1. The State Engineer may periodically review a project to determine if the holder of the permit is complying with the terms and conditions of the permit and the public interest is properly guarded. The State Engineer may permanently revoke or temporarily suspend the permit for good cause after an investigation and a hearing. Notice must be sent to the holder of the permit at least 15 days before the hearing, by registered or certified mail, that the holder has failed to comply with this chapter. In determining whether to revoke or suspend a permit, the State Engineer shall consider uses of land and water which were not in existence when the permit was issued.

2. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, if the State Engineer has reason to believe that a person is violating or has violated a provision of this chapter or a permit issued or regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter, the State Engineer may issue a written notice that the person must appear and show cause, at a hearing before the State Engineer not less than 15 days after the receipt of the notice, why the person should not be ordered to cease and desist from the violation. The notice must inform the person of the date, time and place of the hearing and the consequences of failure to appear.

3. If the State Engineer finds that a person is constructing or operating a project in violation of this chapter, the State Engineer may issue a temporary order for the person to cease and desist the construction pending final action by the State Engineer pursuant to subsection 4. The order must include written notice to the person of the date, time and place where the person must appear at a hearing before the State Engineer to show cause why the temporary order should be vacated. The hearing must be held not less than 15 days after the date of the order.

4. After a hearing pursuant to subsection 2 or 3, or after the expiration of the time to appear, the State Engineer shall issue a decision and order. The decision and order may take such form as the State Engineer determines to be reasonable and appropriate and may include a determination of violation, an order to cease and desist, the recommendation of a civil penalty and an order directing that positive steps be taken to abate or ameliorate any harm or damage arising from the violation. The person affected may appeal the decision to the district court pursuant to NRS 533.450.

5. If the person continues the violation after the State Engineer has issued a final decision and order pursuant to subsection 4 or a temporary order pursuant to subsection 3, the State Engineer may apply for a temporary restraining order or a preliminary or permanent injunction from the district court. A decision to seek injunctive relief does not preclude other forms of relief or enforcement against the violator.

(Added to NRS by 1987, 1774)