Application for permits pursuant to s. 403.0885.

In processing applications for permits pursuant to s. 403.0885 that are associated with applications for electrical power plant certification:

(1) The procedural requirements set forth in 40 C.F.R. s. 123.25, including public notice, public comments, and public hearings, shall be closely coordinated with the certification process established under this part. In the event of a conflict between the certification process and federally required procedures for NPDES permit issuance, the applicable federal requirements shall control.

(2) If available at the time the department issues its project analysis pursuant to s. 403.507(5), the department shall include in its project analysis copies of the department’s proposed action pursuant to 40 C.F.R. s. 124.6 on any application for a NPDES permit; any corresponding comments received from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the applicant, or the general public; and the department’s response to those comments.

(3) The department shall not issue or deny the permit pursuant to s. 403.0885 in advance of the issuance of the electrical power plant certification under this part unless required to do so by the provisions of federal law. When possible, any hearing on a permit issued pursuant to s. 403.0885 shall be conducted in conjunction with the certification hearing held pursuant to this act. The department’s actions on an NPDES permit shall be based on the record and recommended order of the certification hearing, if the hearing on the NPDES was conducted in conjunction with the certification hearing, and of any other proceeding held in connection with the application for an NPDES permit, timely public comments received with respect to the application, and the provisions of federal law. The department’s action on an NPDES permit, if issued, shall differ from the actions taken by the siting board regarding the certification order if federal laws and regulations require different action to be taken to ensure compliance with the Clean Water Act, as amended, and implementing regulations. Nothing in this part shall be construed to displace the department’s authority as the final permitting entity under the federally approved state NPDES program. Nothing in this part shall be construed to authorize the issuance of a state NPDES permit which does not conform to the requirements of the federally approved state NPDES program.