(1) After providing notice and an opportunity for a public hearing, the department shall establish minor project categories of activities that are similar in nature, have minimal adverse environmental effects when performed separately, and will have only minimal cumulative adverse effects on the environment. The department may act upon an application received pursuant to section 30306 for an activity within a minor project category without holding a public hearing or providing notice pursuant to section 30307(1) or (3). A minor project category shall not be valid for more than 5 years, but may be reestablished. All other provisions of this part, except provisions applicable only to general permits, are applicable to a minor project.

    (2) The department, after notice and opportunity for a public hearing, shall issue general permits on a statewide basis or within a local unit of government for a category of activities if the department determines that the activities are similar in nature, will cause only minimal adverse environmental effects when performed separately, and will have only minimal cumulative adverse effects on the environment. A general permit shall be based on the requirements of this part and the rules promulgated under this part, and shall set forth the requirements and standards that shall apply to an activity authorized by the general permit. A general permit shall not be valid for more than 5 years, but may be reissued.

    (3) Before authorizing a specific project to proceed under a general permit, the department may provide notice pursuant to section 30307(3) but shall not hold a public hearing and shall not typically require a site inspection. The department shall issue an authorization under a general permit if the conditions of the general permit and the requirements of section 30311 are met. However, in determining whether to issue an authorization under a general permit, the department shall not consider off-site alternatives to be feasible and prudent alternatives.

    (4) If the department determines that activity in a proposed project, although within a minor project category or a general permit, is likely to cause more than minimal adverse effects on aquatic resources, including high-value aquatic habitats, the department may require that the application be processed under section 30307.

    (5) The department shall coordinate general permit and minor project categories under this part and parts 301 and 325 and may develop and maintain new general permit and minor project categories consistent with nationwide permits, as appropriate. The department may alter the scope of the activities covered under general permit and minor project categories corresponding to nationwide permits if any adverse environmental effects will be minimal.

    (6) The department shall develop by October 1, 2013 and maintain a general permit for alteration of wetland for blueberry farming that includes minimal drainage and earth moving if all of the following requirements are met:

    (a) The wetland will be restored when farming activities in the wetland cease.

    (b) The farmed wetland is placed under conservation easement protection until the wetland is restored when farming activities cease.

    (c) Activities that convert the wetland to a nonwetland are prohibited.

    (d) Roads, ditches, reservoirs, pump houses, and secondary support facilities for shipping, storage, packaging, parking, and similar purposes are prohibited unless authorized under section 30305.

    (7) By December 31, 2013, the department shall propose new general permits or minor project categories for conversion of wetland to blueberry farming or other agriculture that includes more than minimal drainage or earth moving.