(1) Upon receipt of the project engineer's declaration of construction completion, the department will authorize the owner or the project engineer, as appropriate, to commence or resume normal project operation, provided that:

(a) The department concurs with the project engineer that the project was constructed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications and construction change orders;

(b) The proposed O&M plan is acceptable to the department;

(c) The proposed emergency action plan, if required (see WAC 173-175-220), is acceptable to the department.

(2) If the above conditions are not met, the owner shall not commence or resume normal operation of the project until all outstanding issues or problems are resolved. When outstanding issues or problems are not resolved in a timely manner, the department may:

(a) Order the outlet works to remain fully open and not allow filling of the reservoir;

(b) Restrict reservoir water levels or reservoir operation;

(c) Order the breaching of the impounding barrier;

(d) Take other measures as appropriate to reasonably secure safety to life and property.