Sec. 5. (a) If written objections are filed and an informal conference or a public hearing is requested, the director shall hold the conference or public hearing in the locality of the proposed surface coal mining operation within a reasonable time of receipt of the objections or request. The director shall advertise in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the proposed surface coal mining operation is located at least two (2) weeks before the scheduled conference or public hearing the date, time, and location of the conference or public hearing.
(b) The director may arrange with the applicant, upon request by any party to the administrative proceeding, access to the proposed mining area for the purpose of gathering information relevant to the proceeding.
(c) An electronic or a stenographic record shall be made of the conference or public hearing. The director shall maintain the record and have the record accessible to the parties until final release of the applicant's performance bond.
(d) The director may not hold the conference or public hearing if any of the following conditions exist:
(1) All parties requesting the conference or public hearing stipulate agreement before the conference or public hearing and withdraw their request.
(2) The request fails to comply with the requirements of section 4 of this chapter.
(3) The objections do not concern a matter within the scope of this article or the commission's rules.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 13-4.1-4-2(b).]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.27. Amended by P.L.141-2022, SEC.48.
Structure Indiana Code
Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources
Article 34. Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation
Chapter 4. Permit Approval or Denial
14-34-4-1. Applicant's Required Notice of Application
14-34-4-2. Director's Required Notice of Application
14-34-4-3. Comments Concerning Applications
14-34-4-4. Objections; Request for Informal Conference or Public Hearing
14-34-4-5. Informal Conference or Public Hearing; Access to Mining Area; Record of Proceedings
14-34-4-6. Conditions Requiring Public Hearing
14-34-4-7. Approval of Application; Requirements
14-34-4-8. Nonissuance of Permit for Violations of Certain Federal and State Statutes
14-34-4-8.5. Exemptions for Unanticipated Events or Conditions
14-34-4-9. Mining of Prime Farmland
14-34-4-12. Notification of Applicant of Director's Decision
14-34-4-13. Hearing on Reasons for Final Determination
14-34-4-14. Issuance of Permit
14-34-4-15. Permit Effective Upon Issuance
14-34-4-16. Notification of Permit Issuance