(A) Any discharger who accidentally discharges into a waterbody any substance other than stormwater or an exempted discharge shall immediately inform the Hancock County Health Department and Hancock County Emergency Management agency concerning the discharge. A written report concerning the discharge shall be filed with the Hancock County Surveyor's Office and IDEM, by the discharger, within five days. The written report shall specify:
(1) The composition of the discharge and the cause thereof;
(2) The date, time, and estimated volume of the discharge;
(3) All measures taken to clean up the accidental discharge, and all measures proposed to be taken to prevent any recurrence;
(4) The name and telephone number of the person making the report, and the name and telephone number of a person who may be contacted for additional information on the matter.
(B) A properly reported accidental discharge shall be an affirmative defense to a civil infraction proceeding brought under this chapter against a discharger for such discharge. It shall not, however, be a defense to a legal action brought to obtain an injunction, to obtain recovery of costs or to obtain other relief because of or arising out of the discharge. A discharge shall be considered properly reported only if the discharger complies with all the requirements of this section. This requirement does not relieve discharger from notifying other entities as required by state or federal regulations.
(Ord. 2005-12C, passed 12-12-05; Am. Ord. 2018-11-A, passed 12-5-18; Am. Ord. 2022-10A, passed 10-4-22)