§ 3.5. Protests, objections or other written comments.

 (a)  Within 10 business days after any required notice by publication, pursuant to the provisions of this title, any interested person may submit to the Department a protest, an objection, or other written comments concerning the application. Except as provided in subsection (b), any submission not received within the ten-day period shall not be considered.

 (b)  The time provided in subsection (a) may be extended by the Department if, in the sole discretion of the Department, such extension is warranted.

 (c)   In the absence of a protest, the Department, if it believes it to be in the public interest, may order a hearing to be held.