The council encourages, and will provide for, public participation in its public meetings and hearings during reviews of applications for site certification as afforded by law and rule. The following sets forth the public participation in those meetings and hearings required in RCW 80.50.090.

(1) The public informational hearing as prescribed in RCW 80.50.090(1) shall be held in the county of the proposed site. All persons shall be afforded an opportunity to comment to the council regarding the proposed site.

(2) The public land use consistency hearing as prescribed in RCW 80.50.090(2) shall be held in the county where the proposed site is located to determine whether or not the proposed use of the site is consistent and in compliance with city, county or regional land use plans and zoning ordinances at the time of application. If the proposed site is located in more than one county, a land use consistency hearing shall be held in each county. The council shall limit public testimony at this hearing to the issue of consistency and compliance with city, county, or regional land use plans and zoning ordinances.

(3) Although all persons desirous of participating may not be accorded "party" status in the public hearing held as an adjudicative proceeding under chapter 34.05 RCW prior to preparation of any recommendation to the governor, the council, at times and places designated by the council, upon compliance with reasonable procedures, shall allow any person desiring to be heard to speak in favor of or in opposition to the proposed site.

(4) The council views the provisions of RCW 80.50.090(4) as authorizing it to conduct additional public hearings as "public informational hearings," "public land use consistency hearings" or "adjudicative proceedings." The council may also hold public meetings concerning the application for site certification.