(a) In relation or addition to the powers set forth in this section and any other provisions of laws of this state, the department is empowered, with regard to the regulation, control, or removal of hazardous substances as follows:

(1) To respond to, direct, or initiate cleanup of inactive or abandoned hazardous substance sites;

(2) To conduct or contract for professional technical data gathering and analysis and damage assessment;

(3) To conduct or contract for the removal or containment of hazardous substances where there has been or is a potential for release, regardless of quantity or concentration; and

(4) Acting through the provisions of Sections 22-22A-5 and 22-22A-8 issue such rules and regulations as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.

(b) The fund shall be available to the department for expenditures for the purpose of providing for the identification, investigation, and for the containment and cleanup, including monitoring and maintenance of inactive or abandoned hazardous substance sites within the state as provided in this chapter, and as follows:

(1) Moneys from the fund may be used only for cleanup of inactive or abandoned hazardous substance sites which at the time cleanup activities commence do not appear on the most current national priorities list (NPL) of the United States Environmental Protection Agency as developed under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 ("CERCLA") 42 U.S.C. §9601 et seq. unless,

(2) The moneys are intended to provide the state's share of matching funds for cleanup of a CERCLA site on the NPL.

(c) The department may enter into such contracts and use the fund for those purposes directly associated with identification, investigation, containment and cleanup, including monitoring and maintenance, prescribed above including:

(1) Hiring of consultants and personnel;

(2) Purchasing, leasing or renting of necessary equipment; and/or

(3) Paying other necessary expenses.

(d) The fund shall not be used for hiring personnel for continuing programs of the department not directly related to the purpose of this chapter or for ongoing research activities not directly related to the purpose of this chapter.