The commissioner may order a responsible party to correct noncompliance, and the order must be followed by the deadline stated in it.
When the commissioner finds upon investigation that any provisions of this chapter are not being carried out, and that effective measures are not being taken to comply with this chapter, the commissioner may issue an order for correction to the responsible party, and this order shall be complied with within the time limit specified in the order. The commissioner may issue an order to a responsible party to close the UST system under its ownership or control or use the petroleum underground storage tank fund to permanently close the UST system and seek cost recovery if the commissioner determines: That the tank system has not been brought into compliance within six (6) months of being prohibited from receiving petroleum pursuant to § 68-215-106(c); or That all fees, penalties, and interest have not been paid on a tank at the time tank fees for the following year are payable. Such order shall be made by personal service or shall be sent by certified mail. Investigations made in accordance with this section may be made on the initiative of the commissioner, including any violation of this chapter or regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter. Prior to the issuance of any order or the execution of any other enforcement action, the commissioner may request the presence of an alleged violator of this chapter to a meeting to show cause why enforcement action ought not be taken by the department. Any person may request a meeting with the department to discuss matters pertaining to petroleum underground storage tanks. Responsible parties shall be liable to the state for costs of investigation, identification, containment and cleanup, including monitoring and maintenance, as provided in this chapter. Owners and/or operators of petroleum underground storage tanks with respect to releases eligible for fund reimbursement shall be liable for all costs not covered by the fund. Petroleum site owners with respect to releases eligible for fund reimbursement shall be secondarily liable for all costs not covered by the fund. All other owners and/or operators of petroleum underground storage tanks and petroleum site owners shall be liable for all costs, as provided in this chapter. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this section shall prevent the reimbursement of expenditures for investigation, identification, containment and cleanup, including monitoring and maintenance incurred by tank owners and operators or petroleum site owners pursuant to § 68-215-111.