Any reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by the fund, which exceed the coverage limits provided by section 23.1-12-18, in taking a corrective action, including costs of investigating a release, and in taking legal actions, may be recovered in a civil action in district court brought by the department against an owner or operator. The certification of expenses by an approved agent of the fund is prima facie evidence that the expenses are reasonable and necessary. Any expenses that are recovered under this section must be deposited in the fund.