(1) In order to prevent, control, contain, monitor, and, whenever possible, eradicate aquatic nuisance species from the waters of the state, the division is authorized to establish, operate, and maintain aquatic nuisance species check stations in order to inspect conveyances pursuant to section 33-10.5-104.
(2) Upon a reasonable belief that an aquatic nuisance species may be present, the division may:
Require the owner of a conveyance to decontaminate the conveyance; or
Decontaminate or impound and quarantine the conveyance pursuant to section 3310.5-104.
The division may monitor the waters of the state for the presence of aquatic nuisancespecies, but only if the division has received permission to monitor from the persons controlling access to such waters.
The division shall, in cooperation with the department of public safety, the Coloradooffice of economic development, the Colorado tourism office, the water conservation board created in section 37-60-102, C.R.S., and the department of agriculture, develop a strategic statewide plan to prevent, control, monitor, educate persons about, and, whenever possible, eradicate aquatic nuisance species.
Notwithstanding section 24-1-136 (11)(a)(I), beginning on January 15, 2009, and onor before January 15 of each year thereafter, the division and the water conservation board created in section 37-60-102 shall make an annual report of the efforts in addressing aquatic nuisance species in Colorado for the preceding calendar year to the joint house agriculture, livestock, and natural resources committee and the senate agriculture, natural resources, and energy committee, or its successor committee. Each such report shall set forth a complete operating and financial statement covering the aquatic nuisance species operations of the division during the year.
Source: L. 2008: Entire article added, p. 1584, § 1, effective May 29. L. 2017: (5) amended, (HB 17-1257), ch. 254, p. 1065, § 7, effective August 9.