\nIt is the purpose of this Article to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of this State by protecting the land and the waters over which this State has jurisdiction from pollution by oil, oil products, oil by-products, and other hazardous substances. It is not the intention of this Article to exercise jurisdiction over any matter as to which the United States government has exclusive jurisdiction, nor in any wise contrary to any governing provision of federal law, and no provision of this Article shall be so construed. The General Assembly further declares that it is the intent of this Article to support and complement applicable provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, 33 U.S.C. section 1251 et seq., as amended, and the National Contingency Plan for removal of oil adopted pursuant thereto. (1973, c. 534, s. 1; 1979, c. 535, s. 2.)
North Carolina Legal Code