When completed, the Application is filed with the Siting Board and mailed to interested parties. Within 60 days of the filing of the Application, the Chairman of the Board determines if the Application meets the filing requirements of Article X and the Stipulations. Once deemed compliant, the Application is subject to the formal Article X investigative process. This fund is available to local municipalities and parties to pay the costs of technical experts to review the Application and participate in the process. At the pre-hearing conference, the Presiding Examiner sets discovery and hearing dates.
Discovery is a fact-finding process.
The parties may present expert witnesses to explain positions on specific issues, who will be sworn and subject to cross-examination. After the evidentiary hearings, parties may file legal briefs with the Examiners, presenting arguments on their respective positions. Within 12 months from deeming the Application compliant, the Siting Board is required to make a final determination based on the entire compiled record. If the project is approved, a written Certificate is issued. The Applicant files final plans with the Siting Board and other interested parties to assure compliance with the Certificate.