Review for statewide or interdistrict significance - Determination

1. The department may not begin its review of the application for statewide or interdistrict significance until the application is deemed complete under section 89-02-01-07. The department shall consider the criteria in section 89-02-01-09 in making its determination on whether the drain is of statewide or interdistrict significance. 2. Upon completion of the department's determination, or within ninety days, the department shall refer the application to the district within which is found a majority of the watershed or drainage area of the pond, slough, lake, sheetwater, or any series thereof for consideration, along with any application comments, recommendations, or engineering data. 3. The department shall require applications proposing drainage of statewide or interdistrict significance to be returned to the department if approved by the board. The district is responsible for returning the application to the department for the department's final review and approval.