§ 23-19.1-16. Emergency powers. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the director, upon finding that the storage, transportation, treatment, or disposal of any hazardous waste, or any other activity with respect to the wastes, presents an imminent hazard to the public health and safety, or to the environment, may, without prior notice or hearing, take any action as the director deems necessary to protect the public health and safety, or the environment. The action may include, but shall not be limited to, the following:

(1) Issuing orders directing the hazardous waste generator or transporter or operator of the hazardous waste management facility, or any other person who is the custodian of the waste, which constitutes the hazard, to take any steps as the director shall deem necessary to prevent the act or to eliminate the condition which constitutes the hazard. The action may include, with respect to a facility or site, temporary cessation of operation, and/or an order for the removal of the hazardous substance from the site. Any order issued under this section without notice and prior hearing shall be effective no longer than forty-five (45) days, provided, that for good cause shown the order may be extended one additional period of up to forty-five (45) days; and/or

(2) Obtaining injunction relief or other order from superior court.

History of Section. (P.L. 1978, ch. 229, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 23-46.2-16; P.L. 1979, ch. 39, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 23-19.1-16; P.L. 1979, ch. 265, § 1.)