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Show MASSACHUSETTS 385 or receiving petroleum may be required to post a bond of at least $25,000 to cover the costs of removing any petroleum that the vessel may spill or discharge into the waters of the State.8 Any person en- gaged in disposing of waste oil in the waters of the State is required to obtain a permit from the division and to consult with the division as to the best method of disposal.9 Whenever there is a spill of a petroleum product which may pol- lute the waters or otherwise damage the natural resources of the State, the division is to immediately cause the cleanup of such spill. The person responsible for causing the spill is liable for the cost of the cleanup and any damages caused by the spillage.10 The division is authorized, with the approval of the water re- sources commission, to propose the organization of water pollution abatement districts, consisting of more than one city or town in order to facilitate water pollution abatement in the district.11 The cities included in any proposed district must approve of the organization of the district, but when created the district becomes an independent political subdivision with specific powers and duties.12 For example, a district has the power to issue bonds and otherwise secure financial assistance for the construction of pollution abatement facilities.13 The division of water pollution is to supervise the operation of the abatement districts 14 and each district must prepare a plan for pollu- tion abatement and submit it to the division for approval.15 Other responsibilities of the division include: (1) Establishing water pollution prevention and abatement programs and encouraging cities and towns and other persons to adopt these programs; (2) con- ducting studies and research in an effort to find new and improved methods of water quality control, including courses to instruct em- ployees of water pollution facilities on the latest developments in the operation and maintenance of such facilities; and (3) cooperat- ing with Federal and other State agencies in matters related to water quality control.16 The Department of Public Health also has some important respon- sibilities related to water quality control, including: (1) Licensing persons using chemicals to control algae, weeds and other aquatic nuisances in the waters;17 (2) administering State programs for the control of algae, weeds, and other aquatic nuisances;1S (3) issuing permits for activities that could result in the pollution of surface or underground water used for domestic purposes;19 and (4) protect- ing any source of water that is used for municipal or domestic purposes.20 8 Ch. 21, sec. 50B. 8 Ch. 21, sec. 52. ™ Ch. 21, sec. 27 (10). "¦ Ch. 21, sec. 28. 12 Ch. 21, sec. 29. " Ch. 21, sees. 30, 30A, 33, 35, and 36. M Ch. 21, sec. 34. 15 Ch. 21, sec. 32. 19 Ch. 21, sec. 27. « Ch. Ill, sec. 5B. 18 Ch. Ill, sec. 5F. 19 Ch. Ill, sec. 160. 20 Ch. Ill, sec. 162. |
