Referral to water resource district

Within forty-five days after the receipt of a permit application, the department shall make recommendations and suggestions concerning the propriety and efficiency of the proposal to the water resource district within which the contemplated project is located. The water resource district shall, in accordance with this chapter, review the application and impose any conditions for the orderly management of water resources it deems necessary. The permit application shall then be returned to the director for final approval. Unless an exception is granted pursuant to section 89-05-01-15, the director and the water resource district shall not allow the construction of a dike not in conformance with this chapter nor which is unsafe, improper, or dangerous, and may order such changes as necessary for safety or the protection of property.