Sec. 4. (a) A person with an interest that is or may be adversely affected by a proposed surface coal mining operation or the officer or head of a federal, state, or local governmental agency or authority may:
(1) file written objections to the proposed initial or revised application for a permit for surface coal mining and reclamation operation with the director; and
(2) request an informal conference or a public hearing under section 6 of this chapter;
within thirty (30) days after the last publication of the notice required by sections 1 and 2 of this chapter.
(b) The request for an informal conference or public hearing must do the following:
(1) State specifically the objections of the person requesting the conference.
(2) If the person requesting the conference or public hearing is not the officer or head of a federal, state, or local governmental agency or authority, identify the interest of the person who is or may be affected by the proposed surface coal mining operation.
(c) Upon receipt of an objection under subsection (a), the director shall immediately do the following:
(1) Transmit the objections to the applicant.
(2) Make the objections available to the public.