(a)      The Department shall cause to be published notice of applications for permits.

      (b)      The Department shall assure that applications for permits shall be available to the public for inspection and copying.

      (c)      (1)      Upon written request made within 10 working days after publication of a notice of application, or in its own discretion, the Department shall provide an opportunity for an informational meeting with respect to the application.

            (2)      The informational meeting may be canceled if all persons who made timely written requests withdraw the requests prior to the meeting.

            (3)      Unless the notice of application contained a notice of the informational meeting, the Department shall publish notice of the informational meeting.

      (d)      (1)      The Department may require the applicant to attend an informational meeting or public or contested case hearing and present information concerning the application.

            (2)      If the applicant fails to appear and present information after a request from the Department, the application may be denied.