(1) The purpose of this subchapter is to establish procedures and criteria concerning applications for state water quality certifications submitted to the department pursuant to section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act, 33 USC section 1341, as amended.

(2) It is the policy of the board that the department shall ensure that any activity that requires a federal license or permit and that may result in a discharge to state waters shall fulfill the requirements of ARM Title 17, chapter 30 and thereby also fulfill the requirements of 33 USC sections 1311-1313, 1316, and 1317.