The department may temporarily suspend any permit, registration, or certificate issued pursuant to this chapter prior to any hearing if the department determines that conditions may present an imminent and substantial endangerment to the public health or safety or the environment. In making this determination, the department may rely on any information, including, but not limited to, information concerning an actual, threatened, or potential harm to the public health or safety or the environment, information concerning a release or threat of a release, or a human health or ecological risk assessment. The department shall notify the holder of the permit, registration, or certificate of the temporary suspension and the effective date thereof and at the same time shall serve the person with an accusation. Upon receipt by the department of a notice of defense to the accusation from the holder of the permit, registration, or certificate, the department shall, within 15 days, set the matter for a hearing, which shall be held as soon as possible, but not later than 30 days after receipt of the notice. The temporary suspension shall remain in effect until the hearing is completed and the department has made a final determination on the merits, which shall be made within 60 days after the completion of the hearing. If the determination is not transmitted within this period, the temporary suspension shall be of no further effect.

(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 460, Sec. 3. (AB 1075) Effective January 1, 2016.)