(a) In lieu of criminal proceedings for a violation of Section 548.306, the department may impose an administrative penalty against a person who knowingly violates this chapter or a rule adopted by the commission under this chapter.
(b) The amount of the administrative penalty may not exceed $1,000 for each violation. The aggregate penalty for multiple violations may not exceed $10,000. Each day a violation continues or occurs is a separate violation for purposes of imposing a penalty.
(c) For purposes of Subsection (a), the procedures for determining and administering an administrative penalty against a person charged with violating this chapter are the same as those prescribed by Section 643.251 for determining and administering an administrative penalty against a motor carrier under that section.
(c-1) The environmental commission may impose an administrative penalty on a person in the amount of not more than $500 for each violation of this subchapter or a rule adopted by the environmental commission under this subchapter.
(d) An administrative penalty collected under this section shall be deposited in a special account in the general revenue fund and may be used only by the department.