Pennsylvania § 8107 - Project liability limitation and exceptions.

§ 8107. Project liability limitation and exceptions.

(a) General rule.--Except as specifically provided in subsection (b), a person who provides equipment, materials or services at no cost or at cost for a reclamation project or a water pollution abatement project:

(1) Shall be immune from liability for any injury to or damage suffered by a person which arises out of or occurs as a result of the water pollution abatement facilities constructed or installed during the water pollution abatement project.

(2) Shall be immune from liability for any pollution emanating from the water pollution abatement facilities constructed or installed during the water pollution abatement project unless the person affects an area that is hydrologically connected to the water pollution abatement project work area and causes increased pollution by activities which are unrelated to the implementation of a water pollution abatement project.

(3) Shall not be deemed to assume responsibility for or incur liability for the operation, maintenance and repair of the water pollution abatement facilities constructed or installed during the water pollution abatement project.

(4) Shall not be subject to a citizen suit under section 601 of the act of June 22, 1937 (P.L.1987, No.394), known as The Clean Streams Law, for pollution emanating from the water pollution abatement facilities constructed or installed during the water pollution abatement project.

(b) Exceptions.--

(1) Nothing in this chapter shall limit in any way the liability of a person who provides equipment, materials or services at no cost or at cost for a reclamation project or a water pollution abatement project which liability results from the reclamation project or the water pollution abatement project and which would otherwise exist:

(i) For injury or damage resulting from the person's acts or omissions which are reckless or constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct.

(ii) For the person's unlawful activities.

(iii) For damages to adjacent landowners or downstream riparian landowners which result from a reclamation project or a water pollution abatement project where written notice or public notice of the proposed project was not provided.

(2) Nothing in this chapter shall limit in any way the liability of a person who the department has found to be in violation of any of the following acts:

(i) The act of May 31, 1945 (P.L.1198, No.418), known as the Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act.

(ii) The act of April 27, 1966 (1st Sp.Sess., P.L.31, No.1), known as The Bituminous Mine Subsidence and Land Conservation Act.

Cross References. Section 8107 is referred to in section 8105 of this title.