1. (a) Upon determining that an application is complete, the department must decide whether to:

   1. (1) prepare a draft permit for the public comment process; or

   2. (2) deny the application.

      The department shall notify the applicant of the decision.

2. (b) If the department decides to prepare a draft permit, the permit must contain the following:

   1. (1) Conditions of the permit.
   2. (2) Compliance schedules.
   3. (3) Monitoring requirements.

3. (c) Within seven (7) days after receiving the completed application, the department shall prepare and provide to the applicant a project decision schedule that specifies target dates by which the department intends to:

   1. (1) prepare a draft permit;
   2. (2) give public notice;
   3. (3) complete the public comment period, including any public hearing; and
   4. (4) issue a final permit.
4. (d) The department may not deny an application without a public comment period and hearing.
5. (e) The department shall adopt rules that mirror applicable federal regulations to implement this section.

As added by P.L.161-2026, SEC.58.