(a) The Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, in consultation with the Commissioner of Public Health, shall conduct a study of dioxin levels in the area of any existing or proposed resources recovery facilities and report the findings of any such study to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to the environment and to the chief elected official of the town in which such facility is located. Any study shall include (1) measurement and evaluation of dioxin levels in the food chain, including cow’s milk, and in soil, (2) appropriate environmental monitoring tests to determine dioxin levels both before and after the resources recovery facility has begun operating, and (3) appropriate biological monitoring tests after operation. Any study may include appropriate biological monitoring tests before operation. The costs of such tests shall be paid from the General Fund. Any costs not paid by the state shall be paid by the owner of the resources recovery facility.

(b) The commissioner shall reimburse the owner of a resources recovery facility for any costs incurred for preoperational ambient air or ambient environmental monitoring tests required under subsection (a) of this section.