Issuance of a water quality certificate required under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, Section 401, is coordinated for the applicant under this subarticle by the Commissioner of Environmental Protection. The issuance of a water quality certificate is mandatory in every case where the department approves an application for a permit or general permit under this subarticle. An application for a tidal energy demonstration project under section 636‑A that is accepted as complete by the department serves as an application for water quality certification for the proposed project pursuant to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, Section 401, 33 United States Code, Section 1341. The department shall issue or deny certification at the same time it approves or disapproves the proposed project. If issued, the certification must state that there is a reasonable assurance that the project will not violate applicable water quality standards. The coordination function of the department with respect to water quality certification does not include any proceedings or substantive criteria in addition to those otherwise required by this subarticle.   [PL 2009, c. 270, Pt. D, §6 (AMD).]