281.36(3q)(c)2.2. A description of the facts supporting the petition that is sufficiently specific to determine how the petitioner believes the discharge, as proposed, may result in a violation of the provisions of this section.
281.36(3q)(c)3.3. A commitment by the petitioner to appear at the administrative hearing and present information supporting the petitioner’s objection.
281.36(3q)(d)(d) Stays.
281.36(3q)(d)1.1. The discharge shall be stayed pending an administrative hearing under this subsection if the petition contains a request for the stay showing that a stay is necessary to prevent significant adverse impacts or irreversible harm to the environment.
281.36(3q)(d)2.2. If a stay is requested under subd. 1., the stay shall be in effect until either the department denies the request for an administrative hearing or the hearing examiner determines that the stay is not necessary.
281.36(3q)(e)(e) Filings. The petitioner shall file a copy of the petition with the department. If the petitioner is not the applicant, the petitioner shall simultaneously provide a copy of the petition to the applicant. The applicant may file a response to the petition with the department. If the applicant files a response under this paragraph, it shall be filed within 15 days after the petition is filed.
281.36(3q)(f)(f) Action on petition.
281.36(3q)(f)1m.1m. The department shall grant or deny the petition within 30 days after the petition is filed. The failure of the department to dispose of the petition within this 30-day period is a denial. The department shall deny the petition if any of the following applies:
281.36(3q)(f)1m.a.a. The petitioner is not the applicant, and the petition does not comply with the requirements of par. (c).
281.36(3q)(f)1m.b.b. The objection contained in the petition is not substantive. The department shall determine that an objection is substantive if the supporting facts contained in the objection appear to be substantially true and raise reasonable grounds to believe that the provisions of this section may be violated if the activity or project is undertaken.
281.36(3q)(f)3.3. If the department denies the petition, the department shall send the petitioner the denial in writing, stating the reasons for the denial.
281.36(3q)(f)4.4. If the department grants a petition under this subsection, the department shall refer the matter to the division of hearings and appeals in the department of administration within 15 days after granting the petition unless the petitioner and the applicant agree to an extension.
281.36(3q)(g)(g) Administrative hearing.
281.36(3q)(g)1.1. An administrative hearing under this subsection shall be treated as a contested case under ch. 227.
281.36(3q)(g)2.2. If a stay under par. (d) 1. is in effect, the hearing examiner shall, within 30 days after receipt of the referral under par. (f) 4., determine whether continuation of the stay is necessary to prevent significant adverse impacts or irreversible harm to the environment pending completion of the administrative hearing. The hearing examiner shall make the determination based on the request under par. (d) 1., any response from the applicant under par. (e), and any testimony at a public hearing or any public comments. The determination shall be made without a hearing.
281.36(3q)(g)3.3. An administrative hearing under this subsection shall be completed within 90 days after receipt of the referral of the petition under par. (f) 4., unless all parties agree to an extension of that period. In addition, a hearing examiner may grant a one-time extension for the completion of the hearing of up to 60 days on the motion of any party and a showing of good cause demonstrating extraordinary circumstances justifying an extension.
281.36(3q)(g)4.4. Notwithstanding s. 227.44 (1), the department shall provide a notice of the administrative hearing at least 30 days before the date of the hearing to all of the following:
281.36(3q)(g)4.a.a. The applicant.
281.36(3q)(g)4.b.b. Each petitioner, if other than the applicant.
281.36(3q)(g)4.c.c. Any other persons required to receive notice as provided under sub. (3p).
281.36(3q)(g)5.5. In an administrative hearing under this subsection, the petitioner shall proceed first with the presentation of evidence and shall have the burden of proof.
281.36(3q)(h)(h) Judicial review.
281.36(3q)(h)1.1. Any person whose substantial interest is affected by a decision of the department under par. (b) 1. or 2. may commence an action in circuit court to review that decision.
281.36(3q)(h)2.2. Any party aggrieved by a decision of the hearing examiner under par. (g) may commence an action in circuit court to review that decision.
281.36(3r)(3r) Mitigation; in lieu fee subprogram.
281.36(3r)(a)(a) The department shall establish a mitigation program that applies only to the issuance of wetland individual permits and, with respect to a discharge that is exempt from permitting requirements under sub. (4n) (b) that affects more than 10,000 square feet of wetland or under sub. (4n) (c) that affects more than 1.5 acres of wetland, the portion of the affected wetland that exceeds 10,000 square feet or 1.5 acres, respectively. Under the mitigation program, subject to par. (am), the department shall allow mitigation to be accomplished by any of the following methods:
281.36(3r)(a)1.1.
281.36(3r)(a)1.a.a. Except as provided in subd. 1. b. and par. (ag), purchasing credits from a mitigation bank located in the same HUC 8 as the wetland impacted by the discharge.
281.36(3r)(a)1.b.b. Except as provided in subd. 1. c. and par. (ag), if credits are not available to be purchased as provided under subd. 1. a., credits may be purchased from a mitigation bank within the same bank service area as the wetland impacted by the discharge.