Sec. 1.5. Not later than ten (10) days after the last day of a public comment period under this article or applicable rules of the board, the commissioner may decide, based on information received during the public comment period, to hold a public hearing or meeting before the issuance or denial of a permit. If the commissioner decides to hold a public hearing or meeting under this section, the department shall:
(1) immediately notify the applicant of the decision to hold the public hearing or meeting; and
(2) as soon as practicable, provide notice to the applicant and any interested persons of the date, time, and location of the public hearing or meeting.