(a) Any interested person may request a public hearing during the public comment period as specified in §233.32. Requests shall be in writing and shall state the nature of the issues proposed to be raised at the hearing.

(b) The Director shall hold a public hearing whenever he determines there is a significant degree of public interest in a permit application or a draft general permit. He may also hold a hearing, at his discretion, whenever he determines a hearing may be useful to a decision on the permit application.

(c) At a hearing, any person may submit oral or written statements or data concerning the permit application or draft general permit. The public comment period shall automatically be extended to the close of any public hearing under this section. The presiding officer may also extend the comment period at the hearing.

(d) All public hearings shall be reported verbatim. Copies of the record of proceedings may be purchased by any person from the Director or the reporter of such hearing. A copy of the transcript (or if none is prepared, a tape of the proceedings) shall be made available for public inspection at an appropriate State office.