(1) The department retains the sole discretion to determine when a permit or license should be revoked or suspended. In circumstances where the department determines revocation to be appropriate, the period of revocation shall be determined at the discretion of the department, but in no instance shall the revocation exceed five years.

(2) The department may deny an applicant a permit or license when the applicant has committed a violation of chapter 16.36 RCW or the rules adopted under the chapter. In circumstances where the department determines denial to be appropriate, the period of denial shall not exceed five years.

(3) Nothing shall prevent the department from denying an applicant a permit or license when the applicant has an outstanding civil penalty owed to the department from a previous violation of any statute or rule under the jurisdiction of the department.

(4) The department may, at its discretion, suspend a permit or license without also seeking a civil penalty. Such circumstances include, but are not limited to, those incidents where a civil penalty is not available as an appropriate penalty pursuant to RCW 43.05.110.