Whenever the department finds that the annual routine maintenance work specified in the plans approved by the board is not being performed in accordance with the agreement entered into between the local agency and the board, the department may establish a maintenance area in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 12878) of Part 6 of this division, as nearly as the same may be applicable, except that the work to be performed shall be the routine annual maintenance work for the nonproject levee as specified in the plans approved by the board. Upon the formation of a maintenance area, the department shall thereafter annually maintain the nonproject levee in accordance with such plans and subject to the provisions of Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 12878) of Part 6 of this division, as nearly as the same may be applicable.