Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the director, upon receipt of evidence that a project is presenting an imminent and substantial endangerment to the health of persons, may bring an action as provided in Code Section 12-12-14 to restrain immediately any person causing or contributing to the alleged danger or to take such other action as may be necessary. If it is not practicable to assure prompt protection of the health of persons solely by commencement of such a civil action, the director may issue such orders as may be necessary to protect the health of persons who are or may be affected by such project. Notwithstanding Code Section 12-12-17, such order shall be immediately effective for a period of not more than 48 hours unless the director brings an action under Code Section 12-12-14 before the expiration of such period. Whenever the director brings such an action within such period, such order shall be effective for such a period of time as may be authorized by the court pending litigation or thereafter.
(Code 1981, §12-12-15, enacted by Ga. L. 1986, p. 1157, § 1; Ga. L. 1996, p. 238, § 1.)