Section 324.31304 - Request for surveys; determination of optimum flow; plan for improvement, utilization, and conservation of surplus water; factors; limitations(1) Upon receipt of a request, the department shall determine the optimum flow for the rivers and streams that may be substantially affected by the impounding and releasing of surplus water and upon its completion shall require the boards to prepare and submit to the department a plan for the impoundment, best utilization, and conservation of the surplus water in accordance with this part. The department shall cooperate and collaborate with the boards in the preparation of the plan. The plan shall specify the persons who may make use of the water and the terms, conditions, and restrictions under which the water may be used.(2) In making the determination of optimum flow and in preparing the plan, the department and boards shall consider the following factors: (a) The range of stream flow variation.(b) The uses that are being made of the water from the stream or that may be made in the foreseeable future by any riparian owner.(c) The stream's waste assimilation capacity and its practical utility for domestic use, fish and wildlife habitat, recreation, municipal and industrial water supply, commercial and recreational navigation, including portages, public and private utilities, and water storage purposes.(d) Other factors that appear to the department to be necessary to adequately protect and preserve the rights of riparians on the streams involved.(3) A plan shall not permit the impounding of water if the flow is below the optimum flow. This part does not authorize the diversion of water from 1 watershed to another.Add. 1995, Act 59, Imd. Eff. 5/24/1995 .