(1) Whenever, in the judgment of the Department of Environmental Quality from the results of monitoring or observation of an identified release, there is reasonable cause to believe that a clear and immediate danger to the public health, welfare, safety or the environment exists from the continued operation of an underground storage tank, the department may, without hearing or prior notice, order the operation of the underground storage tank or site halted by service of an order on the owner or permittee of the underground storage tank or site.
(2) Within 24 hours after the order is served under subsection (1) of this section, the department shall appear in the appropriate circuit court to petition for the equitable relief required to protect the public health, safety, welfare or the environment.