1. (a) A request for reconsideration must be filed in writing with the Department of Environmental Conservation within 20 days after the date of receipt of the department's letter reducing or denying aid and must be signed by the chief executive officer of the applicant and include statements:

   1. (1) supporting the applicant's claim of errors of fact or misapplication of laws and/or rules and regulations in the department's determination; and
   2. (2) specifying the relief sought by the applicant.
2. (b) This reconsideration is an optional step and is not a condition precedent to the applicant's right to petition the commissioner for a hearing pursuant to section 17-0907 of the Environmental Conservation Law.

An applicant may request that the determination to reduce or deny State aid be reconsidered according to the following procedure: