32.1-176.5:1 - Department to test for oil contamination; maintain lists of private laboratories
§ 32.1-176.5:1. Department to test for oil contamination; maintain lists ofprivate laboratories.
A. The Department shall disseminate the information on confirmed oil releasesand discharges, contained in the Department of Environmental Quality'smonthly report prepared pursuant to § 62.1-44.15:4.1, to local healthdepartments and Department field offices. Local health departments and fieldoffices shall make the reports available for public inspection.
B. Upon the request of any person whose private well is located in an area,as defined by the Department, where an oil release or discharge has beenconfirmed in the reports prepared by the Department of Environment Quality,the Department shall test the water supply of the private well for thepresence of oil to determine whether there is risk to public health. Thecosts of such tests shall be borne by the person requesting the test, unlessthe Department finds the oil release or discharge poses a potential risk tothe health of persons using that private well.
C. The Department shall maintain and make available, upon the request of anyperson, a list of various private companies located throughout theCommonwealth that possess the technical expertise to analyze water samplesfor the presence of oil constituents. Any private company providing suchlaboratory testing services may contact the Department and shall have itsname placed on the list. The placement of a company on the list shall notconstitute an endorsement of any company or its services.
(1998, c. 795.)