(1) Any operation or activity that is in violation of applicable laws, rules, orders, or permit conditions is subject to suspension by order of the department. The order may suspend the operations authorized in the permit in whole or in part. The order may be issued only after the department has first notified the operator or owner of the violations and the operator or owner has failed to comply with the directions contained in the notification within ten days of service of the notice: PROVIDED, That the department may issue the suspension order immediately without notice if the violations are or may cause substantial harm to adjacent property, persons, or public resources, or has or may result in the pollution of waters in violation of any state or federal law or rule. A suspension shall remain in effect until the violations are corrected or other directives are complied with unless declared invalid by the department after hearing or an appeal. The suspension order and notification, where applicable, shall specify the violations and the actions required to be undertaken to be in compliance with such laws, rules, orders, or permit conditions. The order and notification may also require remedial actions to be undertaken to restore, prevent, or correct activities or conditions which have resulted from the violations. The order and notification may be directed to the operator or owner or both.

(2) The suspension order constitutes a final and binding order unless the owner or operator to whom the order is directed requests a hearing before the department within fifteen days after service of the order. Such a request shall not in itself stay or suspend the order and the operator or owner shall comply with the order immediately upon service. The department may stay or suspend in whole or in part the suspension order pending a hearing if so requested. The hearing shall constitute an adjudicative proceeding under chapter 34.05 RCW, the Administrative Procedure Act.

Severability—Headings and captions not law—Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 9: See RCW 18.79.900 through 18.79.902.

Effective date—1989 c 175: See note following RCW 34.05.010.