Section 12-8-70. Inspections and investigations

   (a) The director or the director's authorized representative, upon presentation of his credentials, shall have a right to enter upon, to, or through premises of persons subject to this article, or premises whereon a violation of the article or rules and regulations is reasonably believed to be occurring or is reasonably believed to be about to occur, to investigate, take samples, copy all records relating to hazardous wastes, and inspect for compliance with the requirements imposed under this article or the rules and regulations or to determine whether such a violation or threatened violation exists in accordance with the following purposes:

   (1) For the purpose of determining whether any person subject to the requirements of this article is in compliance with any standard or requirement imposed pursuant to this article;

   (2) For the purpose of investigating conditions relating to hazardous waste management or hazardous waste management practices where the director is in possession of information sufficient to form a reasonable belief that a violation of this article or the rules and regulations is occurring or is about to occur;

   (3) For the purpose of determining whether there has been a violation of any of the provisions of this article, the rules and regulations promulgated under this article, or any permit or order issued pursuant to this article and the rules and regulations; or

   (4) For the purpose of determining whether a release of hazardous wastes, hazardous constituents, or hazardous substances is occurring or has occurred.

(b) In the event any person does not consent to an inspection or investigation, the director or his authorized representative may seek to obtain a warrant authorizing the inspection or investigation.

(c) Each such inspection or investigation shall be commenced and completed with reasonable promptness. If the director or his authorized representatives obtain any samples prior to leaving the premises, he or they shall give to the owner, operator, or agent in charge a receipt describing the sample obtained and, if requested, a portion of each such sample equal in volume or weight to the portion retained. If any analysis is made of such samples, a copy of the results of such analysis shall be furnished promptly to the owner, operator, or agent in charge.

(d) Any person whom the agency has reason to believe is contributing to or may have contributed to or may be responsible for a release of or the disposal of hazardous wastes, hazardous constituents, or hazardous substances or who is the owner of real property where a release or disposal has occurred or is suspected to have occurred, when requested by the director, shall furnish to the director any information which that person may have or may reasonably obtain which is relevant to the release and has been requested by the director.

Ga. L. 1979, p. 1127, § 12; Ga. L. 1992, p. 2234, § 5; Ga. L. 1996, p. 6, § 12.