(1)    Request for an informational hearing. Within 30 days after the notice under s. 289.25 (3) is published for a solid waste disposal facility, or within 45 days after the notice under s. 289.25 (3) is published for a hazardous waste facility, any county, city, village or town, the applicant or any 6 or more persons may file a written request for an informational hearing on the matter with the department. The request shall indicate the interests of the municipality or persons who file the request and state the reasons why the hearing is requested.

   (2)   Applicability. This section applies if no request for the treatment of the hearing as a contested case is granted and if:

      (a)    An informational hearing is requested under sub. (1) within the 30-day or 45-day period; or

      (b)    No hearing is requested under sub. (1) within the 30-day or 45-day period but the department determines that there is substantial public interest in holding a hearing.

   (3)   Nonapplicability; hearing conducted as a part of certain mining hearings. Notwithstanding sub. (2) this section does not apply if a hearing on the feasibility report is conducted as a part of a hearing under s. 293.43 and the time limits, notice and hearing provisions in that section supersede the time limits, notice and hearing provisions under s. 289.25 (2) and (3) and this section.

   (4)   Informational hearing. The department shall conduct the informational hearing within 60 days after the expiration of the 30-day or 45-day period under sub. (1). The department shall conduct the informational hearing in an appropriate place designated by the department in a county, city, village or town which would be substantially affected by the operation of the proposed facility.

   (5)   Issuance of final determination of feasibility. Except as provided under s. 289.29 (5), the department shall issue a final determination of feasibility within 60 days after the informational hearing under this section is adjourned.