§22-33-9. Administrative orders; injunctive relief.

(a) When the secretary determines, on the basis of any information, that a person is in violation of any requirement of this article or rule promulgated thereunder, the secretary may issue an order stating with reasonable specificity the nature of the violation and requiring compliance within a reasonable specified time period, or the secretary may commence a civil action in the circuit court of the county in which the violation occurred or in the circuit court of Kanawha County for appropriate relief, including a temporary or permanent injunction. The secretary or the Environmental Quality Board may stay any order issued by the secretary until the order is reviewed by the Environmental Quality Board.

(b) In addition to the powers and authority granted to the secretary by this chapter to enter into consent agreements, settlements, and otherwise enforce this chapter, the secretary shall propose a rule for legislative approval to establish a mechanism for the administrative resolution of violations set forth in this article through consent order or agreement as an alternative to instituting a civil action.