9VAC5-170-200: Appeal procedures

A. An owner or other party significantly affected by an action of the department taken without a formal hearing, or by inaction of the department, may request a formal hearing in accordance with § 2.2-4020 of the Administrative Process Act, provided a petition requesting a formal hearing is filed with the department. In cases involving actions of the department, the petition shall be filed within 30 days after notice of the action is mailed, by postal or electronic delivery, or delivered to the owner or party requesting notification of the action.

B. Prior to a formal hearing, an informal fact finding shall be held pursuant to § 2.2-4019 of the Administrative Process Act unless waived by the named party and the department.

C. A decision of the department resulting from a formal hearing shall constitute the final decision of the department.

D. Judicial review of a final decision of the department shall be afforded in accordance with § 10.1-1318 of the Virginia Air Pollution Control Law and § 2.2-4026 of the Administrative Process Act.

E. Nothing in this section shall prevent disposition of a case by consent.

F. A petition for a formal hearing or a notice or petition for an appeal by itself shall not constitute a stay of decision or action. A stay of decision shall be sought through appropriate legal channels.

G.

The director has final authority to adjudicate contested decisions of subordinates delegated powers by the director prior to appeal of decisions to the circuit court.