(a) Each applicant for a lease, permit or grant, pursuant to this chapter, shall file with the Secretary a request stating in detail the type of lease, permit or grant desired, showing the location of the area and containing specifications for any proposed construction.
(b) The Secretary may require such additional information as will enable him or her to consider the application properly. He or she may require an environmental assessment to be provided if he or she determines that the proposed use or activity may have a substantial adverse effect upon the environment.
(c) The Secretary may request of any state agency a report or recommendation concerning any application before the Department.
(d) Upon receipt of an application in proper form, the Secretary shall advertise in a daily newspaper of statewide circulation and in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the activity is proposed:
(1) The fact that the application has been received;
(2) A brief description of the nature of the application; and
(3) A statement that a public hearing may be requested by any interested person who offers a meritorious objection to the application.
(e) If the Secretary decides that an objection is not meritorious, he or she shall then provide a written response so stating his or her reasons.