If the commissioner finds upon investigation that an area or location where used motor vehicle tires are or were handled, stored or disposed of is not licensed or is in violation of the solid waste management rules relating to tires and presents a significant fire hazard or a threat to public health or safety or to the environment, the commissioner may designate that location as an uncontrolled tire stockpile and may issue an administrative order directing the responsible party or parties to mitigate or eliminate the threatening or hazardous conditions posed by the uncontrolled tire stockpile. [PL 1995, c. 579, §2 (NEW).]

An administrative order issued under this section must contain findings of fact describing, insofar as possible, and with reasonable specificity, the site of the activity and the danger to public health or safety or to the environment. [PL 1995, c. 579, §2 (NEW).]

Service of a copy of the commissioner’s findings and order must be made by the sheriff or deputy sheriff or by hand delivery by an authorized representative of the department in accordance with the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure. [PL 2005, c. 330, §31 (AMD).]

The person to whom the order is directed shall comply immediately. That person may apply to the board for a hearing within 10 working days after receipt of the order. Within 15 working days after receipt of the application, the board shall hold a hearing, make findings of fact and vote on a decision that continues, revokes or modifies the order. That decision must be in writing and signed by the board chair using any means for signature authorized in the department’s rules and published within 2 working days after the hearing and vote. The nature of the hearing before the board is an appeal. At the hearing, all witnesses must be sworn, and the department shall first establish the basis for the administrative order and for naming the person to whom the administrative order was directed. The decision of the board may be appealed to the Superior Court in accordance with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 7. [PL 2005, c. 330, §31 (AMD).]

The Office of the State Fire Marshal may employ its enforcement powers as authorized in Title 25, section 2396 to require a responsible party or parties to take any action necessary to protect public health and safety from substantial and immediate fire danger posed by an uncontrolled tire stockpile. [PL 1995, c. 314, §2 (NEW).]