43-6-502 - Study of biological suppression program.

43-6-502. Study of biological suppression program.

(a)  The University of Tennessee shall initiate and administer a two-year black fly suppression program using a biological control agent in the Greenbrier Valley and the areas adjacent to the Pigeon River under the supervision of the department of agriculture. The university shall study the biological and socioeconomic effects of the suppression program on the region. The university shall report its findings to the department of agriculture and the department of environment and conservation. The university shall also report the results of the program to the commerce, labor, and agriculture committee of the senate, the environment, conservation, and tourism committee of the senate, the agriculture committee of the house of representatives, and the conservation and environment committee of the house of representatives.

(b)  The Tennessee wildlife resources agency is authorized to participate in the black fly suppression program in order to promote wildlife management by improving the quality of hunting and fishing conditions in the subject area.

(c)  None of the funds for the program authorized by this section shall be expended until all authorizations required by law have become final and effective, including, but not limited to, a permit required by the Water Quality Control Act of 1977, compiled in title 69, chapter 3, part 1.

[Acts 2006, ch. 981, § 1; 2007, ch. 563, § 1.]