General powers and duties of Department

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    (a)    In addition to the powers set forth elsewhere in this article, the Department may:

        (1)    Accept and administer loans and grants from the federal government and other sources, public or private, to carry out any of its functions;

        (2)    Issue, modify, or revoke orders and permits that prohibit the discharge of pollutants into the waters of this State or that require construction, modification, extension, or alteration of new or existing disposal systems or treatment works or parts of them;

        (3)    Through the Secretary or a hearing officer designated in writing by the Secretary, hold hearings, issue hearing notices and subpoenas that require the attendance of witnesses and production of evidence, administer oaths, and take necessary testimony;

        (4)    Require prior submission of plans, specifications, and other information that is relative to, and inspect construction of, disposal systems or treatment works or any part of them in connection with issuing permits or approvals required by this subtitle;

        (5)    Issue, modify, or revoke orders and permits to install, modify, or operate disposal systems or any parts of them;

        (6)    Require proper maintenance and operation of disposal systems; or

        (7)    Exercise every incidental power necessary to carry out the purposes of this subtitle.

    (b)    In addition to the duties set forth elsewhere in this article, the Department shall:

        (1)    Administer and enforce this subtitle and the rules, regulations, and orders adopted or issued under this subtitle; and

        (2)    Advise, consult, and cooperate with other units of this State, the federal government, other State and interstate agencies, affected groups, political subdivisions, and industries to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.


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