Procedure for emergency. (1) Whenever, in the judgment of the Department of Environmental Quality, there is reasonable cause to believe that a clear and immediate danger to the public health or safety or to the environment exists from the continued operation of the facility, without hearing or prior notice, the department shall order the operation of the facility halted by service of the order on the facility operator or an agent of the operator

(2) Within 24 hours after the order is served, the department must appear in the appropriate circuit court to petition for the equitable relief required to protect the public health or safety or the environment and may begin proceedings to revoke the permit if grounds for revocation exist. [1985 c.670 §26; 1987 c.540 §47]