(1)Prior to making a final decision regarding Idaho pollutant discharge elimination system (IPDES) permits authorized by sections 39-175A through 39-175C, Idaho Code, the department shall provide the public notice and an opportunity to comment on the department’s tentative decision. The department shall develop an administrative record that shall, at a minimum, include the tentative decision, all comments received, the department’s response to comments and the basis for the department’s decision. The decision-making process and the final decision with respect to IPDES permits shall not be subject to the contested case provisions set forth in chapter 52, title 67, Idaho Code.
(2)Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including without limitation, chapter 52, title 67, Idaho Code, the
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(1) Prior to making a final decision regarding Idaho pollutant discharge elimination system (IPDES) permits authorized by sections 39-175A through 39-175C, Idaho Code, the department shall provide the public notice and an opportunity to comment on the department’s tentative decision. The department shall develop an administrative record that shall, at a minimum, include the tentative decision, all comments received, the department’s response to comments and the basis for the department’s decision. The decision-making process and the final decision with respect to IPDES permits shall not be subject to the contested case provisions set forth in chapter 52, title 67, Idaho Code.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including without limitation, chapter 52, title 67, Idaho Code, the exclusive means of appealing the department’s final decision regarding an IPDES permit shall be as set forth in this section and in rules authorized by this section and sections 39-175A through 39-175C, Idaho Code. Any person aggrieved by the department’s final decision regarding an IPDES permit may appeal that decision. The appeal of the decision shall be heard by a hearing officer appointed by the director from a pool of hearing officers approved by the board. Hearing officers should be persons with technical expertise or experience in the issues presented in appeals. All appeals shall be based solely on the record developed by the department as required by subsection (1) of this section and the rules adopted by the board, and no further or additional evidence may be presented except as provided in rules adopted by the board.
(3) No person, including the director and hearing officer, who has or shares authority to approve all or portions of IPDES permits either in the first instance, as modified or reissued, or on appeal, shall have a conflict of interest as defined in 40 CFR 123.25(c).
(4) Any person aggrieved by a final determination of the hearing officer regarding an IPDES permit may secure judicial review by filing a petition for review as prescribed under the rules adopted by the board and the provisions of chapter 52, title 67, Idaho Code. The petition for review shall be served upon the hearing officer, the director of the department and the attorney general. Such service shall be jurisdictional, and the provisions of this section shall be the exclusive procedure for appeal.
(5) The board shall adopt rules consistent with the provisions of this section.