27—40.99 (17A,207) Decision of the administrative law judge, procedure in appeals before the committee, extensions of time, public hearings, and judicial review of the committee decision.
	   40.99(1) Decision of the administrative law judge.
	      a.    	 Decisions of the administrative law judge shall conform to the provisions of Iowa Code section 17A.16(1).
	      b.    	 A decision of the administrative law judge is a proposed decision pursuant to Iowa Code section 17A.15(2).
	      c.    	 An appeal to the committee may be initiated by the division or a party of record by filing with the administrator, and serving on all parties, a written statement captioned “Notice of Appeal to the State Soil Conservation Committee,” which shall also state the number of the notice or order involved in the hearing and the docket number assigned by the administrator to the contested case proceeding.
	      d.    	 Appeal of the decision of the administrative law judge shall be made pursuant to Iowa Code section 17A.15(3). If an application for a rehearing has been filed, appeal to the committee shall be made within 30 days after the issuance of a decision after rehearing, a decision denying a rehearing, or the date on which the rehearing is deemed denied pursuant to Iowa Code section 17A.16(2).
	   40.99(2) Procedure in appeals before the committee.
	      a.    	 An appeal before the committee shall be conducted according to the provisions of Iowa Code section 17A.15(3).
	      b.    	 The administrator shall set a date for the committee hearing at least 30 days after receipt of the notice of appeal to the committee.
	      c.    	 A decision of the committee shall be issued within 60 days of the close of the hearing before them.
	   40.99(3) Extensions of time. The period of time in which an action is required by Part 9 of these rules may be extended for good cause by the administrative law judge or the committee, as appropriate.
	   40.99(4) Public hearings. Public hearings, also referred to as informal conferences, are held by the division to gather information prior to making a decision regarding the approval of a permitting action, issues relating to lands unsuitable for mining, or the extension of cessation of mining.
The administrator or designee shall act as the administrative law judge.
The division will provide notice to the public by publishing in a newspaper of local circulation at least 14 days prior to the hearing the following: purpose of the hearing, the place, date, and time of the hearing.
	   40.99(5) Judicial review of committee decision. Judicial review of a decision of the committee shall be in accordance with Iowa Code chapter 17A. In the case of judicial review of a civil penalty assessment, the petitioner shall post a bond in the district court equal to the amount of the assessed penalty or shall deposit a sum equal in amount to the assessed penalty in an interest-bearing escrow fund approved by the division, as required under Iowa Code section 207.15.