shall also be extended to publically owned public water utilities over privately owned public water utilities.

    (b) The commissioner, or his or her designee, shall apply for and diligently pursue all available federal funds to help offset the cost of completing source water protection plans by the established deadlines.

    (c) The commissioner may receive any gift, federal grant, other grant, donation or bequest and to receive income and other funds, whether in cash or check, whether appropriated by governing body or bodies to the commissioner to contribute to the Source Water Protection Plan Grant Program.

CHAPTER 22. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES.

ARTICLE 26. WATER RESOURCES PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT ACT.

22-26-2. Definitions.

    For purposes of this article: the following words have the meanings assigned unless the context indicates otherwise

    (a) (1) “Baseline average” means the average amount of water withdrawn by a large quantity user over a representative historical time period as defined by the secretary.

    (b) (2) “Beneficial use” means uses that include, but are not limited to, public or private water supplies, agriculture, tourism, commercial, industrial, coal, oil and gas and other mineral extraction, preservation of fish and wildlife habitat, maintenance of waste assimilation, recreation, navigation and preservation of cultural values.

    (c) (3) “Commercial well” means a well that serves small businesses and facilities in which water is the prime ingredient of the service rendered, including water wells drilled to support horizontal well operations.

    (d) (4) “Community water system” means a public water system that pipes water for human consumption to at least fifteen service connections used by year-round residents or one that regularly serves at least twenty-five residents.

    (e) (5) “Consumptive withdrawal” means any withdrawal of water which returns less water to the water body than is withdrawn.

    (6) “Department” means the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection.

    (f) (7) “Farm use” means irrigation of any land used for general farming, forage, aquaculture, pasture, orchards, nurseries, the provision of water supply for farm animals, poultry farming or any other activity conducted in the course of a farming operation.

    (g) (8) “Industrial well” means a well used in industrial processing, fire protection, washing, packing or manufacturing of a product excluding food and beverages or similar nonpotable uses.

    (h) (9) ”Interbasin transfer” means the permanent removal of water from the watershed from which it is withdrawn.

    (I) (10) “Large-quantity user” means any person who withdraws over seven three hundred fifty thousand gallons of water in a any calendar month thirty-day period from the state’s waters and any person who bottles water for resale regardless of quantity withdrawn. “Large-quantity user” excludes farms watering livestock or poultry, though farms may voluntarily report water withdrawals to assist with the accuracy of the survey.

    (j) (11) “Maximum potential” means the maximum designed capacity of a facility to withdraw water under its physical and operational design.

    (k) (12) “Noncommunity nontransient water system” means a public water system that serves at least twenty-five of the same persons over six months per year.

    (l) (13) “Nonconsumptive withdrawal” means any withdrawal of water which is not a consumptive withdrawal as defined in this section.

    (m) (14) “Person”, “persons” or “people” means an individual, public and private business or industry, public or private water service and governmental entity.

    (n) (15) “Secretary” means the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection or his or her designee.

    (o) (16) “Transient water system” means a public water system that serves at least twenty-five transient people at least sixty days a year.”

    (p) (17) “Test well” means a well that is used to obtain information on groundwater quantity, quality, aquifer characteristics and availability of production water supply for manufacturing, commercial and industrial facilities.

    (q) (18) “Water resources”, “water” or “waters” means any and all water on or beneath the surface of the ground, whether percolating, standing, diffused or flowing, wholly or partially within this state, or bordering this state and within its jurisdiction and includes, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, natural or artificial lakes, rivers, streams, creeks, branches, brooks, ponds, impounding reservoirs, springs, wells, watercourses and wetlands: Provided, That farm ponds, industrial settling basins and ponds and waste treatment facilities are excluded from the waters of the state.

    (r) (19) “Watershed” means a hydrologic unit utilized by the United States Department of Interior’s geological survey, adopted in 1974, as a framework for detailed water and related land-resources planning.

    (s) (20) “Withdrawal” means the removal or capture of water from water resources of the state regardless of whether it is consumptive or nonconsumptive: Provided, That water encountered during coal, oil, gas, water well drilling and initial testing of water wells, or other mineral extraction and diverted, but not used for any purpose and not a factor in low-flow conditions for any surface water or groundwater, is not deemed a withdrawal.

§22-26-3. Waters claimed by state; water resources protection survey; registration requirements; agency cooperation; information gathering.

    (a) The waters of the State of West Virginia are hereby claimed as valuable public natural resources held by the state for the use and benefit of its citizens. The state shall manage the quantity of and protect its waters effectively for present and future use and enjoyment and for the protection of the environment. Therefore, it is necessary for the state to determine the nature and extent of its water resources, the quantity of water being withdrawn or otherwise used and the nature of the withdrawals or other uses: Provided, That no provisions of this article may be construed to amend or limit any other rights and remedies created by statute or common law in existence on the date of the enactment of this article.

    (b) The secretary shall conduct an ongoing water resources survey of consumptive and nonconsumptive surface water and groundwater withdrawals by large quantity users in this state. The secretary shall determine the form and format of the information submitted, including the use of electronic submissions. The secretary shall establish and maintain a statewide registration program to monitor large quantity users of water resources. of this state beginning in 2006.

    (c) Large-quantity users, except those who purchase water from a public or private water utility or other service that is reporting its total withdrawal, shall register with the department of Environmental Protection and provide all requested survey information regarding withdrawals of the water resources. Multiple withdrawals from state water resources that are made or controlled by a single person and used at one facility or location shall be considered a single withdrawal of water. Water withdrawals for self-supplied farm use and private households will be estimated. Water utilities regulated by the Public Service Commission pursuant to article two, chapter twenty-four of this code are exempted from providing information on interbasin transfers to the extent those transfers are necessary to provide water utility services within the state.

    (d) Except as provided in subsection (f) of this section, large-quantity users who withdraw water from a West Virginia water resource shall comply with the survey and registration requirements of this article. Registration shall be maintained annually by every large-quantity user by certifying, on forms and in a manner prescribed by the secretary. that the amount withdrawn in the previous calendar year varies by no more than ten percent from the users’ baseline average or by certifying the change in usage.

    (e) The secretary shall maintain a listing of all large- quantity users and each user’s baseline average water withdrawal.

    (f) The secretary shall make a good faith effort to obtain survey and registration information from persons who are withdrawing water from in-state water resources, but who are located outside the state borders.

    (g) All state agencies and local governmental entities that have a regulatory, research, planning or other function relating to water resources, including, but not limited to, the State Geological and Economic Survey, the Division of Natural Resources, the Public Service Commission, the Bureau for Public Health, the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Marshall University, West Virginia University and regional, county and municipal planning authorities may enter into interagency agreements with the secretary and shall cooperate by: (i) Providing information relating to the water resources of the state; (ii) providing any necessary assistance to the secretary in effectuating the purposes of this article; and (iii) assisting in the development of a state water resources management plan. The secretary shall determine the form and format of the information submitted by these agencies.

    (h) Persons required to participate in the survey and registration shall provide any reasonably available information on stream flow conditions that impact withdrawal rates.

    (i) Persons required to participate in the survey and registration shall provide the most accurate information available on water withdrawal during seasonal conditions and future potential maximum withdrawals or other information that the secretary determines is necessary for the completion of the survey or registration: Provided, That a coal-fired electric generating facility shall also report the nominal design capacity of the facility, which is the quantity of water withdrawn by the facility’s intake pumps necessary to operate the facility during a calendar day.

    (j) The secretary shall, to the extent reliable water withdrawal data is reasonably available from sources other than persons required to provide data and participate in the survey and registration, utilize that data to fulfill the requirements of this section. If the data is not reasonably available to the secretary, persons required to participate in the survey and registration are required to provide the data. Altering locations of intakes and discharge points that result in an impact to the withdrawal of the water resources by an amount of ten percent or more from the consecutive baseline average shall also be reported.

    (k) The secretary shall report annually to the Joint Legislative Oversight Commission on State Water Resources on the survey results. The secretary shall also make a progress report every three years annually on the development implementation of the State Water Resources Management Plan and any significant changes that may have occurred since the survey report State Water Resources Management Plan was submitted in two thousand six 2013.     (l) In addition to any requirements for completion of the survey established by the secretary, the survey must accurately reflect both actual and maximum potential water withdrawal. Actual withdrawal shall be established through metering, measuring or alternative accepted scientific methods to obtain a reasonable estimate or indirect calculation of actual use.

    (m) The secretary shall make recommendations to the joint Legislative Oversight Commission on Water Resources created in section five of this article relating to the implementation of a water quantity management strategy for the state or regions of the state where the quantity of water resources are found to be currently stressed or likely to be stressed due to emerging beneficial or other uses, ecological conditions or other factors requiring the development of a strategy for management of these water resources.

    (n) The secretary may propose rules pursuant to article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code as necessary to implement the survey registration or plan requirements of this article.

    (o) The secretary is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with local, state and federal agencies and private policy or research groups to obtain federal matching funds, conduct research and analyze survey and registration data and other agreements as may be necessary to carry out his or her duties under this article.

    (p) The department, the Division of Natural Resources, the Division of Highways and the Conservation Agency (cooperating state agencies) shall continue providing matching funds for the United States Geological Survey’s (USGS) stream-gaging network to the maximum extent practicable. Should a cooperating state agency become unable to maintain its contribution level, it should notify the USGS and the commission of its inability to continue funding for the subsequent federal fiscal year by July 1, in order to allow for the possible identification of alternative funding resources.

§22-26-5. Joint Legislative Oversight Commission on State Water Resources.

    (a) The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Delegates shall each designate five members of their respective houses, at least one of whom shall be a member of the minority party, to serve on a joint legislative oversight commission charged with immediate and ongoing oversight of the water resources survey, registration and development of a state water resources management plan. This commission shall be known as the Joint Legislative Oversight Commission on State Water Resources and shall regularly investigate and monitor all matters relating to the water resources, including the survey and plan.

    (b) The expenses of the commission, including the cost of conducting the survey and monitoring any subsequent strategy and those incurred in the employment of legal, technical, investigative, clerical, stenographic, advisory and other personnel, are to be approved by the Joint Committee on Government and Finance and paid from legislative appropriations.

§22-26-6. Mandatory survey and registration compliance.

    (a) The water resources survey and subsequent registry will provide critical information for protection of the state’s water resources and, thus, mandatory compliance with the survey and registry is necessary.

    (b) All large-quantity users who withdraw water from a West Virginia water resource shall complete the survey and register such use with the department of Environmental Protection. Any person who fails to complete the survey or register, provides false or misleading information on the survey or registration, or fails to provide other information as required by this article may be subject to a civil administrative penalty not to exceed $5,000 to be collected by the secretary consistent with the secretary’s authority pursuant to this chapter. Every thirty days after the initial imposition of the civil administrative penalty, another penalty may be assessed if the information is not provided. The secretary shall provide written notice of failure to comply with this section thirty days prior to assessing the first administrative penalty.

§22-26-7. Secretary authorized to log wells; collect data.

    (a) In order to obtain important information about the state’s surface and groundwater, the secretary is authorized to collect scientific data on surface and groundwater and to enter into agreements with local and state agencies, the federal government and private entities to obtain this information.

    (1) (b) Any person who installs a community water system, noncommunity nontransient water system, transient water system, commercial well, industrial or test well shall notify the secretary of his or her intent to drill a water well no less than ten days prior to commencement of drilling. The ten-day notice is the responsibility of the owner, but may be given by the drilling contractor.

    (2) (c) The secretary has the authority to gather data, including driller and geologist logs, run electric and other remote-sensing logs and devices and perform physical characteristics tests on nonresidential and multifamily water wells.

    (3) (d) The drilling contractor shall submit to the secretary a copy of the well completion forms submitted to the Division of Health Bureau for Public Health for a community water system, noncommunity nontransient water system, transient water system, commercial well, industrial or test well. The drilling contractor shall also provide the well GPS location and depth to groundwater on the well report submitted to the secretary.

    (4) (e) Any person who fails to notify the secretary prior to drilling a well or impedes collection of information by the secretary under this section is in violation of the Water Resources Protection and Management Act and is subject to the civil administrative penalty authorized by section six of this article.

    (5) (f) Any well contracted for construction by the secretary for groundwater or geological testing must be constructed at a minimum to well design standards as promulgated by the Division of Health Bureau for Public Health. Any wells contracted for construction by the secretary for groundwater or geological testing that would at a later date be converted to a public use water well must be constructed to comport to state public water design standards.

§22-26-8. State Water Resources Management Plan; powers and duty of secretary.

    (a) The secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection shall oversee the development of a State Water Resources Management Plan to be completed no later than November 30, 2013. The plan shall be reviewed and revised as needed after its initial adoption. The plan shall be developed with the cooperation and involvement of local and state agencies with regulatory, research or other functions relating to water resources including, but not limited to, those agencies and institutions of higher education set forth in section three of this article and a representative of large quantity users. The State Water Resources Management Plan shall be developed utilizing the information obtained pursuant to said section and any other relevant information available to the secretary.

    (b) The secretary shall develop definitions for use in the State Water Resources Management Plan for terms that are defined differently by various state and federal governmental entities as well as other terms necessary for implementation of this article.

    (c) The secretary shall continue to develop and obtain the following:

    (1) An inventory of the surface water resources of each region of this state, including an identification of the boundaries of significant watersheds and an estimate of the safe yield of such sources for consumptive and nonconsumptive uses during periods of normal conditions and drought.

    (2) A listing of each consumptive or nonconsumptive withdrawal by a large-quantity user, including the amount of water used, location of the water resources, the nature of the use, location of each intake and discharge point by longitude and latitude where available and, if the use involves more than one watershed or basin, the watersheds or basins involved and the amount transferred.

    (3) A plan for the development of the infrastructure necessary to identify the groundwater resources of each region of this state, including an identification of aquifers and groundwater basins and an assessment of their safe yield, prime recharge areas, recharge capacity, consumptive limits and relationship to stream base flows.

    (4) After consulting with the appropriate state and federal agencies, assess and project the existing and future nonconsumptive use needs of the water resources required to serve areas with important or unique natural, scenic, environmental or recreational values of national, regional, local or statewide significance, including national and state parks; designated wild, scenic and recreational rivers; national and state wildlife refuges; and the habitats of federal and state endangered or threatened species.

    (5) Assessment and projection of existing and future consumptive use demands.

    (6) Identification of potential problems with water availability or conflicts among water uses and users including, but not limited to, the following:

    (A) A discussion of any area of concern regarding historical or current conditions that indicate a low-flow condition or where a drought or flood has occurred or is likely to occur that threatens the beneficial use of the surface water or groundwater in the area; and

    (B) Current or potential in-stream or off-stream uses that contribute to or are likely to exacerbate natural low-flow conditions to the detriment of the water resources.

    (7) Establish criteria for designation of critical water planning areas comprising any significant hydrologic unit where existing or future demands exceed or threaten to exceed the safe yield of available water resources.

    (8) An assessment of the current and future capabilities of public water supply agencies and private water supply companies to provide an adequate quantity and quality of water to their service areas.

    (9) An assessment of flood plain and stormwater management problems.

    (10) Efforts to improve data collection, reporting and water monitoring where prior reports have found deficiencies.

    (11) A process for identifying projects and practices that are being, or have been, implemented by water users that reduce the amount of consumptive use, improve efficiency in water use, provide for reuse and recycling of water, increase the supply or storage of water or preserve or increase groundwater recharge and a recommended process for providing appropriate positive recognition of such projects or practices in actions, programs, policies, projects or management activities.

    (12) An assessment of both structural and nonstructural alternatives to address identified water availability problems, adverse impacts on water uses or conflicts between water users, including potential actions to develop additional or alternative supplies, conservation measures and management techniques.

    (13) A review and evaluation of statutes, rules, policies and institutional arrangements for the development, conservation, distribution and emergency management of water resources.

    (14) A review and evaluation of water resources management alternatives and recommended programs, policies, institutional arrangements, projects and other provisions to meet the water resources needs of each region and of this state.

    (15) Proposed methods of implementing various recommended actions, programs, policies, projects or management activities.

    (d) The State Water Resources Management Plan shall consider:

    (1) The interconnections and relationships between groundwater and surface water as components of a single hydrologic resource.

    (2) Regional or watershed water resources needs, objectives and priorities.

    (3) Federal, state and interstate water resource policies, plans, objectives and priorities, including those identified in statutes, rules, regulations, compacts, interstate agreements or comprehensive plans adopted by federal and state agencies and compact basin commissions.

    (4) The needs and priorities reflected in comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances adopted by a county or municipal government.

    (5) The water quantity and quality necessary to support reasonable and beneficial uses.

    (6) A balancing and encouragement of multiple uses of water resources, recognizing that all water resources of this state are capable of serving multiple uses and human needs, including multiple uses of water resources for reasonable and beneficial uses.

    (7) The distinctions between short-term and long-term conditions, impacts, needs and solutions to ensure appropriate and cost-effective responses to water resources issues.

    (8) Application of the principle of equal and uniform treatment of all water users that are similarly situated without regard to established political boundaries.

    (e) In November of each year, Each November, the secretary shall report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Commission on State Water Resources on the implementation of the State Water Resources Management Plan. The report on the water resources plan shall include benchmarks for achieving the plan’s goals and time frames for meeting them.

    (f) Upon adoption of the state Water Resources Management Plan by the Legislature, the report requirements of this article shall be superceded by the plan and subsequent reports shall be on the survey results and the water resources plan. If the plan is not adopted a detailed report discussing the provisions of this section as well as progress reports on the development of the plan shall be submitted every three years. The State Water Resources Management Plan is adopted. Persons identified as large-quantity users prior to the effective date of this subsection shall report actual monthly water withdrawals, or monthly water withdrawals by a method approved by the secretary, for the previous calendar year by March 31 of each succeeding year. Persons identified as large-quantity users on or after the effective date of this subsection shall submit their initial annual report no later than March 31, 2016, and subsequent annual reports by March 31 of each year thereafter.

ARTICLE 30. THE ABOVEGROUND STORAGE TANK ACT.

§22-30-1. Short title.

    This article may be known and cited as the Aboveground Storage Tank Act.

§22-30-2. Legislative findings.

    (a) The West Virginia Legislature finds that it is in the public policy of the State of West Virginia to protect and conserve the water resources for the state and its citizens. The state’s water resources are vital natural resources that are essential to maintain, preserve and promote human health, quality of life and economic vitality of the state.

    (b) The West Virginia Legislature further finds that it is the public policy of the state that clean, uncontaminated water be available for its citizens who are dependent on clean water as a basic need for survival, and who rely on the assurances from public water systems and the government that the water is safe to consume.

    (c) The West Virginia Legislature further finds that it is the public policy of the state that clean, uncontaminated water be available to its businesses and industries that rely on water for their economic survival, and the well-being of their employees. These include hospitals and the medical industry, schools and educational institutions, the food and hospitality industries, the tourism industry, manufacturing, coal, natural gas and other industries. Businesses and industries searching for places to locate or relocate consider the quality of life for their employees as well as the quality of the raw materials such as clean water.

    (d) The Legislature further finds that large quantities of fluids are stored in aboveground storage tanks within the state and that emergency situations involving these fluids can and will arise that may present a hazard to human health, safety, the water resources, the environment and the economy of the state. The Legislature further recognizes that some of these fluids have been stored in aboveground storage tanks in a regulated manner insufficient to protect human health, safety, water resources, the environment and the economy of the state.

22-30-3. Applicability; exclusions.

    (a) This article applies to all new and existing aboveground storage tanks located within the state that are used to store any fluid except water that does not contain additives.

    (b) Exclusions.-- The following aboveground storage tanks are excluded from the requirements of this article:

    (1) An aboveground storage tank containing drinking water, filtered surface water, demineralized water, noncontact cooling water or water stored for fire or emergency purposes;

    (2) An aboveground storage tank located on a farm, in which the contents of the tank are used by the tank owner or operator for farming purposes, and the contents are not being commercially distributed;

    (3) An aboveground storage tank located on residential property of one thousand one hundred gallons or less capacity used for storing motor fuel for noncommercial purposes;

    (4) An aboveground storage tank of one thousand one hundred gallons or less capacity used for storing heating oil for consumption on the premises where stored;

    (5) Any heating oil, natural gas or propane tanks regulated under NFPA 58-30A or NFPA 58-30B;

    (6) Stormwater or wastewater collection and treatment systems;

    (7) Septic tanks;

    (8) A pipeline facility, including gathering lines, regulated under the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 or the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979, or an intrastate pipeline facility regulated by the West Virginia Public Service Commission or otherwise regulated under any state law comparable to the provisions of either the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 or the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979;

    (9) Equipment or machinery containing substances for operational purposes, including integral hydraulic lift tanks, lubricating oil reservoirs for pumps and motors, electrical equipment and heating and cooling equipment;

    (10) An indoor tank located inside a building resting on or elevated above an impermeable floor surface from which a release would be entirely contained in a secondary containment structure or not escape through other means;

    (11) A mobile tank or truck that is one thousand one hundred or less in capacity or it is located on site for less than sixty consecutive calendar days;

    (12) Aboveground storage tanks, containing hazardous wastes, which are subject to a treatment or storage permits regulated under Subtitle C of the federal Solid Waste Disposal Act, 42 U. S. C. §6921, et seq., or substances regulated under article eighteen of this chapter;

    (13) An aboveground storage tank containing agricultural pesticides regulated under article sixteen-a, chapter nineteen of this code;

    (14) Liquid traps or associated gathering lines related to oil or gas production and gathering operations;

    (15) A surface impoundment, pit, pond or lagoon;

    (16) Tanks otherwise regulated under those provisions of this chapter that necessitate individual site-specific permits that require appropriate containment and diversionary structures or equipment to prevent discharged materials from reaching the waters of the state, including:

    (A) Tanks on sites regulated under the Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Act, article three of this chapter;

    (B) Tanks that are used to store brines, crude oil or any other liquid or similar substances or materials that are directly related to the exploration, development, stimulation, completion or production of crude oil or natural gas regulated under article six or six-a of this chapter;

    (C) Tanks that are located at establishments that have individual permits issued under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, article eleven of this chapter; and

    (D) Tanks regulated under the Solid Waste Management Act, article fifteen of this chapter, including, but not limited to, piping, tanks, collection and treatment systems used for leachate, methane gas and methane gas condensate management;

    (17) Any aboveground storage tank of 1,100 gallons or less capacity, not otherwise exempt, unless that tank is greater than 500 gallons capacity and is located within 500 feet of surface or source waters;

    (18) Aboveground storage tanks used in connection with oil and gas exploration, production, processing, gathering, treatment or storage operations or transmission facilities that are addressed in spill prevention, control, and countermeasure plans meeting the federal regulations set out in 40 C. F. R. Part 112;

    (19) Tanks regulated under Section 1321 of the federal Water Pollution Control Act (Section 311 of the federal Clean Water Act) and the regulations promulgated thereunder, 40 C. F. R. §112, et seq.; and

    (20) Tanks used for the storage of fluids that are gases at standard temperature and pressure.

§22-30-4. Definitions.

    For purposes of this article, the following words mean:

    (1) "Aboveground storage tank”, “tank", or the plural, means any container, or set of connected containers, designed to contain fluids and is constructed of materials including concrete, steel, plastic or fiberglass reinforced plastic. The term includes all ancillary aboveground pipes and dispensing systems up to the first point of isolation and all ancillary underground pipes and dispensing systems connected to the aboveground containers.

    (2) “Department” means the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection.

    (3) "Nonoperational storage tank" means an aboveground storage tank in which fluids will not be deposited or from which fluids will not be dispensed on or after the effective date of this article.

    (4) “Operator” means any person in control of, or having responsibility for, the daily operation of an aboveground storage tank.

    (5) “Owner” means a person who holds title to, controls or owns an interest in an aboveground storage tank, including owners of tanks immediately preceding the discontinuation of a tank’s use. “Owner” does not mean a person who holds an interest in a tank for financial security, unless the holder has taken possession of and operated the tank.

    (6) “Person”, “persons” or “people” means any individual, trust, firm, owner, operator, corporation or other legal entity, including the United States government, an interstate commission or other body, the state or any agency, board, bureau, office, department or political subdivision of the state, but does not include the Department of Environmental Protection.

(7) “Public water system” means the same in this article as set forth in section two, article one, chapter sixteen of this code.(8) "Release" means any spilling, leaking, emitting, discharging, escaping, leaching or disposing of fluids from an aboveground storage tank into groundwater, surface water or subsurface soils. The term shall also include spilling, leaking, emitting, discharging, escaping, leaching or disposing of fluids from an aboveground storage tank into a containment structure or facility that poses an immediate threat of contamination of the soils, subsurface soils, surface water or groundwater.

(9) “Secondary containment” means a safeguard specifically designed to be impermeable to stored substances and which will contain a release from an aboveground storage tank, and prevent the release from spreading vertically or horizontally, contaminating the land or water outside of the containment area.

    (10) “Secretary” means the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, or his or her designee.

§22-30-5. Registration of existing aboveground storage tanks.

    (a) To assure protection of the water resources of the state, the secretary shall compile an inventory of aboveground storage tanks in existence, regardless of whether they are operational or nonoperational storage tanks, or whether they are considered to be exempt or nonexempt from regulation on the effective date of this article. The secretary shall prescribe a registration form for this purpose within thirty days of the effective date of the enactment of this article. All aboveground storage tanks subject to this article shall be registered no later than sixty days from the effective date of the enactment of this article.

    (b) At a minimum the registration shall include the date of tank installation, tank location, type of construction, size and age of the tank, the type and volume of fluid stored therein and the proximity to any water intake.

    (c) If, at the time this registration is required to be submitted, the secretary has not prepared the form required by this section, the owner or operator shall nevertheless submit the information in writing to the secretary. The duty to provide correct, up-to-date information about the location and contents of aboveground storage tanks is an ongoing requirement.

    (d) Any aboveground storage tank placed into service on and after the effective date of this section, but prior to the establishment of a permit program, shall register with the secretary and request permission to place the tank into service pending a permit application.

    (e) The secretary may charge a reasonable fee to cover the cost of the registration program. The fee may be set by emergency and legislative rules proposed for promulgation in accordance with the provisions of article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code.

    (f) It is unlawful for any owner or operator to operate or use an aboveground storage tank subject to this article which has not been properly registered or for which any applicable registration fee has not been paid.

    (g) It is unlawful for any person to approve a delivery order, or to deliver or deposit any fluid subject to this article into an aboveground storage tank unless the owner or operator provides proof of valid registration of the tank into which the fluid is to be delivered or deposited.

§22-30-6. Permit required; Aboveground Storage Tank Regulatory Program.

    (a) Without authorization from the secretary, it is unlawful for any person to construct, maintain or use any aboveground storage tank for the storage of any fluid other than water, which has no additives, without first obtaining a permit from the secretary.

    (b) To assure further protection of the water resources of the state, the secretary shall develop a regulatory program for new and existing aboveground storage tanks. At a minimum, the program shall include the following:

    (1) A requirement to submit a verified application for a permit containing information as may be prescribed by the secretary;

    (2) Performance standards for design, construction, installation, maintenance, corrosion detection and maintenance, release detection and prevention and secondary containment to ensure the structural integrity of the storage tank and the secondary containment;

    (3) Requirements for maintaining a leak detection system, inventory control systems together with tank testing or a comparable system or method designed to identify releases from aboveground storage tanks in a manner consistent with the protection of human health, safety, water resources and the environment;

    (4) Requirements for maintaining records of any monitoring or leak detection system, corrosion prevention, inventory control system or tank testing system;

    (5) Requirements for early detection of releases and immediate reporting of releases;

    (6) Requirements for developing a corrective action plan to expeditiously respond to any releases;

    (7) Requirements for the closure of aboveground storage tanks and remediation to prevent future releases of fluids or materials to the state’s water resources;

    (8) Requirements for certification of installation, removal, retrofit, corrosion and other testing and inspection of aboveground storage tanks, leak detection systems and secondary containment by a qualified registered professional engineer or a qualified person working under the direct supervision of a registered professional engineer, regulated and licensed by the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers;

    (9) The assessment of permit application and registration fees as determined by the secretary;

    (10) Permit issuance only after the application and any other supporting documents have been submitted, reviewed and approved by the secretary, and that permits may be issued with certain conditions or contingencies;

    (11) A requirement that any aboveground storage tank maintenance work shall commence within six months from the date the permit was issued and must be completed within one year of commencement. If the work has not started or is not completed during the stated time periods, the permit expires and a new permit is required unless a written extension is granted by the secretary. An extension may be granted only if the applicant can demonstrate that the delay was not deliberate and that the delay will not present harm to human health, safety, water resources or the environment;

    (12) A procedure for the administrative resolution of violations including the assessment of administrative civil penalties;

    (13) A procedure for any person adversely affected by a decision or order of the secretary relating to the aboveground storage tank program to appeal to the Environmental Quality Board, pursuant to the provisions of article one, chapter twenty-two-b of this code; and

    (14) In consultation with the Bureau for Public Health, establish specific standards and guidelines that provide increased scrutiny of potential significant contaminant sources within zones of critical concern in order to increase protection for public water system intakes, and develop a registry of public water system intakes and provide the registry to the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

§22-30-7. Annual inspection and certification.

    (a) Every owner or operator of an aboveground storage tank regulated herein shall have an annual inspection of each tank performed by a qualified registered professional engineer or a qualified person working under the direct supervision of a registered professional engineer, regulated and licensed by the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers. Every owner or operator shall submit, on a form prescribed by the secretary, a certification from the engineer that each tank, associated equipment, leak detection systems and secondary containment structures meet the minimum standards established by the secretary by rule.

    (b) The certification form shall be submitted to the secretary on or before January 1, 2015, and each year thereafter.

§22-30-8. Financial responsibility.

    The secretary shall promulgate rules requiring owners and operators to provide evidence of adequate financial resources to undertake reasonable corrective action for releases of fluid from aboveground storage tanks. The means of demonstrating adequate financial responsibility may include, but not be limited to, providing evidence of current insurance, guarantee, surety bond, letter of credit, proof of assets, trust fund or qualification as a self insurer.

§22-30-9. Corrective action.

    (a) Prior to the effective date of the emergency and legislative rules promulgated pursuant to the authority granted under this article, the secretary is authorized to:

    (1) Require the owner or operator to develop a preliminary corrective action plans taking into consideration the types of fluids and types of tanks on the premises;

    (2) Require the owner or operator of an aboveground storage tank to undertake prompt corrective action to protect human health, safety, water resources or the environment from contamination caused by a release; or

    (3) Undertake immediate corrective action with respect to any release or threatened release of fluid from an aboveground storage tank when, in the judgment of the secretary, the action is necessary to protect human health, safety, water resources or the environment from contamination caused by a release.

    (b) The corrective action undertaken or required by this section shall be what may be necessary to protect human health, water resources and the environment from contamination caused by a release. The secretary shall use funds in the Protect Our Water Fund established pursuant to this article for payment of costs incurred for corrective action taken by the secretary in accordance with this article. In undertaking corrective actions under this section and in issuing orders requiring owners or operators to undertake the actions, the secretary shall give priority to releases or threatened releases of fluid from aboveground storage tanks that pose the greatest threat to human health, water resources or the environment.

    (c) Following the effective date of rules promulgated pursuant to this article, all actions or orders of the secretary shall be in conformity with those rules. Further, following the effective date of the rules, the secretary may undertake corrective action with respect to any release or threatened release of fluid from an aboveground storage tank only if, in the judgment of the secretary, the action is necessary to protect human health, safety, water resources or the environment from contamination, and one or more of the following situations exists:

    (1) If no person can be found within thirty days, or a shorter period as may be necessary to protect human health, water resources and the environment, who is an owner or operator of the aboveground storage tank at issue and who is capable of carrying out the corrective action properly;

    (2) A situation exists that requires immediate action by the secretary under this section to protect human health, safety, water resources or the environment;

    (3) The cost of corrective action to be expended on an aboveground storage tank exceeds the amount of resources that the owner or operator can reasonably be expected to possess based on the information required to be submitted pursuant to this article and, considering the fluid being stored in the aboveground storage tank in question, expenditures from the Protect Our Water Fund are necessary to assure an effective corrective action; or

    (4) The owner or operator of the tank has failed or refused to comply with an order of the secretary under this article or of the Environmental Quality Board under article one, chapter twenty-two-b of this code to comply with appropriate corrective action measures ordered by the secretary or the Environmental Quality Board.

    (d) The secretary may draw upon the Protect Our Water Fund in order to take action under subdivision (1) or (2), subsection (c) of this section if the secretary has made diligent good-faith efforts to determine the identity of the owner or operator responsible for the release or threatened release and:

    (1) The secretary is unable to determine the identity of the owner or operator in a manner consistent with the need to take timely corrective action; or

    (2) The owner or operator determined by the secretary to be responsible for the release or threatened release has been informed in writing of the secretary’s determination and has been requested by the secretary to take appropriate corrective action but is unable or unwilling to take proper action in a timely manner.

    (e) The written notice to the owner or operator must inform the owner or operator that if it is subsequently found liable for releases pursuant to this section, the owner or operator will be required to reimburse the Protect Our Water Fund for the costs of the investigation, information gathering, and corrective action taken by the secretary.

    (f) If the secretary determines that immediate response to an imminent threat to human health, safety, water resources or the environment is necessary to avoid substantial injury or damage thereto, corrective action may be taken pursuant to this section without the prior written notice required by subdivision (2), subsection (d) of this section. In that case, the secretary must give subsequent written notice to the owner or operator within fifteen days after the action is taken describing the circumstances that required the action to be taken and setting forth the matters identified in subsection (e) of this section.

§22-30-10. Spill prevention response plan.

    (a) Within ninety days of the effective date of this article, each owner or operator of an aboveground storage tank shall submit a spill prevention response plan for each aboveground storage tank. Owners and operators of aboveground storage tanks shall file updated plans required to be submitted by this section no less frequently than every three years. Each plan shall be site-specific, consistent with the requirements of this article, and developed in consultation with Bureau for Public Health, county and municipal emergency management agencies. The spill prevention response plan shall at a minimum:

    (1) Identify and describe the activity that occurs at the site and identify applicable hazard and process information, including a specific listing and inventory of all types of fluids stored, amount of fluids stored, and wastes generated that are stored in aboveground storage tanks at the facility. The plan shall include the material safety data sheets (MSDS) for all fluids in use or stored in aboveground storage tanks at the facility. The material safety data sheets must include the health hazard number identified by the National Fire Protection Association. The plan shall also include drawings of the aboveground storage tank facility, including the locations of all drainage pipes and water outlets;

    (2) Identify all facility-related individuals and their duties and responsibilities for developing, implementing and maintaining the facility’s plan. The plan shall describe in detail the chain of command at the aboveground storage tank facility and list all facility emergency coordinators and emergency response contractors;

    (3) Provide a preventive maintenance program that includes monitoring and inspection procedures, including identification of stress points, employee training programs and security systems. The plan shall include a description of potential sources and areas where spills and leaks may occur by drawings and plot plans and shall identify specific spill prevention measures for those identified areas;

    (4) Detail the specific response that the aboveground storage tank facility and contract emergency personnel shall take upon the occurrence of any release of fluids from an aboveground storage tank at the facility;

    (5) Provide information obtained by the owner or operator of the aboveground storage tanks from the county and municipal emergency management agencies and designate the person or persons to be notified in the event of a release from an aboveground storage tank; and

    (6) Provide the secretary with all other requested information.

    (b) Each owner of an aboveground storage tank with an approved spill prevention response plan shall submit to the secretary a revised plan or addendum to the plan in accordance with the requirements of this article if any of the following occur:

    (1) There is a substantial modification in design, construction, operation or maintenance of any aboveground storage tank or associated equipment, or there are other circumstances that increase the potential for fires, explosions or releases of fluids;

    (2) There is a substantial modification in emergency equipment at the facility;

    (3) There are substantial changes in emergency response protocols at the aboveground storage tank facility;

    (4) The plan fails in an emergency;

    (5) The removal or the addition of any aboveground storage tank; or

    (6) Other circumstances occur about which the secretary requests an update.

    (c) The secretary shall approve the spill prevention response plan or reject the plan and require modifications as may be necessary and reasonable to assure the protection of the source water of a public water system from a release of fluids from an aboveground storage tank. If rejected, the owner of the aboveground storage tank shall submit a revised plan to the secretary for approval within thirty days of receipt of notification of the secretary’s decision. Failure to comply with a plan approved by the secretary pursuant to this section is a violation of this article.

    (d) Nothing contained in this section relieves the owner or operator of an aboveground storage tank from his or her obligation to report any release immediately to the department’s emergency notification telephone number.

§22-30-11. Notice to local governments, water companies and other industrial users.

    The owner or operator of an aboveground storage tank facility shall annually provide public notice to public water systems located within a twenty five mile radius of the aboveground storage tank facility site and the local municipality, if any, and county in which the facility is located. The notice shall provide a detailed inventory of the type and quantity of fluid stored in aboveground storage tanks at the facility and the material safety data sheets associated with the fluid in storage. The owner or operator shall also annually provide a copy of the spill prevention response plan and any updates thereto, which have been approved by the secretary pursuant to this act, to the applicable public water systems and county and municipal emergency management agencies.

§22-30-12. Required signage.

    Every aboveground storage tank shall have prominently posted signage disclosing the contents of the tank and the hazards, if any, associated with the fluid stored therein. The signage shall also state the duty to duty to report spills and the sanctions for failure to do so. If the aboveground storage tank is empty, the signage shall so state. For the purposes of this section, the requirements for prominently posted signage shall be specified in the rules proposed for promulgation by the secretary pursuant to this article and article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code.

§22-30-13. Aboveground Storage Tank Administrative Fund.

    (a) The secretary shall collect annual registration fees from owners or operators of each aboveground storage tank in an amount sufficient to cover the regulatory oversight and services to be provided by designated agencies, including necessary technical and administrative personnel, as set forth by rule. All registration and permit fees and the net proceeds of all fines, penalties and forfeitures collected under this article, including accrued interest, shall be paid into a special revenue account, hereby created within the State Treasury, designated the Aboveground Storage Tank Administrative Fund, and shall be used solely to defray the cost of administering this act.

    (b) At the end of each fiscal year, any unexpended balance, including accrued interest, on deposit in the Aboveground Storage Tank Administrative Fund shall not be transferred to the General Revenue fund, but shall remain in the Aboveground Storage Tank Administrative Fund.

§22-30-14. Protect Our Water Fund.

    (a) Each owner or operator of an aboveground storage tank located in this state shall pay an annual fee to establish a fund to assure adequate response to leaking aboveground storage tanks. The amount of fees assessed pursuant to this section shall be set forth by rule. The fees must be sufficient to cover the regulatory oversight and services to be provided by designated agencies, including necessary technical and administrative personnel. The proceeds of the assessment shall be paid into a special revenue account, hereby created within the State Treasury, designated the Protect Our Water Fund, and shall be used solely to respond to leaking aboveground storage tanks.

    (b) Each owner or operator of an aboveground storage tank subject to a fee assessment under subsection (a) of this section shall pay a fee based on the number of aboveground storage tanks he or she owns or operates, as applicable. The secretary shall vary the fees annually to a level necessary to produce a sufficient fund at the beginning of each calendar year.

    (c) At the end of each fiscal year, any unexpended balance, including accrued interest, on deposit in the Protect Our Water Fund shall not be transferred to the General Revenue fund, but shall remain in the Protect Our Water Fund.

    (d) The secretary may enter into agreements and contracts and to expend the moneys in the fund for the following purposes:

    (1) Responding to aboveground storage tank releases when, based on readily available information, the secretary determines that immediate action is necessary to prevent or mitigate significant risk of harm to human health, safety, water resources or the environment from contamination caused by a release of fluid from aboveground storage tanks in situations for which no federal funds are immediately available for the response, cleanup or containment: Provided, That the secretary shall apply for and diligently pursue all available federal funds at the earliest possible time;

    (2) Reimbursing any nonresponsible parties for reasonable cleanup costs incurred with the authorization of the secretary in responding to an aboveground storage tank release; or

    (3) Reimbursing any nonresponsible parties for reasonable costs incurred with the authorization of the secretary responding to perceived, potential or threatened releases from aboveground storage tanks;

    (e) The secretary, through a cooperative agreement with another state regulatory agency, in this or another state, may use the fund to compensate the cooperating agency for expenses the cooperating agency incurs in carrying out regulatory responsibilities that agency may have pursuant to this article.

§22-30-15. Public access to information.

    (a) The public shall have access to all documents and information submitted to the agency, subject to the limitations contained in the state Freedom of Information Act. Records, reports or information obtained from any persons under this article may be disclosed to other officers, employees or authorized representatives of this state or federal agency implementing the provisions of this article or any other applicable law related to releases of fluid from aboveground storage tanks that impact the states water resources.

    (b) A list of the potential significant contaminant sources submitted to the Department of Environmental Protection may be partially protected from public disclosure, on request. The exact location of the contaminants within the zone of critical concern shall not be subject to public disclosure in response to a Freedom of Information Act request under article one, chapter twenty-nine-b of this code. However, the location, characteristics and approximate quantities of potential significant contaminant sources within the zone of critical concern shall be made known to one or more designees of the public water system, and shall be maintained in a confidential manner by the public water system. In the event of a chemical spill, release or related emergency, information pertaining to any spill or release of contaminant shall be immediately disseminated to any emergency responders responding to the site of a spill or release, and the general public shall be promptly notified in the event of a chemical spill, release or related emergency.

§22-30-16. Inspections, monitoring and testing.

    (a) For the purposes of developing or assisting in the development of any rule, conducting any study, taking any corrective action or enforcing any provision of this article, any owner or operator of an aboveground storage tank shall, upon request of the secretary:

    (1) Furnish information relating to the aboveground storage tanks, their associated equipment and contents;

    (2) Conduct reasonable monitoring or testing;

    (3) Permit the secretary, at all reasonable times, to inspect and copy records relating to aboveground storage tanks; and

    (4) Permit the secretary to have access to the aboveground storage tanks for corrective action.

    (b) For the purposes of developing or assisting in the development of any rule, conducting any study, taking corrective action or enforcing any provision of this article, the secretary may:

    (1) Enter at any time any establishment or other place where an aboveground storage tank is located;

    (2) Inspect and obtain samples of any fluid contained in an aboveground storage tank from any person;

    (3) Conduct monitoring or testing of the aboveground storage tanks, associated equipment, contents or surrounding soils, surface, water or groundwater; and

    (4) Take corrective action as specified in this article.

    (c) Each inspection shall be commenced and completed with reasonable promptness.

    (d) To ensure protection of the water resources of the state and compliance with any provision of this article or rule promulgated thereunder, the secretary shall inspect at least annually any aboveground storage tank facility located within twenty-five miles upstream of a public water system intake in zones of critical concern as determined by the secretary.

§22-30-17. Administrative orders; injunctive relief.

    (a) Whenever the secretary determines, on the basis of any information, that any person is in violation of any requirement of this article or the rules promulgated thereunder, the secretary may issue an order stating with reasonable specificity the nature of the violation and requiring compliance within a reasonable specified time period, or the secretary may commence a civil action in the circuit court of the county in which the violation occurred or in the circuit court of Kanawha County for appropriate relief, including a temporary or permanent injunction. The secretary may, except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, stay any order he or she issues upon application, until the order is reviewed by the Environmental Quality Board.

    (b) In addition to the powers and authority granted to the secretary by this chapter to enter into consent agreements, settlements, and otherwise enforce this chapter, the secretary shall propose rules for legislative approval, in accordance with article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code, to establish a mechanism for the administrative resolution of violations set forth in this article through consent order or agreement as an alternative to instituting a civil action.

§22-30-18. Civil and criminal penalties.

    (a) Any person who fails to comply with an order of the secretary issued under subsection (a), section seventeen of this article within the time specified in the order is liable for a civil penalty of not more than $25,000 for each day of continued noncompliance.

    (b) Any owner or operator of an aboveground storage tank who knowingly fails to register or obtain a permit for an aboveground storage tank or submits false information pursuant to this article is liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 for each aboveground storage tank that is not registered or permitted or for which false information is submitted.

    (c) Any owner or operator of an aboveground storage tank who fails to comply with any requirement of this article or any standard promulgated by the secretary pursuant to this article is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 for each day of violation.

    (d) Any person who fails to comply with any requirement of section twenty-four of this article is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 for each day of violation.

    (e) Any person who knowingly and intentionally violates any provision of this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be confined in a regional jail for a period of time not exceeding six months, and be fined an amount not to exceed $25,000.

§22-30-19. Appeal to Environmental Quality Board.

    Any person aggrieved or adversely affected by an order of the secretary made and entered in accordance with the provisions of this article may appeal to the Environmental Quality Board, pursuant to the provisions of article one, chapter twenty-two-b of this code.

§22-30-20. Duplicative enforcement prohibited.

    No enforcement proceeding brought pursuant to this article may be duplicated by an enforcement proceeding subsequently commenced under some other article of this code with respect to the same transaction or event, unless the subsequent proceeding involves the violation of a permit or permitting requirement of other article.

§22-30-21. Reporting and accountability.

    (a) Every three years, the secretary shall submit a report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Commission on State Water Resources and the Joint Committee on Government and Finance which assesses the effectiveness of this article and provides other information as may be requested by the commission to allow it to assess the effectiveness of this article, including without limitation the secretary’s observations concerning all aspects of compliance with this article and any legislative rules promulgated pursuant hereto, the regulatory process, and any pertinent changes to federal rules or regulations.

    (b) The secretary shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements related to the administration of the Aboveground Storage Tank Administrative Fund and shall make a detailed annual report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Commission on State Water Resources and the Joint Committee on Government and Finance addressing the administration of the fund.

    (c) The secretary shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements related to the administration of the Protect Our Water Fund and shall make a specific annual report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Commission on State Water Resources and the Joint Committee on Government and Finance addressing the administration of the fund.

§22-30-22. Interagency cooperation.

    (a) In implementation of this article, the secretary shall coordinate with the Department of Health and Human Resources, the West Virginia Public Service Commission and local health departments to ensure the successful planning and implementation of this act, including consideration of the role of those agencies in providing services to owners and operators of aboveground storage tanks and public water systems.

    (b) The secretary shall also coordinate with state and local emergency response agencies to prepare and issue appropriate emergency response plans to address facility emergency response and incident command when the functions are provided by the owner or operator of the aboveground storage tank and the public water system.

    (c) The secretary shall also coordinate with the State Fire Marshal in addressing the periodic inspection of local fire departments to include a requirement for inspectors to examine and identify the status of National Incident Management System fire department personnel training.

§22-30-23. Imminent and substantial danger.

    (a) Notwithstanding any other provision in this chapter, upon receipt of evidence that an aboveground storage tank may present an imminent and substantial danger to human health, water resources or the environment, the secretary may bring suit on behalf of the State of West Virginia in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County against any owner or operator of an aboveground storage tank who has contributed or who is contributing to imminent and substantial danger to public health, safety, water resources or the environment to order the person to take action as may be necessary to abate the situation and protect human health, safety, water resources and the environment from contamination caused by a release of fluid from an aboveground storage tank.

    (b) Upon receipt of information that there is any aboveground storage tank that presents an imminent and substantial danger to human health, safety, water resources or the environment, the secretary shall provide immediate notice to the appropriate state and local government agencies and any affected public water system. In addition, the secretary shall require notice of any danger to be promptly posted at the aboveground storage tank facility containing the aboveground storage tank at issue.

§22-30-24. Promulgation of rules.

    The secretary shall promulgate emergency and legislative rules as necessary to implement the provisions of this article in accordance with the provisions of article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code.

§22-30-25. Powers and duties of secretary.

    (a) In addition to the powers and duties prescribed in this chapter or otherwise provided by law, the secretary has the exclusive authority to perform all acts necessary to implement this article.

    (b) The secretary may receive and expend money from the federal government or any other sources to implement this article.

    (c) The secretary may revoke any registration, authorization or permit for a violation of this article or the rules promulgated hereunder

    (d) The secretary may issue orders, assess civil penalties, institute enforcement proceedings and prosecute violations of this article as necessary.

    (e) The secretary, in accordance with this article, may order corrective action to be undertaken, take corrective action or authorize a third party to take corrective action.

    (f) The secretary may recover the costs of taking corrective action, including costs associated with authorizing third parties to perform corrective action, not including. Costs may not include routine inspection and administrative activities not associated with a release.

ARTICLE 31. THE PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY PROTECTION ACT.

§22-31-1. Short title.

    This article may be known and cited as the Public Water Supply Protection Act.

§22-31-2. Legislative findings.

    (a) The West Virginia Legislature finds that it is in the public policy of the State of West Virginia to protect and conserve the water resources which are relied upon by the state and its citizens. The state’s water resources are vital natural resources that are essential to maintain, preserve and promote human health, quality of life and economic vitality of the state.

    (b) The West Virginia Legislature further finds that it is the public policy of the state that clean, uncontaminated water be available for its citizens who are dependent on clean water as a basic need for survival, and who rely on the assurances from public water systems and the government that the water is safe to consume.

    (c) The West Virginia Legislature further finds that it is the public policy of the state that clean, uncontaminated water be available to its businesses and industries that rely on water for their economic survival, and the wellbeing of their employees. These include hospitals and the medical industry, schools and educational institutions, the food and hospitality industries, the tourism industry, manufacturing, coal, natural gas and other industries. Businesses and industries searching for places to locate or relocate consider the quality of life for their employees as well as the quality of the raw materials such as clean water.

    (d) The Legislature further finds that large quantities of fluids are stored in aboveground storage tanks, below ground storage tanks, in impoundments and others which pose a threat of potential contamination to surface waters and groundwaters which are relied upon as primary sources of public water supplies in the state. Emergency situations involving these fluids can and will arise that may present a hazard to human health, safety, the water resources, the environment and the economy of the state.

    (e) It is important that the public water systems, the responding emergency providers and regulatory inspectors and personnel require complete and accurate information regarding the volume, identity, characteristics and qualities of each potential significant contaminant sources to efficiently and accurately anticipate and respond to any associated threat to the public posed by a leak or spill event.

    (f) The Legislature also finds it reasonable and appropriate to impose additional regulatory oversight and reporting requirements for potential contaminants which are in close proximity to a public water intake, due to the sudden and devastating impact that potential contaminants in that zone pose to a public water’s system’s critical source of supply.

§22-31-3. Definitions.

    For the purposes of this article:

    (1) “Groundwater supply source” means the same in this article as set forth in section two, article one, chapter sixteen of this code.

    (2) "Public water system" means the same as that term is defined in article one, chapter sixteen of this code.

    (3) “Public water utility” means a public water system which is regulated by the West Virginia Public Service Commission pursuant to the provisions of chapter twenty-four of this code.

    (4) “Surface water supply source” means the same in this article as set forth in section two, article one, chapter sixteen of this code.

    (5) “Surface water influenced groundwater supply source” means the same in this article as set forth in section two, article one, chapter sixteen of this code.

    (6) “Zone of critical concern” means the same in this article as set forth in section two, article one, chapter sixteen of this code.

§22-31-4. Inventory potential significant contaminant sources of in     a zone of critical concern.

    (a) To assure protection of the water resources of the state, the secretary shall compile an inventory of all potential significant contaminant sources contained within a public water system’s zone of critical concern for all public water systems whose source of supply is obtained from a surface water supply source or a surface water influenced groundwater supply source. The secretary shall prescribe a registration form for this purpose within thirty days of the effective date of the enactment of this article. All potential significant contaminant sources within a public water system’s defined zone of critical concern shall be required to register with the Department of Environmental Protection no later than sixty days from the effective date of the enactment of this article.

    (b) At a minimum the registration shall include the date of the installation of any above-ground or underground tank on the property, tank location, type of construction, size and age of the tank, the type and volume of fluid stored therein and the proximity to any water intake; and the date of any pertinent storm water runoff permit or individual NPDES permit issued for the site. If potential contaminants are stored on the property in stockpiles or other large quantities on the premises within the zone of critical concern, the registration must identify the type and quantities of those potential contaminants. The registrant shall also be required to supply a copy of all relevant Material Data Safety Sheets (MSDS) for any potential contaminant which stored or stockpiled on the registrant’s property.

    (c) If, at the time this registration is required to be submitted, the secretary has not prepared the form required by this section, the owner or operator shall nevertheless submit the information in writing to the secretary. The duty to provide correct, up-to-date information is an ongoing requirement.

    (d) Any potential significant contaminant placed into service on and after the effective date of this section, but prior to the establishment of a permit program, shall register with the secretary and request permission to establish tank into service pending a permit application.

    (e) The secretary may charge a reasonable fee to cover the cost of the registration program. The fee may be set by emergency and legislative rules proposed for promulgation in accordance with the provisions of article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code. 

§22-31-5. Promulgation of rules.

    The secretary shall promulgate emergency and legislative rules as necessary to implement the provisions of this article in accordance with the provisions of article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code.

§22-31-6. Powers and duties of secretary.

    (a) In addition to the powers and duties prescribed in this chapter or otherwise provided by law, the secretary has the exclusive authority to perform all acts necessary to implement this article.

    (b) The secretary may receive and expend money from the federal government or any other sources to implement this article.

    (c) The secretary may revoke any registration, authorization or permit for a violation of this article or the rules promulgated hereunder

    (d) The secretary may issue orders, assess civil penalties, institute enforcement proceedings and prosecute violations of this article as necessary.

    (e) The secretary, in accordance with this article, may order corrective action to be undertaken, take corrective action or authorize a third party to take corrective action.

    (f) The secretary may recover the costs of taking corrective action, including costs associated with authorizing third parties to perform corrective action, not including. Costs may not include routine inspection and administrative activities not associated with a release.

§22-31-7. Public access to information.

    (a) Subject to the exemptions listed in section four, article one, chapter twenty-nine-b of this code, the public shall have access to all documents and information submitted to the agency in accordance with this section pursuant to the state Freedom of Information Act. Records, reports or information obtained from any persons under this article may be disclosed to other officers, employees or authorized representatives of this state or the United States Environmental Protection Agency or of this state if the officers, employees or authorized representatives are implementing the provisions of this article or any other applicable law related to releases of contaminants tanks that impact the state’s water resources.

    (b) In submitting data under this article, a person required to provide the data may designate the data that he or she believes is entitled to protection under this section and may submit the designated data separately from other data submitted under this article. A designation under this subsection shall be made in writing and in a manner as the secretary may prescribe.

    (c)The Department of Environmental Protection shall provide a copy of the compiled list of contaminants in each zone of critical concern to the affected public water system, the Bureau for Public Health, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Response. This will enable those entities to possess a compiled list of the types, quantities, characteristics and locations of all of the known potential contaminants within the zone of critical concern for each public water supply. If any of the submitted information is requested to be kept confidential and good cause is found to grant the request, for reasons of security or other legitimate public interest concern, the protected information shall be redacted from public view and kept confidential, and it shall not be subject to public release in response to a Freedom of Information Act request under made under chapter twenty-nine-b of this code.

§22-31-8. Inspections, monitoring and testing.

    (a) For the purposes of developing or assisting in the development of any rule, conducting any study, taking any corrective action or enforcing any provision of this article, any owner or operator of designated site of potential contamination within a zone of critical protection shall, upon request of the secretary:

    (1) Furnish information relating to the site and potential contaminants on the site, their aboveground and underground storage tanks, their associated equipment and contents;

    (2) Conduct reasonable monitoring or testing;

    (3) Permit the secretary, at all reasonable times, to inspect and copy records relating to the facilities and equipment used to store or contain the potential contaminants; and

    (4) Permit the secretary to have access to the site for corrective action.

    (b) For the purposes of developing or assisting in the development of any rule, conducting any study, taking corrective action or enforcing any provision of this article, the secretary may:

    (1) Enter at any time any establishment or other place where on the site or where the potential contaminant is located;

    (2) Inspect and obtain samples of any fluid contained or stored on the site from any person;

    (3) Conduct monitoring or testing of the site and any associated aboveground storage tanks, underground storage tanks, associated equipment, contents or surrounding soils, surface, water or groundwater; and

    (4) Take corrective action as specified in this article.

    (c) Each inspection shall be commenced and completed with reasonable promptness.

    (d) To ensure protection of the water resources of the state and compliance with any provision of this article or rule promulgated thereunder, the secretary shall inspect at least annually any designated site of potential contamination which is located within the zone of critical concern for a public surface water system intake.

    (e)Do to the potential impact of contaminants within a zone of critical concern on public water supplies, the Bureau for Public Health shall have the same right to enter, inspect and conduct sampling and monitoring at any site within a zone of critical concern that is extended by this article to the Department of Environmental Protection.

§22-31-9. Right to prohibit use of a general NPDES permit within a     zone of critical concern.

    Because of the potential public health impact of pollution to downstream public water intakes in a watershed basin designated as an area of critical concern, the Bureau for Public Health may require any permittee currently holding a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) general permit pursuant to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to apply and hold an individual permit under that Act. Any general NPDES permit held currently under that act shall remain in effect until the individual NPDES permit is either issued or denied.

§22-31-10. Civil and criminal penalties.

    (a) Any person who fails to comply with an order of the secretary issued pursuant to this article the time specified in the order is liable for a civil penalty of not more than $25,000 for each day of continued noncompliance.

    (b) Any owner or operator of a designated site of potential significant contaminant sources within a zone of critical concern above a public water intake who knowingly fails to register or obtain a permit for an aboveground storage tank or submits false information pursuant to this article is liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 for each aboveground storage tank that is not registered or permitted or for which false information is submitted.

    (c) Any owner or operator of a site of potential significant contaminant sources within a zone of critical concern above a public water intake who fails to comply with any requirement of this article or any standard promulgated by the secretary pursuant to this article is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 for each day of violation.

    (d) Any person who knowingly and intentionally violates any provision of this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be confined in a regional jail for a period of time not exceeding six months, and be fined an amount not to exceed $25,000.

§22-31-11. Appeal to Environmental Quality Board.

    A person aggrieved or adversely affected by an order of the secretary or the Bureau for Public Health made and entered in accordance with the provisions of this article may appeal to the Environmental Quality Board, pursuant to the provisions of article one, chapter twenty-two-b of this code.”