Authority of department to enter into agreements with federal government, other states or interstate agencies; training programs for personnel

(a) The department, with the prior approval of the Governor, is authorized to enter into an agreement or agreements with the federal government, other states or interstate agencies, whereby this state will perform, on a cooperative basis with the federal government, other states or interstate agencies, inspections or other functions relating to control of sources of ionizing radiation. (b) The department, from funds provided by law, may institute programs for the purpose of training personnel to carry out the provisions of this article and, with the prior approval of the Governor, may make such personnel available for participation in any program or programs of the federal government, other states, or interstate agencies in furtherance of this article. (c) The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) shall, upon request from the Secretary of the Department of Health, provide technical guidance and support to the department to implement sound and scientific principles for the program based upon the WVDEP’s expertise in the coal, oil, and gas industries. The WVDEP shall also provide technical guidance and support to the department on issues related to air and water pollution generated from radiation sources regulated by the department.