35-12-106. Permit from council required prior to commencing construction of facility; electronic permitting; amendments; exceptions.

(a) No person shall commence to construct a facility, as defined in this chapter, in this state without first obtaining a permit for that facility from the council. Any facility, for which a permit is required, shall be constructed, operated and maintained in conformity with the permit and any terms, conditions and modifications contained in the permit. A permit may only be issued pursuant to this chapter or pursuant to the provisions of W.S. 18-5-501 through 18-5-513 for facilities referred to the council.

(b) A permit may be transferred, subject to council approval, to a person who agrees to comply with the terms, conditions and modifications contained in the permit.

(c) Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, the council may allow the amendment of a permit or application for a permit for good cause if the holder demonstrates to the council at its next meeting that the requested change is in compliance with local ordinances and applicable land use plans and will not significantly add to adverse environmental, social and economic impact in the impacted area.

(d) On an application for an amendment of a permit, the council shall hold a hearing in the same manner as a hearing is held on an application for a permit if in the council's opinion the requested change in the facility would result in a significant adverse increase in any environmental, social or economic impact of the facility or a change in the location of all or a portion of the facility unless the change in location was specifically approved by the council in the permit.

(e) The council may waive the application and permit provisions of this chapter if the applicant establishes by clear and convincing proof that an emergency exists created by the loss or damage to an existing facility which seriously threatens the health, safety and welfare of the public.

(f) The council may allow the permitting and reporting requirements of this act to be conducted electronically as provided by the Uniform Electronic Transaction Act, W.S. 40-21-101 through 40-21-119.