23.1-10-12. Cost recovery

23.1-10-12. Cost recovery The department may recover its reasonable and necessary expenses incurred under this chapter, including all corrective action costs and administrative and legal expenses, in a civil action brought against a responsible party. The department's certification of expenses is prima facie evidence the expenses are reasonable and necessary. The department shall provide written notice to a responsible party before incurring costs, except when prior notice is not possible because the identity of the responsible party is unknown or situations require emergency remedial efforts.