(a) A public hearing shall be held: (1) If a grant or lease for a period of time in excess of 20 years is sought; or(2) If the Secretary determines that a public hearing is in the public interest; or(3) If a written meritorious public hearing request expressing opposition to the application is received within 20 days of the advertisement of the public notice for the application. A public hearing request shall be deemed meritorious if it exhibits a familiarity with the application and provides a reasoned statement of the action's probable impact.(b) Notice of the public hearing shall be sent to the applicant, to immediately adjacent property owners and to any interested person who requests it, and such notice shall be published in the same manner as the application.(c) The Secretary shall make a written statement of reasons to be placed with the application if a public hearing is not held. Amended by Laws 2023 , ch. 103, s 4, eff. 1/17/2024.65 Del. Laws, c. 508, §2; 69 Del. Laws, c. 50, §1; 72 Del. Laws, c. 474, § 2.;