1. The director may grant provisional variances whenever it is determined, upon application of adequate proof, that compliance on a short-term basis with the limitations prescribed in sections 644.006 to 644.141, or rule, standard, requirement, limitation, or order of the director adopted thereto due to conditions beyond reasonable control such as extended elevated temperatures or extreme drought conditions will result in an arbitrary or unreasonable hardship that exists solely because of the regulatory requirement in question and the costs of compliance are substantial and certain. If the hardship complained of consists solely of the need for a reasonable delay in which to correct a violation of sections 644.006 to 644.141, or rule, standard, requirement, limitation, or order of the director, the director shall condition the grant of such variance upon the posting of sufficient performance bond or other security to assure the completion of the work covered by the variance. In granting such provisional variance, the director shall consider the hardship imposed by requiring compliance on a short-term basis and adverse impacts that may result from granting the provisional variance. The director shall exercise wide discretion in weighing the equities involved and the advantages and disadvantages to the applicant and to those affected by water contaminants emitted by the applicant.

2. Any provisional variance granted by the director under this section shall be for a period not to exceed forty-five days. A provisional variance may be extended by the director up to an additional forty-five days, but in no event longer than ninety days in one calendar year.

3. Any person seeking a provisional variance shall file a petition for a variance with the director describing the conditions or circumstances giving rise to the request for relief. There shall be a two hundred fifty dollar filing fee payable to the state of Missouri with each petition for provisional variance. The director shall promptly investigate the petition and shall take action within fourteen days of the request. If the director denies the petition, the person may initiate a proceeding under section 644.061. The director may condition any provisional variance as sections 644.006 to 644.141, or rule, standard, requirement, limitation or order of the director may require.

4. If the director grants a provisional variance under this section, he or she shall promptly notify the petitioner and shall file a copy of the written decision with the commission. The commission must maintain, for public inspection, copies of all provisional variances filed with it by the director.