Powers of Commissioner

  1. Law
  2. Tennessee Code
  3. Waters, Waterways, Drains and Levees
  4. Water Management
  5. Tennessee Water Resources Information Act
  6. Powers of Commissioner

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The commissioner has the power to:

  1. Annually collect and compile water quantity data and other quantity information, including data and information on uses of water and well data, and to develop registration and other forms for these purposes. Additionally, if requested and if it is deemed necessary by the commissioner to protect trade secret information as defined in § 47-25-1702, the commissioner shall keep such trade secret information confidential;
  2. Accept forms and data provided by a municipality that has adopted home rule pursuant to article XI, § 9 of the Tennessee Constitution,, or any county operating under a county charter form of government, as part of the annual registration or data collection process, or both;
  3. Pursuant to § 69-7-302, make inspections and investigations, collect samples pursuant to a water quantity inspection or investigation, carry on research, or take such other action as may be necessary to carry out this part, rules and regulations issued pursuant to this part, and any orders that the commissioner may issue;
  4. Enter or authorize the commissioner's agents to enter at all reasonable times upon any property other than dwelling places for the purpose of conducting investigations or studies or enforcing any of the provisions of this part;
  5. Bring suit in the name of the department for any violation of this part, rules and regulations, and orders of the commissioner seeking any remedy provided in this part, rules and regulations and orders of the commissioner, and any other statutory or common law remedy provided in statutory or common law;
  6. Assess civil penalties for violation of any provision of this part or any rule, regulation, standard adopted or order issued by the commissioner pursuant to this part;
  7. Issue orders as may be necessary to secure compliance with this part, as well as the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this part; and
  8. Exercise general supervision over the administration and enforcement of this part and all rules and regulations promulgated under this part.


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