Section 2-12-48. Penalties for deficient materials

   If the analysis of an official sample shows that an agricultural liming material is deficient in one or more of its guarantees beyond the investigational allowances set forth in the regulations of the Commissioner, the following penalties shall be assessed in accordance with the following provisions:

   (1) In the event the neutralizing value (calcium carbonate equivalent) is found deficient, the penalty shall be 50 cent(s) per percentage point or fraction thereof on all liming materials;

   (2) In the event the magnesium (Mg) is found to be deficient, the penalty shall be $1.00 per percentage point or fraction thereof on all liming materials;

   (3) When an official sample does not meet screen specifications as set forth in this article, the penalty shall be 50 cent(s) per percentage point or fraction thereof for each sieve size failing to meet its guarantee;

   (4) If the moisture content of an official sample exceeds the guarantee, a penalty of $1.00 per ton shall be assessed for each increase in moisture of 5 percent or fraction thereof;

   (5) When an official sample is subject to a penalty, the tonnage represented by the official sample shall be subject to a minimum penalty of $10.00 and a maximum penalty not to exceed the actual retail value of the liming material; and

   (6) Penalty payments will be made to the consumer, when known, through the office of the Commissioner. If the consumer is unknown, the penalty payment will be made to the Commissioner to be deposited in the state treasury.

Code 1981, § 2-12-48, enacted by Ga. L. 1996, p. 1183, § 1.