80-7-502. Insect detection, surveillance, and control programs. The department may:

(1) employ permanent and seasonal personnel to administer this part;

(2) survey for and maintain surveillance of insect pests during appropriate seasons and enter upon any croplands in the course of conducting such surveillance;

(3) provide insect pest management services to particular agricultural commodity groups for the resolution of special or unusual insect pest problems;

(4) determine or assist a county to determine, upon investigation, whether a serious infestation exists or threatens to occur within a county;

(5) declare that an insect pest infestation constitutes a serious infestation;

(6) operate, contract for, or assist a county to obtain spraying or other appropriate services to counteract an actual or threatening serious infestation, having first determined that any person contracting to supply such services is properly equipped to apply substances designated and approved by the department;

(7) conduct, cooperate in, or coordinate upon request by any affected county, insect pest management services for serious pest infestations in one or more counties;

(8) assist counties, upon request, to coordinate county insect pest management programs in contiguous counties.