Rule 4906-2-09 | Hearings.
(A) Unless otherwise ordered, all hearings shall be held at the principal office of the board. However, where practicable, the board shall schedule a session of the hearing for the purpose of taking public testimony in the vicinity of the project. Reasonable notice of each hearing shall be provided to all parties.
(B) The administrative law judge shall regulate the course of the hearing and conduct of the participants. Unless otherwise provided by law, the administrative law judge may without limitation:
(1) Administer oaths and affirmations.
(2) Determine the order in which the parties shall present testimony and the order in which witnesses shall be examined.
(3) Issue subpoenas.
(4) Rule on objections, procedural motions, and other procedural matters.
(5) Examine witnesses.
(6) Grant continuances.
(7) Require expert or factual testimony to be offered in board proceedings to be reduced to writing, filed with the board, and served upon all parties and the staff prior to the time such testimony is to be offered and according to a schedule to be set by the administrative law judge.
(8) Take such actions as are necessary to:
(a) Avoid unnecessary delay.
(b) Prevent the presentation of irrelevant or cumulative evidence.
(c) Prevent public disclosure of trade secrets, proprietary business information, or confidential research, development, or commercial materials and information. The administrative law judge may, upon motion of any party, direct that a portion of the hearing be conducted in camera and that the corresponding portion of the record be sealed to prevent public disclosure of trade secrets, proprietary business information or confidential research, development, or commercial materials and information. The party requesting such protection shall have the burden of establishing that such protection is required.
(d) Assure the hearing proceeds in an orderly and expeditious manner.
(C) Members of the public to offer testimony may be sworn in or affirmed at the portion or session of the hearing designated for the taking of public testimony.
(D) Formal exceptions to rulings or orders of the administrative law judge are unnecessary if, at the time any ruling or order is made, the party makes known the action which he or she desires the presiding hearing officer to take, or his or her objection to action which has been taken and the basis for that objection.
Supplemental Information