Regulatory actions taken by the department to eliminate or control environmental pollution shall be exempt from the provisions of s. 1.11, other than:

   (1)   Involvement in federal financial assistance grants for the construction of publicly owned treatment works;

   (2)   Financial assistance under s. 281.55 or 281.57 or under ss. 281.58 and 281.59; and

   (3)   Issuance of permits or approvals for new sources of environmental pollution.