Section 12024.

(a) In addition to Section 12023, a person who violates Section 6400 through the use of an aquatic nuisance species is liable for all public and private response, treatment, and remediation efforts resulting from the violation. The cost of these efforts shall constitute a debt of that person, and shall be collectible by the federal, state, county, public agency, or private individual or individuals, incurring those costs in the same manner as in the case of an obligation under a contract, expressed or implied.

(b) Public agencies participating in a response to a violation of Section 6400 through the use of an aquatic nuisance species may designate one or more of the participating agencies to bring an action to recover costs incurred by all of the participating agencies.

(c) The costs relating to an accounting for a violation of Section 6400 through the use of an aquatic nuisance species and the collection of any funds, including, but not limited to, the administrative, legal, and public relations costs of operating a response and remediation program may also be the subject of an action to recover costs which are charged against the responsible person.

(Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 431, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1999.)