(a)    In addition to the powers and duties set forth elsewhere in this subtitle, the Department has the following powers and duties:

(1)    To administer and enforce this subtitle and the rules and regulations adopted under this subtitle;

(2)    To develop comprehensive programs and plans for the prevention, control, and abatement of pollution of the waters of this State;

(3)    To 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;

(4)    To accept and administer loans and grants from the federal government and other sources, public or private, to carry out any of the Department’s functions;

(5)    To encourage, participate in, finance, or conduct studies, investigations, research, or demonstrations that relate to water pollution or its causes, prevention, control, or abatement;

(6)    To collect and give out information about water pollution and its prevention, control, and abatement;

(7)    To issue, modify, or revoke orders and permits that prohibit discharges of pollutants into the waters of this State or to adopt any other reasonable remedial measures to prevent, control, or abate pollution or undesirable changes in the quality of the waters of this State;

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

(9)    To apply and enforce against industrial users of publicly owned treatment works toxic effluent standards and pretreatment requirements for the introduction into treatment works of pollutants that interfere with, pass through, or otherwise are incompatible with the treatment works; and

(10)    To exercise every incidental power necessary to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.

(b)    To carry out the provisions of this subtitle, the Department of the Environment and the Department of Natural Resources may:

(1)    Conduct studies, surveys, investigations, research, and analyses; and

(2)    Employ consultants.