Notwithstanding § 34A-2-22, discharge of wastes into waters of the state which reduce the quality of such waters below the water quality level existing on March 27, 1973, will be allowed if it is affirmatively demonstrated to the board and the board finds by a majority vote of its members, after a public hearing on such request, that there may be a discharge, if the discharge will not result in the violation of applicable water standards, and if the discharge is found justifiable as a result of necessary economic or social development. The board may not allow a discharge if the discharge results in a violation of the existing water standards.

Source: SDC 1939, § 61.0109 as added by SL 1947, ch 416; SL 1955, ch 430, § 1; SDC Supp 1960, § 61.0145; repealed by omission from SL 1966, ch 260, § 1; re-enacted by SL 1967, ch 340; SDCL § 46-25-6; SL 1973, ch 280, § 8 (2); SDCL Supp, § 46-25-42; SL 1988, ch 285, § 4A; SL 2011, ch 165, § 39.