(1)    Construction, reconstruction, design, maintenance, modification or repair activities, or nonmetallic mining activities in the riverway, that are carried out under the direction and supervision of the department of transportation are not subject to ss. 30.44 to 30.45. At the earliest practical time before the commencement of these activities, the department of transportation shall notify and consult with the department and the board on the location, nature and extent of the proposed work.

   (2)   

      (a)    The exemption under sub. (1) does not apply unless the standard in par. (b) is met.

      (b)    To the extent it is economically and technically feasible, the department of transportation shall minimize the visual impact of the activity and any resulting highway or structure.

      (c)    The department of transportation, in consultation with the department, shall adopt standards to implement par. (b).

   (3)   If the department determines that there is reasonable cause to believe that an activity being carried out under this section or a resulting highway or structure is not in compliance with the standard in sub. (2) (b), it shall notify the department of transportation. If the secretary and the secretary of transportation are unable to agree upon the methods or time schedules to be used to correct the alleged noncompliance, the secretary, notwithstanding the exemption provided in this section, may proceed with enforcement actions as the secretary considers appropriate.

   (4)   Except as may be required under s. 1.11, no public notice or hearing is required in connection with any interdepartmental consultation and cooperation under this section.