(1) When these rules require notice of environmental document preparation or availability, as a lead agency and taking into consideration the geographic area affected by the proposal, the size and complexity of the proposal, the public notice requirements for the permit or approval required from the department, public interest expressed in the proposal, and whether the proposal is a project or regulation, the department shall give public notice by using at least one of the following methods:

(a) Posting the property, for site-specific proposals;

(b) Publishing notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, city, or general area where the proposal is located;

(c) Notifying public or private groups which have expressed interest in a certain proposal or in the type of proposal being considered;

(d) Notifying the news media; and/or

(e) Publishing notice in a department newsletter.

(2) Whenever possible, the department shall integrate these public notice requirements with existing notice procedures for any department permits or approvals required for the proposal.

(3) The department may require an applicant to complete the public notice requirements for the applicant's proposal at his or her expense.