1. The department shall adopt and promulgate forms required to be completed in order to comply with this chapter, including forms for documents that the department shall make available on the internet in the same manner as provided in section 459.302.
 2. a. The department shall provide for procedures for the receipt, filing, processing, and return of documents in an electronic format in the same manner as provided in section 459.302. The department shall provide for authentication of the documents that may include electronic signatures as provided in chapter 554D.

 b. The department shall to every extent feasible provide for the processing of documents required under this subchapter using electronic systems in the same manner as required in section 459.302.
 3. a. The department shall approve or disapprove an application for a construction permit as provided in section 459A.205 within sixty days after receiving the permit application. However, the applicant may deliver a notice requesting a continuance. Upon receipt of a notice, the time required for the department to act upon the application shall be suspended for the period provided in the notice, but for not more than thirty days after the department’s receipt of the notice. The applicant may submit more than one notice. However, the department may provide that an application is terminated if no action is required by the department for one year following delivery of the application to the department. The department may also provide for a continuance when it considers the application. The department shall provide notice to the applicant of the continuance. The time required for the department to act upon the application shall be suspended for the period provided in the notice, but for not more than thirty days. However, the department shall not provide for more than one continuance.

 b. (1) A nutrient management plan as provided in section 459A.208 shall be approved or disapproved as part of a construction permit application pursuant to section 459A.205.

 (2)  For an open feedlot operation, if the nutrient management plan is not part of an application for a construction permit, the nutrient management plan shall be approved or disapproved within sixty days from the date that the department receives the nutrient management plan.