(a) For the purpose of enforcing this chapter and §§ 44-56-160 through 44-56-190, or any regulations authorized pursuant thereto, any authorized representative or employee of the department may, upon presentation of appropriate credentials, at any reasonable time:

1. Enter any place where hazardous wastes are generated, stored, treated, or disposed of;

2. Inspect and copy any records, reports, information, or test results relating to the purpose of this chapter and §§ 44-56-160 through 44-56-190; and

3. Inspect and obtain samples from any person of any wastes including samples from any vehicles in which wastes are being transported, as well as samples of any containers or labels. The Department shall provide a sample of equal volume or weight to the owner, operator or agent in charge upon request. The Department shall also provide the owner, operator, or agent in charge a copy of the results of any analyses of such samples.

(b) For the purpose of implementing necessary governmental response actions as provided in § 44-56-180, the Department or its authorized representative may, at any time, enter the premises of any publicly or privately owned property which it has determined to be an uncontrolled hazardous waste site. The owner or operator of such site shall cooperate fully with the department when such governmental response actions are taken.