Replacement plans

Any person desiring to obtain an approval of a replacement plan within the boundaries of a designated groundwater basin pursuant to the provisions of this article shall make an application to the commission in a form prescribed by the commission. The applicant shall also submit a summary of the application to the commission for publication. If the commission determines the application to be complete, it shall be published pursuant to section 37-90-112 within sixty days after the filing of such an application. If an objection is filed, a hearing shall be held pursuant to section 37-90-113. The commission shall approve the replacement plan if the commission determines that the replacement plan meets the requirements of this article and rules adopted by the commission. A replacement plan shall not be used as a vehicle for avoiding limitations on existing wells, including but not limited to restrictions on change of well location. Therefore, before approving any replacement plan that includes existing wells, the commission shall require independent compliance with all rules governing those existing wells in addition to compliance with any guidelines or rules governing replacement plans.