Bill > H624

This bill amends Chapter 21E of the General Laws to add a new section, Section 7A, which allows the department of environmental protection (DEP) to take containment actions, as defined by section 2 of the chapter, on commercial or non-residential properties if the owner grants permission to enter or if the municipality intervenes when the owner refuses. The DEP can then recover the costs of these containment actions from the property owner, operator, or the Federal Leaking Underground Storage Tank Program, provided the costs are deemed reasonable by the DEP. This provision aims to prevent hazardous material releases, particularly from underground tanks, by enabling the DEP to act even if the property owner is initially uncooperative, ensuring environmental protection and cost recovery.