1. (a) Documentary evidence may be received in the form of copies or excerpts, if the original is not readily available. On request, parties shall be given an opportunity to compare the copy with the original. When numerous documents are offered, the hearing officer may limit those admitted to a number which are typical and representative, and may, in his discretion, require the abstracting of the relevant data from the documents and the presentation of the abstracts in the form of an exhibit; provided, however, that before making such requirement, the hearing officer shall require that all parties of record or their representatives be given the right to examine the documents from which such abstracts were made.
2. (b) Official notice may be taken of all facts judicially cognizable. In addition, notice may be taken of generally recognized facts within the area of the agency's specialized knowledge. Parties shall be notified either before or during the hearing, or by reference in preliminary reports or otherwise, of the material officially noticed, including any staff memoranda or data, and they shall be afforded an opportunity to contest the material so noticed. The special skills or knowledge of the agency and its staff may be utilized in evaluating the evidence.

Source Note:The provisions of this §29.31 adopted to be effective January 1, 1976.