75-5-308. Short-term water authorizations -- water quality standards. (1) Because these activities promote the public interest, the department may, if necessary, authorize short-term exemptions from the water quality standards for the following activities:

(a) emergency remediation activities that have been approved, authorized, or required by the department; and

(b) application of a pesticide that is registered by the United States environmental protection agency pursuant to 7 U.S.C. 136(a) when it is used to control nuisance aquatic organisms or to eliminate undesirable and nonnative aquatic species.

(2) An authorization must include conditions that minimize, to the extent practicable, the magnitude of any change in the concentration of the parameters affected by the activity and the length of time during which any change may occur. The authorization must also include conditions that prevent significant risk to public health and that ensure that existing and designated uses of state water are protected and maintained upon completion of the activity. Authorizations issued under this section may include conditions that require water quality or quantity monitoring and reporting. In the performance of its responsibilities under this section, the department may negotiate operating agreements with other departments of state government that are intended to minimize duplication in review of activities eligible for authorizations under this section.

(3) An authorization to use a pesticide does not relieve a person from the duty to comply with Title 80, chapters 8 and 15. The department may not authorize an exemption from water quality standards for an activity that requires a discharge permit under rules adopted pursuant to 75-5-401.