§ 143-215.79.  Inspections and investigations; entry upon property.

The Commission, through its authorized representatives, is empowered to conduct such inspections and investigations as shall be reasonably necessary to determine compliance with the provisions of this Article; to determine the person or persons responsible for violation of this Article; to determine the nature and location of any oil or other hazardous substances discharged to the land or waters of this State; and to enforce the provisions of this Article. The authorized representatives of the Commission are empowered upon presentation of their credentials to enter upon any private or public property, including boarding any vessel, for the purpose of inspection or investigation or in order to conduct any project or activity to contain, collect, disperse or remove oil or other hazardous substances discharges or to perform any restoration necessitated by an oil or other hazardous substances discharge. Neither the State nor its agencies, employees or agents shall be liable in trespass or damages arising out of the conduct of any inspection, investigation, or oil or other hazardous substances removal or restoration project or activity other than liability for damage to property or injury to persons arising out of the negligent or willful conduct of an employee or agent of the State during the course of an inspection, investigation, project or activity. (1973, c. 534, s. 1; c. 1262, s. 23; 1979, c. 535, s. 12; 1987, c. 827, s. 154.)