| The intent of this subchapter is to provide the means for |
rapid and effective cleanup and to minimize direct and indirect |
damages and the proliferation of 3rd-party claims. Accordingly, |
each responsible party is jointly and severally liable for all |
disbursements made by the State pursuant to section 569-B, |
subsection 5, paragraphs B, D, E and G or other damage incurred |
by the State, including interest computed at 15% a year from the |
date of expenditure, and damage for injury to, destruction of, |
loss of or loss of use of natural resources and the reasonable |
costs of assessing natural resources damage. The commissioner |
shall demand reimbursement of costs and payment of damages paid |
by the department from state or federal funds to be recovered |
under this section and payment must be made promptly by the |
responsible party or parties upon whom the demand is made. If |
payment is not received by the State within 30 days of the |
demand, the Attorney General may file suit in the Superior Court |
and, in addition to relief provided by other law, may seek |
punitive damages as provided in section 568. Notwithstanding the |
time limits stated in this paragraph, neither a demand nor other |
recovery efforts against one responsible party may relieve any |
other responsible party of liability. |