75-5-212. Department research and information. (1) The department shall:

(a) collect and furnish information relating to the prevention and control of water pollution;

(b) conduct or encourage necessary research and demonstrations concerning water pollution;

(c) encourage and provide for the use of appropriate new methods, materials, and models in evaluation, design, and construction as they relate to water quality.

(2) (a) In the implementation of subsection (1)(a), the department shall, at intervals not to exceed 5 years, compile and when necessary, update department organizational information, statutes, rules, permitting information, standards, and bulletins related to water quality. The first compilation must be complete and made available in hard copy and for electronic access by January 31, 2000.

(b) The department may charge a reasonable fee for purchase of the hard-copy compilation, not to exceed the department's costs for copying, assembly, and distribution of the compilation.