(a) The department, on the approval of the director or commission, may authorize the filing and prosecution of a civil suit to enforce this subchapter or a rule adopted under this subchapter.
(b) On finding of a violation of this subchapter or a rule adopted under this subchapter, a court may assess a civil penalty in addition to providing injunctive relief. The penalty may not exceed $1,000 for each violation. Each day of violation is a separate offense. A civil suit filed under this subchapter is not a bar to any criminal or administrative action.