75-5-617. Enforcement response. (1) Whenever, on the basis of information available to the department, the department finds that a person is in violation of this chapter, a rule adopted under this chapter, or a condition or limitation in a permit, authorization, or order issued under this chapter, the department shall initiate an enforcement response, which may include any of the following actions:

(a) issuance of a letter notifying the person of the violation and requiring compliance;

(b) issuance of an order requiring the person to correct the violation pursuant to 75-5-601, 75-5-611, 75-5-613, and 75-5-621;

(c) bringing a judicial action as authorized by 75-5-614 and 75-5-622; or

(d) seeking administrative or judicial penalties as provided under 75-5-611, 75-5-615, and 75-5-631 through 75-5-633.

(2) Unless an alleged violation represents an imminent threat to human health, safety, or welfare or to the environment, the department shall first issue a letter notifying the person of the violation and requiring compliance. If the person fails to respond to the conditions in the department's letter, then the department shall take further action as provided in subsection (1).

(3) The provisions of this chapter do not limit the authority of the department to bring a judicial action, which may include the assessment of penalties, prior to initiating any administrative action authorized by this chapter.