125-I:8 Enforcement. –
I. Whenever the commissioner or the commissioner's authorized representative finds that any device or source of air pollution has resulted in a violation of any of the provisions of this chapter or any rules in force hereunder, or any condition in a permit issued under this chapter, the commissioner shall issue a notice of violation and, where appropriate, an order of abatement establishing a compliance schedule with which the device or source shall comply. Any order of abatement shall become final and enforceable by the commissioner within 30 days of its issuance unless an appeal is filed with the council before the expiration of the 30-day period. The council shall hold a hearing on any such appeal promptly, and shall thereafter issue a decision upholding, modifying, or abrogating the commissioner's order of abatement or any part of such order. The council's decision shall become final 10 days after it is issued. Appeals from decisions of the air resources council shall be made in accordance with the provisions of RSA 541. Upon a finding by the commissioner, in consultation with the department of health and human services, that there is an imminent and substantial endangerment to the public health or welfare, the commissioner shall issue an order of abatement requiring immediate compliance. The order shall be final and enforceable upon issuance, but may be appealed to the council within 30 days of its issuance and the council may, after hearing, uphold, modify, or abrogate the order.
II. Any violation of the provision of this chapter, or of any rules or orders issued under it, or of any condition in a permit issued under it, shall be subject to enforcement by injunction, including mandatory injunction, issued by the superior court upon application of the attorney general. Any such violation shall also be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $25,000 per violation, and for each day of a continuing violation.
III. Any person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter, or any rule adopted or order issued under this chapter, or any condition of a permit issued under this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor if a natural person, or guilty of a felony if any other person.
IV. Notwithstanding RSA 651:2, any person may, in addition to any sentence of imprisonment, probation, or conditional discharge, be fined not more than $25,000 if found guilty of any violation pursuant to RSA 125-I:8, III. Each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense.
Source. 1996, 279:4, eff. July 1, 1996; 279:10, eff. July 1, 1996 at 12:02 a.m.