The attorney general or any prosecuting attorney may commence and prosecute in district court a civil enforcement action against any person who is alleged to have violated this chapter or any permit, endorsement, standard, regulation, condition, or requirement which has become effective pursuant to this chapter. Such actions may be for appropriate relief or remedies specified in this chapter or any other applicable law. The director or department shall not be required to initiate or prosecute an administrative action before the attorney general or prosecuting attorney may commence and prosecute a civil enforcement action, but no such civil enforcement action shall be filed while an administrative action is still pending.