R 299.9514 Public hearings.

Rule 514. (1) During the public comment period provided under R 299.9511(7)(c), any interested person may submit written comments to the director on the draft operating license, or notice of intent to deny and may request a public hearing if no hearing has already been scheduled. A request for public hearing must be in writing and must state the nature of the issues proposed to be raised at the hearing. All comments must be considered in making the final decision on a public hearing and must be answered as provided in R 299.9515. (2) The director or the director’s designee shall hold a public hearing if 1 of the following occurs: (a) The director finds, on the basis of responses, a significant degree of interest in a draft operating license or notice of intent to deny. (b) The director determines that a hearing may clarify 1 or more issues involved in the final decision on an operating license. (c) The director receives written notice of opposition to a draft operating license or notice of intent to deny within 45 days of the notice required pursuant to R 299.9511(7)(c). (3) Public notice of the hearing must be given as specified in R 299.9513. (4) During a public hearing, any person may submit oral or written statements and data concerning the draft operating license or notice of intent to deny. The public comment period under R 299.9511(7)(c) must automatically be extended to the close of any public hearing under this rule. The hearings officer may also extend the comment period by so stating at the hearing. (5) When possible, the director or the director’s designee shall schedule a public hearing on an operating license or notice of intent to deny at a location convenient to the nearest population center to the proposed facility. (6) A tape recording or written transcript of the hearing must be made available to the public.