(1) In accordance with RCW 90.03.605, to assist the public in complying with this chapter, ecology shall prepare and distribute technical and educational information regarding the scope and requirements of this chapter.

(2) When ecology determines that a violation has occurred, it shall:

(a) First attempt to achieve voluntary compliance. One method is to offer information and technical assistance to the person, in writing, showing one or more means to legally accomplish the person's purposes.

(b) If education and technical assistance do not achieve compliance, ecology may issue a notice of violation, a formal administrative order under RCW 43.27A.190, or assess penalties under RCW 43.83B.336, 90.03.400, 90.03.410, 90.03.600, 90.44.120, and 90.44.130.

(3) Nothing in this section is intended to prevent ecology from taking immediate action to cause a violation to be ceased immediately if in the opinion of the department the nature of the violation is causing harm to other water rights or to public or tribal resources.