1. The department shall be exempt from the requirement to obtain any state or local permit or other authorization for any activity needed to implement a project to investigate or remediate contamination pursuant to this title; provided that the activity is conducted in a manner which satisfies all substantive technical requirements applicable to like activity conducted pursuant to a permit.

2. The department, by and through the commissioner, shall be authorized to exempt any agent, consultant, or contractor of the department from the requirement to obtain any state or local permit or other authorization for any activity needed to implement a project to investigate or remediate contamination pursuant to this title; provided that the activity is conducted in a manner which satisfies all substantive technical requirements applicable to like activity conducted pursuant to a permit.