(a) If the commission determines that the application for a surface mining permit is of a significance sufficient to warrant a public hearing, the commission shall hold a public hearing in the locality of the proposed surface mining and reclamation operations.
(b) In determining whether to hold a public hearing, the commission shall consider any objections that have been filed, and if no substantial written objections have been filed, no hearing shall be required.
(c) The commission shall publish notice of the date, time, and location of the public hearing in the newspaper with the greatest general circulation in the locality at least once a week for three consecutive weeks before the scheduled hearing date.