§ 87-90. Rights of investigation, entry, access and inspection. - North Carolina Statutes

§87‑90.  Rights of investigation, entry, access and inspection.

The Environmental ManagementCommission or Department shall have the right to conduct such investigations asit may reasonably find necessary to carry on its duties prescribed in thisArticle, and for this purpose to enter at reasonable times upon any property,public or private, for the purpose of investigating the condition,installation, or operation of any well or associated equipment, facility, orproperty, and to require written statements or the filing of reports underoath, with respect to pertinent questions relating to the installation oroperation of any well: Provided, that no person shall be required to discloseany secret formula, processes or methods used in any manufacturing operation orany confidential information concerning business activities carried on by himor under his supervision. No person shall refuse entry or access to anyauthorized representative of the Environmental Management Commission whorequests entry for purposes of inspection, and who presents appropriatecredentials, nor shall any person obstruct, hamper or interfere with any suchrepresentative while in the process of carrying out his official duties,consistent with the provisions of this Article. (1967, c. 1157, s. 8; 1973,c. 1262, s. 23.)