(1) The department may issue a permit exempting any person from a requirement under this chapter if compliance is not technically feasible in the judgment of the department and the department finds that alternative measures provide substantially similar protection. All information required to prove that substantially similar protection is possible shall be provided to the department by the person requesting the permit.

(2) At the request of the department, advisory group, or permittee, an advisory group appointed by the director shall evaluate and advise the department on any request for permit from this chapter.