A. The director, by rule, shall prescribe procedures to assure adequate public participation in proceedings of the department under this chapter. The public participation procedures shall meet the requirements of the clean water act and safe drinking water act for permits issued under those acts. At a minimum, public participation procedures shall prescribe public notice requirements including the content and publication of the notice, provide an opportunity for public hearings and specify the procedures governing the hearings and require the public availability of relevant documents. Public hearings shall be held at places and times which afford a reasonable opportunity to persons to participate.

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B. The director shall provide for and encourage public participation in developing such rules, plans and informational materials, including handbooks and guidance documents, as are required or necessary to implement the provisions of this chapter.