Modification and renewal of permit terms.

(1) A permittee may seek modification of any terms of an unexpired permit.

(2) If the proposed modification involves water use of 100,000 gallons or more per day or is proposed by a large-scale data center as defined in s. 373.203, the application shall be treated under the provisions of s. 373.229 in the same manner as the initial permit application. Otherwise, the governing board or the department may at its discretion approve the proposed modification without a hearing, provided the permittee establishes that:

(a) A change in conditions has resulted in the water allowed under the permit becoming inadequate for the permittee’s need, or

(b) The proposed modification would result in a more efficient utilization of water than is possible under the existing permit.

(3) All permit renewal applications shall be treated under this part in the same manner as the initial permit application.