Special powers of authorised officers where there is imminent danger to environment

(1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Act, if– (a) pollutants have been or are being discharged; (b) a condition of pollution is likely to arise; (c) any industrial waste or potentially hazardous substance appears to have been abandoned or dumped; (d) any industrial waste or potentially hazardous substance is being handled; and (e) a designated officer is of the opinion that there is or is likely to be imminent danger to the the designated officer may give such directions either orally or in writing within twenty-four hours, as the designated officer considers appropriate, to remove, disperse, destroy, dispose of, abate, neutralize or treat any pollutant, waste, substance, environmental hazard or noise. (2) No matter or thing done by a designated officer or by any person under a direction given by a designated officer shall, if the matter or thing was done in good faith in the exercise of the power conferred by this section on the designated officer, subject the designated officer or that person personally to any action, liability, claim or demand whatsoever. 51 (3) Any person who contravenes without reasonable cause a direction given by a designated officer under sub-section (1) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars or to five years imprisonment, or to both such fine and imprisonment.