(1) An individual, purveyor or other entity seeking approval as a SMA, shall:

(a) Submit a notice of intent to become an approved SMA to the department on a form provided by the department;

(b) Participate in a "presubmittal conference" to discuss the SMA plan content, and, if applicable, the water system plan;

(c) Submit a SMA application and plan which shall include all information required under WAC 246-295-050 or 246-295-060 at the level of detail agreed upon at the presubmittal conference.

(2) The department shall forward the SMA plan to affected counties for review and comment. To ensure consideration, the county must submit its comments to the department within sixty days.

(3) When all conditions listed in subsection (1) of this section have been completed, the secretary shall either approve or deny the proposed SMA based on the secretary's review and evaluation of information presented and comments received from the county.

(4) The secretary shall maintain a list of approved SMAs and make it available to counties, purveyors, individuals or other entities on request. A listing shall be distributed to each county at least annually and on approval of new SMAs by the secretary. The approved listing shall include a service area for each SMA and designate which SMAs are approved for:

(a) Ownership; and

(b) Management and operation only.