Prioritization of municipal water quality improvement projects

1. The department may allow schedules of compliance to be included in permits whenever authorized by federal law or regulations. Such schedules shall be established to maximize benefits and minimize local financial impact while improving water quality, where such opportunities arise. If information is provided showing that the anticipated costs of compliance with a schedule have no reasonable relationship to environmental or public health needs or benefits, or may result in other detrimental environmental impacts, such as significant greenhouse gas emissions, the projects may be deferred, in whole or in part as determined appropriate by the department, and a variance granted, as consistent with applicable federal law or regulations. 2. Unless otherwise restricted by federal law or regulations, the department may allow compliance schedules of up to thirty years in national pollutant discharge elimination system permits, particularly where the costs of compliance with federal program mandates will adversely impact the construction of other necessary local capital improvement projects. If the department determines an existing condition constitutes a significant public health or environmental threat, the schedule of compliance shall be based on the shortest practicable time frame for remedying the condition.