82-11-117. Confidentiality of records. (1) Any information that is furnished to the board or the board's staff or that is obtained by either of them is a matter of public record and open to public use. However, any information unique to the owner or operator that would, if disclosed, reveal methods or processes entitled to protection as trade secrets must be maintained as confidential if so determined by the board.
     (2) If an owner or operator disagrees with a determination by the board that certain material will not be maintained as confidential, the owner or operator may file a declaratory judgment action in a court of competent jurisdiction to establish the existence of a trade secret if he wishes such information to enjoy confidential status. The department must be served in any such action and may intervene as a party.
     (3) Any information not intended to be public when submitted to the board or the board's staff must be submitted in writing and clearly marked as confidential.
     (4) Data describing physical and chemical characteristics of a liquid, gaseous, solid, or other substance injected or discharged into state waters may not be considered confidential.
     (5) The board may use any information in compiling or publishing analyses or summaries relating to water pollution if such analyses or summaries do not identify the owner or operator or reveal any information that is otherwise made confidential by this section.

     History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 503, L. 1987.