(1) When additional information or changes to documents are requested by the department, the review timelines shall stop until the requested information is received. If the requested information is not received by the department within one hundred eighty days, the department has the option of canceling the certification process. If the certification process is canceled, the sponsor may apply to restart the certification process.

(2) The timelines in WAC 173-700-212, 173-700-225, and 173-700-230 may be extended by the department at its sole discretion in cases where:

(a) It is necessary to conduct government-to-government consultation with affected tribes;

(b) Timely submittal of information necessary for the review of the proposed bank is not accomplished by the sponsor;

(c) Information that is essential to the department's decision cannot be reasonably obtained within the specified time frame; or

(d) Other permits or authorizations needed for certification cannot be completed within the specified time frame.

(3) In such cases, the department must promptly notify the sponsor in writing that the review timelines have stopped or have been extended, with an explanation of the reason. Such extensions shall be for the minimum time necessary to resolve the issue.