(a) Conduct an environmental analysis.

(b) Provide for notice and a hearing on whether to issue the general permit if so required under sub. (5).

(c) Consult with any of the following as the department considers appropriate:

1. Any local entity, as defined in s. 30.77 (3) (dm), that has an interest in the quality or use of or that has jurisdiction over the navigable waters located in the proposed permit area.

2. Any contractor who is or has been involved in the construction of structures or improvements in or along navigable waters located in the proposed permit area.

3. Any riparian owners whose property rights may be affected by the issuance of the general permit.

4. Any other interested party, as determined by the department or the applicant.

(5) Hearing requirements. If an activity for which an application for which a general permit has been submitted would be subject to the hearing and notice provisions under s. 30.02 (3) and (4) for the issuance of an individual permit, the department shall comply with those provisions. Notice and hearing shall be required on an application for a general permit under this section only if a notice and hearing are required under s. 30.02 (3) and (4) for the activity as part of an application for an individual permit under this chapter.

(6) Issuance of general permits. The department shall issue a general permit under this section if the department determines that the cumulative adverse environmental impact of the activity in the proposed permit area is insignificant and that the issuance of the general permit will not injure public rights or interest, cause environmental pollution, as defined in s. 299.01 (4), or result in material injury to the rights of any riparian owners.

(b) The standards for the activity contained in a general permit issued under this section shall supersede any conflicting standards required under this chapter for the activity.

(7) Activities under general permits. (a) At least 15 days before beginning the activity that is authorized by a general permit under this section the person who wishes to conduct the activity shall submit a notice to the department and shall pay the fee specified in s. 30.28 (2) (b) 2. The notice shall describe the activity, state the name of the person that will be conducting the activity and state the site where the activity will be conducted. The notice shall also contain a statement signed by the person conducting the activity that the person will act in conformance with the standards contained in the general permit.

(b) Upon receipt of a notice that complies with par. (a), the department may inform the person that the activity may not be conducted under the general permit if conditions at the site where the activity would be conducted would cause adverse environmental impact, injure public rights and interests or cause environmental pollution, as defined in s. 299.01 (4). The department shall respond to the person within 15 days after receiving the notice. Failure of the department to respond within 15 days shall constitute the department's approval of the activity under the general permit.

(c) A person conducting an activity that is authorized by a general permit under this section shall comply with any applicable local ordinances.

(8) Option to request individual permits. A person proposing an activity for which a general permit has been issued under this section may apply for an individual permit under this chapter in lieu of seeking authorization under the general permit. A person proposing an activity for which a general permit has not been issued under this section may apply for an individual permit under this chapter.

(9) Access to property. For inspection purposes, an employe or agent of the department shall have free access during reasonable hours to any site where an activity is proposed to be, is or has been authorized under a general permit issued under this section if the employe or agent shows to any person who is present at the site and who owns the site or is otherwise in control of the site either of the following:

(a) For an employe of the department, proper identification issued by the department.

(b) For an agent who is not an employe of the department, written documentation that the agent is authorized by the department to have access for inspection purposes.

(10) Sunset. The department may not issue any further general permits under this section on or after the date on which 5 years have lapsed after the effective date of the first general permit issued under this section.

30.28 (1) Fees required. The department shall charge a permit or approval fee for carrying out its duties and responsibilities under ss. 30.10 to 30.205, 30.207 and 30.21 to 30.27. The permit or approval fee shall accompany the permit application, notice or request for approval.

30.28 (2) (b) 1. For an application for a general permit submitted under s. 30.207 (3), the fee shall be $2,000.

2. For a notice submitted under s. 30.207 (7), the fee shall be $100.

30.28 (2m) (a) The department shall refund a permit or approval fee if the applicant requests a refund before the department determines that the application for the permit or approval is complete. The Except as provided in par. (am), the department may not refund a permit or approval fee after the department determines that the application is complete.

30.28 (2m) (am) The department shall refund 50% of the fee specified in sub. (2) (b) 1. if the department denies an application for a general permit under s. 30.207 (3) (d) 1. or does not issue a general permit under s. 30.207 (6).

30.28 (2m) (b) If the applicant applies for a permit or, requests an approval, or submits a notice under s. 30.207 (7) after the project is begun or after it is completed, the department shall charge an amount equal to twice the amount of the fee that it would have charged under this section.

30.28 (2m) (d) The department, by rule, may increase any fee specified in sub. (2) (a). The department, by rule, may increase a fee specified in sub. (2) (b) only if the increase is necessary to meet the costs incurred by the department in acting on general permits or on notices submitted under s. 30.207.