In addition to the other powers conferred by the Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operator Certification Act, the Department shall have the following powers and duties:

1. To institute in any court of competent jurisdiction such actions or proceedings, including but not limited to actions and proceedings for mandatory or prohibitory injunctions or mandamus, as it may deem necessary either to enforce or to prevent violation of any provision of this act or of any rule or order made thereunder, or to enforce any subpoena or order issued or made under authority of the Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operator Certification Act;

2. To conduct and cooperate with others in conducting educational and training programs, including itinerant training programs or district meetings, concerning plant operation and related subjects;

3. To employ such personnel, incur such expenses, and purchase such personal property as may be necessary for the purposes of this act, insofar as funds are lawfully available therefor;

4. To prescribe such procedures and forms as may be necessary to the administration of the Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operator Certification Act;

5. To prescribe the form and content of, and to grade and determine the criteria for the successful completion of, examinations given to applicants and to provide for the confidentiality of examinations and individual test scores;

6. To perform such other acts as shall be necessary for the accomplishment of the purposes of the Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operator Certification Act;

7. To enforce the provisions of the Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operator Certification Act, rules promulgated thereunder and orders, certifications and registrations issued pursuant thereto; and

8. To conduct voluntary certification programs, certification programs specifically authorized by state statute, and certification programs promulgated by the Environmental Quality Board pursuant to a federal regulation or requirement; and to issue, renew or reactivate certificates and to register persons employed as helpers pursuant to such programs.

Added by Laws 1959, p. 271, § 5. Amended by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 279, eff. July 1, 1993; Laws 1994, c. 353, § 31, eff. July 1, 1994.