(1) General maintenance and ordinary repairs that do not require a construction permit are those activities that do not impair the safety of the dam if done properly. These activities include:

(a) removal of brush or weeds, or cutting of trees, removal of slash from the embankment or spillway, and removal of small stumps is included, provided no deep excavation into the embankment occurs;

(b) repair of erosion gullies or minor rodent damage on the embankment or in the spillway (Large gullies that have already weakened the dam must be repaired in accordance with ARM 36.14.306) ;

(c) surface grading of the embankment crest or spillway to eliminate potholes and provide proper drainage, provided that the freeboard is not reduced; and

(d) placement of additional riprap and bedding on the upstream slope, or in the spillway, in areas that have sustained minor damage. This would involve restoring the original riprap protection and maintaining the original capacity where the damage has not yet resulted in weakening of the dam.