§ 20-10-14 - Emergency closure of areas subject to permit.
SECTION 20-10-14
§ 20-10-14 Emergency closure of areassubject to permit. – Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter or any other provision of law,if the director finds or has cause to believe that an aquaculture activity iscausing or is likely to cause an immediate danger to marine life or theenvironment of the coastal waters of the state, the director shall notify theCRMC. The CRMC shall immediately order all permittees affected by that noticeto show cause why their aquaculture activities should not be terminated, andany aquaculture species or paraphernalia removed from the waters of the state.The CRMC shall proceed to hold a public hearing and issue its order withrespect to the hearing, within a reasonable period. In its order following thehearing the CRMC may direct the temporary or permanent suspension ofaquaculture activities in the affected area, removal of equipment or animals,or any other measures as shall be deemed necessary for the protection of themarine life and environment of the waters of the state, including theforfeiture to and destruction by the state of any plant or animal species.