(a)

1. (1) The policy of the Division of Environmental Quality is to seek compliance with the laws and rules administered by it.
2. (2) The division may, through cooperative efforts, give suspected violators a reasonable opportunity to resolve violations through informal procedures prior to the initiation of administrative enforcement proceedings unless the circumstances warrant otherwise.

(b)

1. (1) Nothing contained in this subpart shall in any manner abridge or interfere with the division’s ability to initiate civil proceedings in courts of competent jurisdiction to restrain or abate any violation of the laws, rules, or permits administered by it and to otherwise enforce these laws, rules, and permits without first having instituted administrative enforcement proceedings hereunder.
2. (2) Further, nothing contained in this subpart shall in any manner abridge or interfere with the division’s ability to seek criminal prosecutions concerning any violation of the laws, rules, or permits administered by it.