An independent system may be constructed in accordance with this section: By a member county at its own expense; or By and at the expense of the owners of property that will be served by the independent system. A person or member county may construct an independent system only if: The independent system will serve an area that is not served by a project or a municipal system; and The sanitary commission approves. The person or member county that proposes to construct the independent system shall: Submit to the sanitary commission plans and specifications for construction of the independent system; and If the sanitary commission approves the plans and specifications, construct the independent system in accordance with the approved plans and specifications. Each independent system shall be operated: At the expense of the person or county that constructs it; and Under the general supervision of the sanitary commission. The person or county that constructs an independent system shall: Keep accurate records of: The construction of the independent system; The operation of the independent system; and The cost of building and operating the independent system; and File copies of the records with the sanitary commission.