In addition to duties expressly authorized in this Title, the commissioner may, upon complaint or for other reasonable cause, investigate any farm operation, method or practice with respect to animal waste in order to determine whether such operation, method or practice may have an adverse effect upon waters of the State as defined in Title 38, section 361?A, subsection 7. [PL 2005, c. 382, Pt. B, §1 (AMD).]

When in the opinion of the commissioner such adverse effects are evident, the commissioner shall bring such fact to the attention of the appropriate individuals and agencies empowered to restrain such practices and equipped to provide assistance that may bring about necessary improvements in the operation, method or practice cited. The cost of such investigation must be borne by the State. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §58 (COR).]