This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to enhance the emergency event notification and reporting requirements for industrial facilities, well operators, and pipeline operators. Key changes include clarifying the definitions of "industrial facility" and "emergency event," and establishing specific reporting protocols that must be followed within 15 minutes of an incident. The bill mandates that industrial facilities contact the local county 9-1-1 Center to report emergencies and provides detailed information that must be included in these reports. Additionally, it specifies that the Department of Environmental Protection will investigate compliance with these requirements and outlines the process for imposing civil penalties for non-compliance.

The bill also introduces provisions for civil penalties, which can be imposed by the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection for failures to comply with reporting and communication requirements. It allows for the waiver of penalties under certain circumstances and establishes a process for reconsideration and appeal of penalties through the Intermediate Court of Appeals. Furthermore, all collected penalties will be deposited into the Hazardous Waste Emergency Response Fund. Overall, the bill aims to improve emergency response coordination and accountability among industrial operators in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-5B-3a, 15-5C-2
Committee Substitute: 15-5B-3a, 15-5C-2