(1) In accordance with M.G.L. c. 30A, § 13, a Watershed Permit shall not expire until the Department has issued a decision denying or approving the permittee's renewal application if:

1. (a) the permittee submitted a complete renewal application at least six months prior to the date of expiration of the Watershed Permit; and
2. (b) the Department, through no fault of the permittee, does not issue or deny a renewed permit on or before the expiration date of the previous permit.