CT SB00192

Prohibits any person from maintaining a dam in a condition that might endanger life or property, and exempts dams whose owners can demonstrate to the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection that the dam poses a hazard only to the owner's own property.

Grants the commissioner emergency authority to issue written orders without prior hearing to dam owners to discontinue, abate, or alleviate conditions posing an imminent and substantial threat to public safety or the environment, including during a Governor-declared civil preparedness emergency.

Authorizes the commissioner to take direct action to stabilize, repair, or otherwise place a dam in safe condition, including retaining contractors and consultants, when imminent threats to human life or others' property exist.

Holds dam owners liable for all costs and expenses incurred by the commissioner in responding to emergency dam conditions, with liability increasing to double (2x) costs if the dam is found not in compliance with dam safety requirements.

Establishes a penalty of up to $1,000 per offense for violations of dam safety provisions, orders, or permits, with each day of a continuing violation treated as a separate offense, and authorizes injunctions allowing the commissioner to immediately act to address dangerous dam conditions.