(1) Any interested person may request a public hearing with respect to permit applications for which notice is required pursuant to WAC 173-216-090. Any such request for a public hearing shall be filed within the thirty-day period prescribed in WAC 173-216-090(6) and shall indicate the interest of the party filing such request and the reasons why a hearing is warranted.

(2) The department shall hold a hearing if it determines there is a significant public interest.

(3) Any hearing held pursuant to this subsection shall be held at a time and place deemed appropriate by the department.

(4) Public notice of any hearing held pursuant to this section shall be circulated at least as widely as was the notice of the application.

(5) Procedures for the circulation of public notice for hearings held shall include at least the following:

(a) Notice shall be published, at the applicant's expense, in at least one newspaper of general circulation within the area of the discharge;

(b) Notice shall be sent to all persons who received a copy of the notice given under WAC 173-216-090;

(c) Notice shall be mailed to any person upon request;

(d) Notice shall be given at least thirty days in advance of the hearing.

(6) The contents of public notice of any hearing held pursuant to this section shall include at least the following:

(a) Name, address, and phone number of the office of the department holding the public hearing;

(b) The purpose of the hearing;

(c) Name and address of the applicant;

(d) A brief description of the point(s) of discharge;

(e) Information regarding the time and location for the hearing;

(f) A brief description of the nature of the hearing;

(g) A concise statement of the issues raised by the persons requesting the hearing, when applicable;

(h) A brief reference to the public notice issued for each application, including identification number and date of issuance; and

(i) Address and phone number of premises at which interested persons may obtain information.