If the director determines that a substantial question exists concerning whether the intent of this chapter is currently provided for by the rules and regulations of the board, and that approval of a timber harvesting plan which has been filed could result in immediate, significant, and long-term harm to the natural resources of the state, the director may withhold decision on a timber harvesting plan. However, within five days of that action, the director shall notify the board of that action. Within 30 days of the receipt of the notice, the board shall, after a public hearing, make a determination as to whether or not the intent of this chapter has been provided for in the rules and regulations of the board. The determination shall be conclusive.
If the board finds that the intent of this chapter has not been provided for in the rules and regulations, the board shall act to amend the rules by emergency regulation in accordance with Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. The director shall act upon the plan within 15 days of the board’s action. Emergency regulations adopted pursuant to this section shall be effective for not more than 120 days. The regulations may be made permanent if the board acts to adopt or revise its rules and regulations pursuant to procedures established in this article for the adoption of other than emergency regulations.