(a) Subject to the provisions of § 42-17.7-2, every hearing for the adjudication of a violation or for a license shall be held before a hearing officer. The chief hearing officer shall assign a hearing officer to each matter. After due consideration of the evidence and arguments, the hearing officer shall make written findings of fact and conclusions of law which shall be made public.
(b) The department of environmental management and the coastal resources management council shall promulgate such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with law, as to assure uniformity of proceedings as applicable.