[§179D-2] Declaration of purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the inspection and regulation of construction, operation, and removal of certain dams in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the State by reducing the risk of failure of such dams. The legislature finds and declares that the inspection and regulation of construction, operation, and removal of certain dams are properly a matter of regulation under the police powers of the State. [L 1987, c 199, pt of §1]