Section 250-RICR-150-10-1.44 - Public HearingsA. Whenever the Department finds on the basis of requests, a significant degree of public interest in a draft permit, the Department shall hold a public hearing. The Department also may hold a public hearing at its discretion, whenever, for instance, such a hearing might clarify one or more issues involved in the permit. Public notice of the hearing shall be given as specified in § 1.42 of this Part.B. Whenever a public hearing will be held, the Department shall designate a hearing officer for the hearing who shall be responsible for its scheduling and orderly conduct.C. Any person may submit oral or written statements and data concerning the draft permit. Reasonable limits may be set upon the time allowed for oral statements, and the submission of statements in writing may be required. The public comment period under § 1.42 of this Part shall automatically be extended to the close of any public hearing under this section. The hearing officer may also extend the comment period by so stating at the hearing.D. A tape recording or written transcript of the hearing shall be made available to the public.250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-150-10-1.44