New York Consolidated Laws, Environmental Conservation Law - ENV § 15-0305. Access to property for inspection or investigation

The department or its duly appointed agents shall have the right to enter at all times in or upon any property, public or private, for the purpose of inspecting or investigating conditions relating to matters within the jurisdiction of the department pursuant to article 15.  The department shall be liable only for actual damage done by reason of any such entry, inspection, or investigation.  The amount of such damages may be agreed upon between the department and the owner and occupant of the damaged property, or if they cannot agree the amount of such damages shall be ascertained and determined by proper court action.