(a) Any information relating to secret processes, devices, or methods of manufacture or production, or quantities and sources of recovered materials being privately processed, obtained by the director or his agents in the administration of this part shall be kept confidential.
(b) In the event the employment of the director or his agents with the department terminates for any reason, the confidentiality requirement outlined in subsection (a) of this Code section shall continue to apply to such persons. Any person who violates this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Such criminal penalty shall be in addition to such civil remedies as may be available to any party.