§ 4991. Purpose

The purpose of this subchapter is to provide the Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets with the necessary authority to enforce the agricultural water quality requirements of this chapter. When the Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets determines that a person subject to the requirements of the chapter is violating a requirement of this chapter, the Secretary shall respond to and require discontinuance of the violation. The Secretary may respond to a violation of the requirements of this chapter by:

(1) issuing a corrective action order under section 4992 of this title;

(2) issuing a cease and desist order under section 4993 of this title;

(3) issuing an emergency order under section 4993 of this title;

(4) revoking or conditioning coverage under a permit or certification under section 4994 of this title;

(5) bringing a civil enforcement action under section 4995 of this title;

(6) referring the violation to the Secretary of Natural Resources for enforcement under 10 Vt. Stat. Ann. chapter 201; or

(7) pursuing other action, such as consulting with a farmer, within the authority of the Secretary to ensure discontinuance of the violation and remediation of any harm caused by the violation. (Added 2015, No. 64, § 17; amended 2021, No. 105 (Adj. Sess.), § 146, eff. July 1, 2022.)