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Show ALASKA 91 lated programs of the Federal Government and local governments.22 The act creates a department of environmental conservation, and grants this department broad powers to achieve the legislative goals and objectives-including the recommendation of environmental guidelines to be followed by other State agencies.23 The department is administered by the commissioner of environmental conservation. The department may undertake studies and programs in conjunc- tion with other public and Federal agencies to provide for a coordi- nated environmental control program, and may adopt regulations to control and prevent water pollution, regulate waste disposal, and protect public water supplies.2^ One of the department's principle responsibilities is to formulate, review, and revise a statewide environmental plan for the manage- ment and protection of the quality of the environment and the natural resources of the State.25 The act has separate provisions dealing with water and air pollu- tion control, but only those sections dealing with water quality will be reviewed. The department is authorized to develop a compre- hensive plan for water pollution control,26 and, after notice and public hearing, may establish standards of quality of purity for the waters of the State, and may, in the public interest, classify water according to its best use.27 The department is required to approve plans and issue a permit for the construction, extension, or operation of a public or private sewer system.28 Also, a permit must be obtained for any commercial or industrial operation which results in the disposal of waste into the waters of the State.29 However, a permit is not required for the discharge of domestic sewage into an existing sewer system.30 The act specifies the procedure to be followed in obtaining a permit and provides for notice and public hearing before a permit is issued.81 Once issued, a permit may be terminated if the department finds: (1) there was a misrepresentation of a material fact or failure to make a full disclosure of facts in securing the permit; (2) the con- ditions of the permit have been violated; or (3) there has been a material change in the quantity or type of waste disposed of.82 In addition to the pollution controls discussed above, there are specific statutes which prohibit the discharge of pesticides, pe- troleum products, or ballast waters without securing the prior approval of the department.33 The department, after notice and hearing, may issue orders to secure compliance with the terms and provisions of the act or the regulations and standards adopted by the department.34 In addi- tion to providing criminal penalties for violations of the act,38 22 Sec. 46.03.010. » Sec. 46.03.020. <*Id. ""Sec. 46.08.040. *» Sec. 46.03.060. 27 Sees. 46.03.070 and .080. * Sec. 46.03.090. 89 Sec. 46.03.100. *°Id. » Sec. 46.03.110. 82 Sec. 46.03.120. S3 Sees. 46.03.730, .740, and .750. « Sec. 46.03.130. « Sees. 46.03.760 and .790. |