(1)    The department may waive compliance with any requirement of this chapter or of a permit issued under this chapter for a research project for the purpose of evaluating advanced agricultural nutrient management tools and precision agricultural technology, if all of the following conditions are met:

      (a)    The department determines that the project is unlikely to have a negative impact on, or to threaten, the environment or public health.

      (b)    The department reviews and approves the project before the project begins.

      (c)    The person who will operate the project agrees to take necessary actions to maintain compliance with surface water and groundwater requirements under ch. 281 and this chapter, other than a requirement waived under this section, and to take necessary actions to regain compliance with those requirements if a violation occurs in the course of the project.

   (2)   A person seeking a waiver under sub. (1) shall apply to the department in writing. The department shall approve or deny an application in writing no more than 45 days after receiving a complete application. The department may approve an application with conditions, including requirements for reporting project activities to the department and limitations on the duration of the project or the waiver for the project.

   (3)   A project for which the department grants a waiver under sub. (1) is an agricultural practice for the purposes of s. 823.08.