(1)
(a) Except as provided under sub. (2) , every owner within the time prescribed by the department, shall file with the department a certified copy of complete plans of a proposed system or plant or extension thereof, in scope and detail satisfactory to the department, and, if required, of existing systems or plants, and any other information concerning maintenance, operation and other details that the department requires, including the information specified under s. 281.35 (5) (a) , if applicable. Material changes with a statement of the reasons shall be likewise submitted. Before plans are drawn, a statement concerning the improvement may be made to the department and the department may, if requested, outline generally what it will require. Upon receipt of the plans for approval, the department or its authorized representative shall notify the owner of the date of receipt.
(b) Within 90 days from the time of receipt of complete plans or within the time specified in s. 281.35 (5) (c) , if applicable, the department or its authorized representative shall examine and take action to approve, approve conditionally or reject the plans and shall state in writing any conditions of approval or reasons for rejection. Approval or disapproval of the plans and specifications may not be contingent upon eligibility of the proposed project for federal aid. The time period for review may be extended by agreement with the owner if the plans and specifications cannot be reviewed within the specified time limitation due to circumstances beyond the control of the department or in the case of extensive installation involving expenditures of $350,000 or more. The extension may not exceed 6 months. Failure of the department or its authorized representative to act before the expiration of the time period allowed for review shall constitute an approval of the plans, and upon demand a written certificate of approval shall be issued. Approval may be subject to modification by the department upon due notice.
(c) Construction or material change shall be according to approved plans only. The department may disapprove plans that are not in conformance with any existing approved areawide waste treatment management plan prepared pursuant to the federal water pollution control act, P.L. 92-500 , as amended, and shall disapprove plans that do not meet the grounds for approval specified under s. 281.35 (5) (d) , if applicable. The department shall require each person whose plans are approved under this section to report that person's volume and rate of water withdrawal, as defined under s. 281.35 (1) (m) , and that person's volume and rate of water loss, as defined under s. 281.35 (1) (L) , if any, in the form and at the times specified by the department.
(2) The department may, by rule, exempt an owner of a specific type of system or plant from the requirements of sub. (1) or modify the requirements of sub. (1) for a specific type of system or plant.