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

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

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