(1) A county choosing to develop, adopt, and implement a watershed work plan under RCW 36.70A.735 (1)(a) shall notify the department not less than one hundred twenty days prior to its submittal of their intent and which of the four scenarios under RCW 36.70A.735(2) it falls under.

(2) Prior to submitting the information as specified in WAC 365-191-210 to the department, the county shall conduct a public process consistent with locally adopted procedures.

(3) The department shall provide notice of the county submittal as follows:

(a) Washington State Register;

(b) Agency email distribution list;

(c) Agency website; and

(d) Commission.

(4) The department shall consult with the departments of agriculture, ecology, and fish and wildlife, the commission, and other relevant state agencies before approving or disapproving the proposed work plan. Thirty days will be provided to these agencies for review and comment.

(5) The department shall notify the county and parties providing written comment of its decision.

(6) The department's decision document shall include written findings and conclusions and shall specify the date in which the sixty-day appeal period commences.

(7) Criteria for review:

(a) Whether the watershed work plan is consistent with the elements of RCW 36.70A.720(1);

(b) Whether the submittal will protect critical areas while maintaining and enhancing the viability of agriculture in the watershed; and

(c) Whether the consulted state agencies believe the submittal will address (a) and (b) of this subsection.