The department by rule may prescribe and provide for the payment and collection of reasonable fees for the issuance and renewals of permits, licenses, and approvals to discharge sewage, industrial wastes, or other wastes into state waters. The permit fees must be based on the anticipated cost of filing and processing the application, reviewing plans and specifications relating to the construction, modification, or operation of disposal systems, and taking action on the requested permit and conducting a monitoring and inspection program to determine compliance or noncompliance with the permit. Any moneys collected for permit fees must be deposited in the department operating fund in the state treasury and any expenditure from the fund is subject to appropriation by the legislative assembly.
N.D.C.C. § 61-28-06.1