COSTS FOR INFORMATION PROVIDED BY A PERSON AFFECTED REGARDING HAZARDOUS WASTE PERMIT.

(a) After considering the factors in Subsection (e), the commission may order the applicant for a permit for a new hazardous waste management facility to pay reasonable costs incurred by a person affected in presenting information set out in Subsection (b) to the commission on the question of the issuance of the permit.

(b) Information for which an award of costs under Subsection (a) may be made includes:

(1) technical studies of the area in which the new hazardous waste facility is proposed to be located;

(2) expert testimony given at a hearing on the permit application; and

(3) surveys of land use and potential use in the hazardous waste facility area.

(c) The commission may order the applicant for a permit for a new hazardous waste management facility to pay reasonable costs incurred by a person affected who presented information to the commission at a hearing showing that the applicant:

(1) knowingly made false or misleading statements in the application;

(2) knowingly made false or misleading statements during the hearing; or

(3) failed to present information that the applicant had in its possession that would have materially affected the issues of fact and law on which the decision of the commission was based.

(d) The total costs awarded to all persons affected under Subsection (a) may not exceed $100,000 for a new commercial hazardous waste management facility or $20,000 for a new noncommercial hazardous waste management facility. The total costs awarded to all persons affected under Subsection (c) may not exceed $150,000 for a new commercial hazardous waste management facility or $30,000 for a new noncommercial hazardous waste management facility.

(e) In determining the appropriateness of an award under Subsection (a) or (c), the commission shall consider:

(1) whether the information provided is material to the commission's determination to deny the permit or to require the applicant to make significant changes in the facility's design or operation; and

(2) whether the information would otherwise not have been presented to the commission while the commission is considering its decision.

(f) If the applicant fails or refuses to pay the amount of costs ordered not later than the 30th day after the date of entry of the final order granting payment of costs, the commission shall order the applicant's bond or other financial assurance forfeited in the amount of the costs ordered reimbursed under Subsection (a) or (c) up to and including the full amount of the bond or other financial assurance. The commission shall forward the forfeited amount to the person affected.

(g) If no request is made for an award of costs under this section or if a person affected is determined by the commission not to be entitled to an award of costs, the commission shall release the bond or other financial assurance of the applicant subject to an appeal of the denial of costs under this section. The commission shall also release the bond or other financial assurance on presentation of proof that the costs awarded have been paid.

(h) An order issued under this section is enforceable as a debt.