For the purpose of any hearing required by this subtitle, the Department is authorized to administer oaths, subpoena witnesses, or written or printed materials, and take evidence including but not limited to inspections of the land affected and other surface coal mining operations carried on by the operator in the general vicinity. A verbatim record of each hearing required by this subtitle shall be made unless waived by all parties, and a transcript made available on the motion of any party or by order of the Department.