American Samoa § 24.0106 - Environmental quality commission

§ 24.0106. Environmental quality commission

In addition to the other powers and duties conferred upon it by this chapter, the Commission is authorized and directed to: (1) adopt, amend and repeal rules implementing and consistent with this chapter; (2) hold hearings relating to any aspect of or matter in the administration of this chapter, and in connection therewith, compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence; (3) issue such orders as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter and enforce the same by all appropriate administrative and judicial proceedings; (4) require access to records relating to emissions or discharges which cause, threaten to cause, or contribute to pollution; (5) secure necessary scientific, technical, administrative and operational services, including laboratory facilities, by contract or otherwise; (6) prepare and develop a comprehensive plan or plans, including administrative rules, for the prevention, abatement and control of pollution in this territory; (7) encourage voluntary cooperation by persons and affected groups to achieve the purposes of this chapter; (8) encourage and conduct studies, investigations and research relating to and, water, and other forms of pollution and their causes, effects, prevention, abatement, and control; (9) determine by means of field studies and sampling the degree of pollution in the Territory; (10) establish air and water quality standards for the Territory; (11) collect and disseminate information and conduct education and training programs relating pollution in the Territory; (12) advise, consult, contract, and cooperate with other agencies of the Territory, industries and the federal government, and with interested persons or groups; (13) consult, upon request, with any person proposing to construct, install, or otherwise acquire pollution source or device or system, regarding any pollution problem which may be related to the source, device or system; nothing in any such consultation shall be construed to relieve any person from compliance with this chapter, rules in force pursuant thereto, or any other provision of law; (14) accept, receive, and administer grants or other funds or gifts from public and private agencies, including the federal government, for the purpose of carrying out any of the functions of this chapter. (15) establish and administer, as necessary, Territory-wide pollution control permit programs.