(a) The department, not later than 60 days from the date on which it receives a complete application, shall issue a general encroachment permit, for a period not to exceed 10 years, for routine operation and maintenance activities of public agencies with a contract with the department for delivery of water pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 12937.
(b) For the purposes of this section, “operation and maintenance” means inspection, equipment testing and maintenance, water quality monitoring and testing, weed and pest abatement, and other activities that the department determines are consistent with existing agreements between the department and its water contractors.