Tennessee Code Title 68. Health, Safety and Environmental Protection § 68-212-111

(a) When the commissioner finds upon investigation that any provisions of this part are not being carried out, the commissioner may issue an order for correction to the responsible person, and this order shall be complied with within the time limit specified in the order. Such order shall be served by personal service or shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested. Investigations made in accordance with this section may be made on the initiative of the commissioner or board. Prior to the issuance of any order or the execution of any other enforcement action, the commissioner may request the presence of the alleged violator of this part at a meeting to show cause why enforcement action ought not to be taken by the department.

(b) Whenever the commissioner finds that any person is engaging in an unauthorized activity which is endangering or causing damage to the public health or environment, the commissioner may, without prior notice, issue an order reciting the existence of such unauthorized activity and requiring that such action be taken as the commissioner deems necessary.