Section 166.140  Hearing Officer

a)         The Hearing Officer shall be designated by the Director of the Agency.

b)         The Hearing Officer shall have all authority necessary to conduct a fair and orderly hearing including, but not limited to, the power to:

1)         Schedule the hearing;

2)         Require prior submission of expert testimony and written exhibits;

3)         Require participants to state their position with respect to the issuance of the permit;

4)         Administrator oaths and affirmations;

5)         Examine witnesses to clarify testimony;

6)         Rule on the admissibility of evidence offered;

7)         Require persons who testify to do so under oath;

8)         Establish the time for making written submissions and closure of the record; and

9)         Continue a hearing from day-to-day or adjourn it to a later date, after considering the availability of the hearing location and the wishes of the participants.