§ 49-407 — Private right of action; citizen suits

A. Except as provided in subsection B, a person having an interest which is or may be adversely affected may commence a civil action in superior court on his own behalf against the director alleging a failure of the director to perform an act or duty under this article or article 2 of this chapter that is not discretionary with the director. The court has jurisdiction to order the director to perform the act or duty.

B. No action may be commenced in any of the following cases:

1. Before sixty days after the plaintiff has given notice of the alleged violation to the director and to an alleged violator.

2. If the director determines no violation has occurred, or if the director has initiated an administrative enforcement action by issuing a warning letter, notice of violation or issuing an order.

3. If the attorney general or county attorney has commenced and is diligently prosecuting a civil action in the superior court to require compliance with the provision, order, permit, standard, rule or emission limitation.

C. In an action commenced under this section the plaintiff has the burden of proof.

D. The court, in issuing a final order in an action brought under this section, may award costs of litigation, including reasonable attorney and expert witness fees, to any party that substantially prevails.