(A) In the event that the Petroleum Administrator determines at any time that any operations covered under this chapter constitute an imminent threat to public health, safety or the environment, he or she shall have the right to compel the operator to take appropriate action, within a time frame identified by the Petroleum Administrator, to mitigate the situation. In the event that the operator cannot be located, the Petroleum Administrator may take the necessary steps to mitigate the immediate threat and stabilize the situation, until such time as the operator can respond. The operator shall be responsible for reimbursement of all reasonable costs to the county associated with the mitigation activities.
(B) In the event that substantial damage to the environment and/or public health results from the activity listed above, the operator shall be responsible for remediation of such damage within a reasonable period of time. If, in the judgment of the Petroleum Administrator, such remediation activities are not initiated within a reasonable period of time, the Petroleum Administrator may issue a notice of intent to initiate remediation and that the operator shall be responsible for funding the remediation. The county shall issue said notice at least 30 days prior to commencement of remedial activities. The operator may respond by 1) initiating remedial activities within the 30-day period, or 2) filing an appeal. In the absence of one of these actions the county may order the remediation at the cost of the operator. Notwithstanding the above, the 30-day notice period may be waived by the County Board of Supervisors in cases of imminent danger to environment or to the public. In such case, the Petroleum Administrator shall specify the time period in which the operator must initiate remedial action or file an appeal.
(Ord. 918, § 1(part), 2013)