AGENCY: Department of Environmental Quality. Division of Water Quality

SERIES: 81879
TITLE: Oil spill case files
DATES: 1971-
ARRANGEMENT: Chronological

DESCRIPTION: These are the records of the investigations into oil spills in the state. The files include notice of intention to drill; abandon; or convert; reports of site inspection; notice of violations; summary of oil and hazardous material spills; and the response to the notice of violation. Information includes the date and nature of the violation, the amount of the maximum and proposed penalty, any written explanations provided by the violator, the location of the spill, the quantity spilled, the cause of the spill, the live water affected, and information on cleanup effected.

RETENTION

Permanent. Retain for 1 year(s)

DISPOSITION

Transfer to Archives.

RETENTION AND DISPOSITION AUTHORIZATION

Retention and disposition for this series is proposed and has not yet been approved.

FORMAT MANAGEMENT

Paper: Retain in Office for 1 year and then transfer to State Archives with authority to weed.

APPRAISAL

Administrative Historical Legal

The discharge of oil into navigable waters is prohibited by 40 CFR 110.5. UCA 26-14-19 requires the bureau to investigate reports of oil spills and issue an order requiring the person responsible to take necessary abatement action.¶These records could be used to take civil or criminal action against a polluter. In this state, it could involve a nuisance action (UCA 76-10-801 and 76-1-302(1)(b)) or a negligence suit (78-12-25(2)).¶These records may also be needed for long term environmental research to assess impacts to water quality for decades beyond normal retention schedules. These records have a great historical value that would be beneficial for future environmental research or inquiries.

PRIMARY DESIGNATION

Public

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