(A) The Department is authorized to hold public hearings, compel attendance of witnesses, make findings of fact and determinations and to assess civil penalties. The Department by rule or regulation shall fix a schedule of reasonable fines and civil penalties relating to violations of the provisions of this article or any rule or regulation, license or license condition, permit or permit condition, temporary or permanent order, or final determination of the Department and any person violating any of the provisions of this article, or any rule or regulation, license or license condition, permit or permit condition, temporary or permanent order, or final determination of the Department shall be subject to the schedule of fines and civil penalties; provided, that the maximum penalty for any violation shall not exceed twenty-five thousand dollars.

Provided, that the provisions of chapter 23 of title 1 notwithstanding, the Department shall issue an interim schedule of reasonable fines and civil penalties which shall remain in force and effect until such time as the Department issues final rules and regulations pursuant to the provisions of chapter 23 of title 1.

Each day of noncompliance with any rule or regulation, license or license condition, permit or permit condition, temporary or permanent order, as final determination of the Department shall constitute a separate violation.

(B) In assessing a fine or penalty, or suspending or revoking a permit, the Department shall consider, but not be limited to, the following factors:

(1) The degree of harm to the public health or safety which has resulted or might result from such violations;

(2) The degree of exceedence of a radiation level as set forth in applicable law and regulation;

(3) The duration of the violation;

(4) Any prior violations of statutes, rules, orders, regulations, license or license condition, permit or permit condition.

(C) Any person to whom an order issued under this article is directed, shall comply therewith immediately, but on application to the Department, within twenty days after the date of the order, shall be afforded a hearing within thirty days of such application. Any hearings held pursuant to this section shall be held pursuant to the procedures set forth in chapter 23 of title 1, except that where the provisions of this article are in conflict with the provisions of chapter 23 of title 1, this article shall control.

(D) The monies obtained from the levying of fines, penalties or fees under this article shall accrue to the general fund of the State.

HISTORY: 1980 Act No. 429, Section 2, eff May 26, 1980.