85-2-312. Terms of permit. (1) The department may issue a permit for less than the amount of water requested, but may not issue a permit for more water than is requested or than can be beneficially used without waste for the purpose stated in the application. The department may require modification of plans and specifications for the appropriation or related diversion or construction. The department may issue a permit subject to terms, conditions, restrictions, and limitations it considers necessary to satisfy the criteria listed in 85-2-311, and it may issue temporary or seasonal permits. A permit must be issued subject to existing rights and any final determination of those rights made under this chapter.
     (2) The department shall specify in the permit or in any authorized extension of time provided in subsection (3), the time limits for commencement of the appropriation works, completion of construction, and actual application of the water to the proposed beneficial use. In fixing those time limits, the department shall consider the cost and magnitude of the project, the engineering and physical features to be encountered, and, on projects designed for gradual development and gradually increased use of water, the time reasonably necessary for that gradual development and increased use. The department shall issue the permit or authorized extension of time subject to the terms, conditions, restrictions, and limitations it considers necessary to ensure that the work on the appropriation is commenced, conducted, and completed and that the water is actually applied in a timely manner to the beneficial use specified in the permit.
     (3) The department shall by rule or by condition to a permit establish a process allowing for the extension of the time limits specified in the permit for commencement of the appropriation works, completion of construction, and actual application of water to the proposed beneficial use. If a permit is not completed within the time limit specified or within an extension of that time limit, the permit is void upon lapse of the time limit.
     (4) The original of the permit must be sent to the permittee, and a copy must be kept in the office of the department in Helena.

     History: En. Sec. 22, Ch. 452, L. 1973; R.C.M. 1947, 89-886; amd. Sec. 12, Ch. 448, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 573, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 535, L. 1987; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 805, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 9, Ch. 370, L. 1993; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 422, L. 1999.