Pursuant to RCW 80.50.071, a deposit of twenty-five thousand dollars for each proposed site shall accompany the application for an energy facility site certification. This charge shall be applied toward the total cost of the independent consultant study authorized by RCW 80.50.071. The determination of the total costs required for the study shall generally be as follows:

(1) The council may determine that the initial charge of twenty-five thousand dollars is insufficient to adequately fund the study. If so, the council shall so advise the applicant and shall furnish an estimate of the supplemental costs needed to complete the study and shall direct the applicant to increase the funds on deposit to cover the anticipated costs. In no event shall the study be allowed to continue if the applicant has not agreed to pay the cost thereof and has not deposited the agreed upon funds;

(2) Should the applicant file amendments or supplements to the application or should the council find that additional study of the application is required, additional cost estimates will be prepared by the consultant and provided to the council. Upon approval of the estimate by the council, the applicant shall be advised of the additional study costs;

(3) The council shall authorize the independent consultant to initiate evaluation of the application materials or subsequently filed amendatory or supplementary materials when the applicant has paid the required costs.