The proposed bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by introducing a new article, designated as 22-1B-1, which mandates public notification of hazardous environmental spills. Under this legislation, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is required to notify the public within 24 hours of any reported spill, discharge, or release of hazardous substances into state waters. The bill defines "hazardous substances" broadly, encompassing various materials that could pose risks to health or the environment. It outlines the essential information that must be included in the public notification, such as the spill's location, the type and quantity of the substance, potential impacts, precautionary measures, and corrective actions being taken.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that public notifications must be disseminated through multiple channels, including the DEP's official website, social media, local media outlets, and emergency alert systems. It also imposes a requirement on entities responsible for spills to immediately notify the DEP and the West Virginia Emergency Management Division upon discovery of the incident, with potential civil penalties for non-compliance. Furthermore, the DEP is tasked with maintaining an online public database to track all spills and their remediation efforts, ensuring transparency and accessibility for the general public.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 22-1B-1