Whenever the commissioner issues an order to abate pollution to any person pursuant to the provisions of section 22a-430 or 22a-431, an order to correct potential sources of pollution pursuant to the provisions of section 22a-432 or an order to correct a violation of hazardous waste regulations pursuant to section 22a-449 and the commissioner finds that such person is not the owner of the land from which such source of pollution or potential source of pollution emanates, he may issue a like order to the owner of such land or shall send a certified copy of such order, by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the owner at his last-known post-office address, with a notice that such order will be filed on the land records in the town wherein the land is located. When the commissioner issues such an order to an owner, the owner and the person causing such pollution shall be jointly and severally responsible. Any owner to whom such an order is issued or who receives a certified copy of an order pursuant to this section shall be entitled to all notices of, and rights to participate in, any proceedings before or orders of the commissioner and to such hearing and rights of appeal as are provided for in sections 22a-436 and 22a-437. An innocent landowner, as defined in section 22a-452d, shall not be held liable except through imposition of a lien against the contaminated real estate under section 22a-452a, for any assessment, fine or other costs imposed by the state under this section in any enforcement or cost recovery action if such action has become final, and is no longer subject to appeal, prior to June 30, 1993.

(1967, P.A. 57, S. 12; 1971, P.A. 872, S. 88; P.A. 73-665, S. 13, 17; P.A. 84-239, S. 2; P.A. 87-261, S. 6; P.A. 90-230, S. 35, 101; P.A. 93-375, S. 3, 4.)

History: 1971 act replaced references to water resources commission with references to environmental protection commissioner; P.A. 73-665 made technical correction; Sec. 25-54l transferred to Sec. 22a-433 in 1983; P.A. 84-239 added provisions authorizing the commissioner to order correction of potential sources of pollution or hazardous waste violations and requiring notice to the landowner that the order will be filed on the land records; P.A. 87-261 deleted an obsolete reference to Sec. 22a-429; P.A. 90-230 corrected an internal reference; P.A. 93-375 added provisions re an innocent landowner defense, effective June 30, 1993.

Cited. 226 C. 358; Id. 737.

Cited. 21 CA 91.