§ 143B-279.7. Fish kill response protocols; report. - North Carolina Statutes

§ 143B‑279.7.  Fish kill response protocols;report.

(a)        The Department of Environment and Natural Resources shallcoordinate an intradepartmental effort to develop scientific protocols torespond to significant fish kill events utilizing staff from the Division ofWater Quality, Division of Marine Fisheries, Department of Health and HumanServices, Wildlife Resources Commission, the scientific community, and otheragencies, as necessary. In developing these protocols, the Department ofEnvironment and Natural Resources shall address the unpredictable nature offish kills caused by both natural and man‑made factors. The protocolsshall contain written procedures to respond to significant fish kill eventsincluding:

(1)        Developing a plan of action to evaluate the impact of fishkills on public health and the environment.

(2)        Responding to fish kills within 24 hours.

(3)        Investigating and collecting data relating to fish killevents.

(4)        Summarizing and distributing fish kill information toparticipating agencies, scientists and other interested parties.

(b)        The Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources shalltake all necessary and appropriate steps to effectively carry out the purposesof this Part including:

(1)        Providing adequate training for fish kill investigators.

(2)        Taking immediate action to protect public health and theenvironment.

(3)        Cooperating with agencies, scientists, and other interestedparties, to help determine the cause of the fish kill.

(c)        The Department of Environment and Natural Resources shallreport annually to the Environmental Review Commission no later than December 1of each year. This report shall include a summary of all fish kill activitywithin the last year, an overview of any trend analyses, a discussion of anynew or modified methodologies or reporting protocols, and any other relevantinformation. (1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996),c. 633, s. 4; 1997‑443, s. 11A.108A; 2001‑452, s. 2.8; 2001‑474,ss. 30, 31.)