§22-6A-11. Procedure for filing written comments; procedures for considering objections and comments; issues to be considered; and newspaper notice.

(a) All persons described in subsection (b), section ten of this article may file written comments with the secretary as to the location or construction of the applicant's proposed well work within thirty days after the application is filed with the secretary.

(b) The applicant shall tender proof of and certify to the secretary that the notice requirements of section ten of this article have been completed by the applicant. The certification of notice to the person may be made by affidavit of personal service, the return receipt card or other postal receipt for certified mailing.

(c)(1) The secretary shall promptly review all written comments filed by the persons entitled to notice under subsection (b), section ten of this article. The secretary shall notify the applicant of the character of the written comments submitted no later than fifteen days after the close of the comment period.

(2) Any objections of the affected coal operators and coal seam owners and lessees shall be addressed through the processes and procedures that exist under sections fifteen, seventeen and forty, article six of this chapter, as applicable and as incorporated into this article by section five of this article. The written comments filed by the parties entitled to notice under subdivisions (1), (2), (4), (5) and (6), subsection (b), section ten of this article shall be considered by the secretary in the permit issuance process, but the parties are not entitled to participate in the processes and proceedings that exist under sections fifteen, seventeen or forty, article six of this chapter, as applicable and as incorporated into this article by section five of this article.

(3) The secretary shall retain all applications, plats and other documents filed with the secretary, any proposed revisions thereto, all notices given and proof of service thereof and all orders issued and all permits issued. Subject to the provisions of article one, chapter twenty-nine-b of this code, the record prepared by the secretary is open to inspection by the public.