Georgia § 12-5-51 - Civil liability.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 12-5-51 — Civil liability., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12-5-51. Civil liability.
Any person who intentionally or negligently causes or permits any sewage, industrial wastes, or other wastes, oil, scum, floating debris, or other substance or substances to be spilled, discharged, or deposited in the waters of the state, resulting in a condition of pollution as defined by this article, shall be liable in damages to the state and any political subdivision thereof for any and all costs, expenses, and injuries occasioned by such spills, discharges, or deposits. The amount of the damages assessed pursuant to this Code section shall include, but shall not be limited to, any costs and expenses reasonably incurred by the state or any political subdivision thereof, as the case may be, in cleaning up and abating such spills, discharges, or deposits, and any costs and expenses reasonably incurred in replacing aquatic life destroyed by such spills, discharges, or deposits. Damages to the state shall be recoverable in a civil action instituted in the name of the Environmental Protection Division of the Department of Natural Resources and shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the general fund. Damages to a political subdivision shall be recoverable in a civil action instituted by such subdivision. Any person who intentionally, negligently, or accidentally causes or permits any toxic, corrosive, acidic, caustic, or bacterial substance or substances to be spilled, discharged, or deposited in the waters of the state, except by providential cause, in amounts, concentrations, or combinations which are harmful to the public health, safety, or welfare, or to animals, birds, or aquatic life, shall be strictly liable in damages to the state and any political subdivision thereof for any and all costs, expenses, and injuries occasioned by such spills, discharges, or deposits. Damages to the state shall be recoverable in a civil action instituted in the name of the Environmental Protection Division of the Department of Natural Resources and shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the general fund. Damages to a political subdivision shall be recoverable in a civil action instituted by such subdivision. (Ga. L. 1971, p. 190, § 1.)
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 12-5-51
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 12-5-51 cover?
Section 12-5-51 ("Civil liability.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 12-5-51?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 12-5-51" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 12-5-51 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.