(a) All documents required or authorized to be filed by a party to a hearing under this part regarding any matter to be decided by the presiding officer, the judicial officer, or the Administrator shall be filed in triplicate with the hearing clerk, in the manner specified by § 178.25(b) of this chapter. Each filing shall prominently note the docket number. To determine compliance with deadlines in a hearing, a document is considered filed on the date it is actually received by the hearing clerk. When this part allows a response by a party to a submission and prescribes a period of time for the filing of the response, an additional 3 days are allowed for the filing of the response if the submission is served by mail.

(b) Each notice, order, decision, or other document issued under this part by the presiding officer, the judicial officer, or the Administrator shall be filed with the hearing clerk. The hearing clerk shall immediately serve all parties with a copy of such order, decision, or other document.

(c) At the same time that a party files any document with the hearing clerk, the party shall serve a copy thereof on each other party, unless the presiding officer specifies otherwise. Each filing shall be accompanied by a certificate of service, or a statement that service is not required. Service on a party is accomplished by mailing a submission to the address shown in the Notice of Participation or by personal delivery.

(d) The presiding officer may grant an extension of time for the filing of any pleading, document, or motion (1) Upon timely motion by a party, for good cause shown, and after consideration of prejudice to other parties, or (2) upon the presiding officer's own motion.

(e) A motion by a party for an extension may only be made after serving a copy of the motion on all other parties, unless the movant can show good cause why doing so is impracticable. The motion shall be filed in advance of the date on which the pleading, document, or motion is due to be filed, unless the failure of the party to make a timely motion for an extension was the result of excusable neglect.

(a) All orders, decisions, pleadings, transcripts, exhibits, and other docket entries shall become part of the official docket and shall be retained by the hearing clerk. Except as otherwise provided by paragraph (b) of this section or part 2 of this chapter, all documents that are a part of the official docket shall be made available to the public for reasonable inspection during Agency business hours. Copies of such documents may be obtained by members of the public as provided in part 2 of this chapter.

(b) Whenever any information or data are required to be produced or examined in a hearing and any party makes a business confidentiality claim regarding such information under part 2 of this chapter, the availability of such information to the other parties or to the public shall be determined by EPA in accordance with part 2 of this chapter, including specifically the procedures and principles set forth in § 2.30l(g)(3) and (g)(4) of this chapter. The presiding officer shall make the determinations with respect to the matters referred to in § 2.301(g)(3) and (g)(4) to the extent provided, and shall take such steps as are necessary for the protection of information entitled to confidential treatment or otherwise exempt from public disclosure, including issuance of protective orders to parties or taking testimony in a closed hearing.

(a) Within 60 days of the publication of the Notice of Hearing under § l79.20, or, if no party will be prejudiced, within another period set by the presiding officer, the Assistant Administrator shall file with the hearing clerk, in accordance with § 179.80, the following documents numbered and organized in the manner prescribed by the presiding officer:

(1) The portions of the administrative record of the proceeding developed under part 178 of this chapter, and under part 180 of this chapter, that are relevant to the issues in the hearing.

(2) All documents in the files of OCSPP containing factual information or expert opinion, whether favorable or unfavorable to the position of OCSPP, which relate to the issues involved in the hearing. For purposes of this paragraph, “files” means the principal files in OCSPP in which documents relating to each of the issues in the hearing are ordinarily kept. Documents that are internal memoranda reflecting the deliberative process, or are attorney work product, or were prepared specifically for use in connection with the hearing, are not required to be submitted.

(3) All other documentary data and information upon which OCSPP plans to rely upon in the hearing.

(4) A narrative position statement on the factual issues in the Notice of Hearing and the nature of the supporting evidence that OCSPP intends to introduce.

(5) A signed statement that, to the best knowledge and belief of the Assistant Administrator, the submission complies with this section.

(b) Within 70 days of the publication of the Notice of Hearing or, if no party will be prejudiced, within another period of time set by the presiding officer, each party other than OCSPP shall submit to the hearing clerk in accordance with § 179.80 the following documents, numbered and organized in the manner prescribed by the presiding officer:

(1) Any objections that the administrative record filed under paragraph (a)(l) of this section is incomplete.

(2) All documents (other than those filed under paragraph (a) of this section) in the party's files containing factual information or expert opinion, whether favorable or unfavorable to the party's position, that relates to the issues involved in the hearing. For purposes of this paragraph, “files” means the party's principal files in which documents relating to each of the issues in the hearing are ordinarily kept. Documents that are attorney work product, or were prepared specifically for use in connection with the hearing, are not required to be submitted.

(3) All other documentary data and information the party plans to rely upon in the hearing.

(4) A narrative position statement on the factual issues in the Notice of Hearing and the nature of the supporting evidence the party intends to introduce.

(5) A signed statement that, to the best knowledge and belief of the party, the submission complies with this section.

(c) Submissions required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section may be supplemented later in the proceeding, with the approval of the presiding officer, upon a showing that the material contained in the supplement was not reasonably known by or available to the party when the submission was made or that the relevance of the material contained in the supplement could not reasonably have been foreseen.

(d) If a party fails to comply substantially and in good faith with this section, the presiding officer may infer that such failure was for the purpose of withholding information that is unfavorable to the party's position, and may make such further adverse inferences and findings with respect to such failure as are warranted.

(e) Parties may reference each other's submissions. To reduce duplicative submissions, parties are encouraged to exchange and consolidate lists of documentary evidence. If a particular document is bulky or in limited supply and cannot reasonably be reproduced, and it constitutes relevant evidence, the presiding officer may authorize submission of a reduced number of copies.

(f) The presiding officer will rule on questions relating to this section.

The presiding officer will conduct one or more preliminary conferences for the following purposes:

(a) To determine the areas of factual disagreement to be considered at the hearing.

(b) To establish any necessary procedural rules to control the course of the hearing and the schedule for the hearing.

(c) To group parties with substantially similar interests, for purposes of presenting evidence, making objections, cross-examination, and presenting oral argument.

(d) To obtain stipulations and admissions of facts.

(e) To take other action that may expedite the hearing.

A preliminary conference will commence at the date, time, and place announced in the Notice of Hearing, or as otherwise specified by the Administrator or presiding officer in a subsequent notice. The preliminary conference may not commence until after expiration of the time for filing notices of participation under § 179.42. The presiding officer may specify that two or more such conferences shall be held.

Parties in a hearing must appear at the preliminary conference(s) prepared to present a position on the matters specified in § 179.85. A preliminary conference may be held by telephone, or other electronic means, if appropriate.

(a) To expedite the hearing, parties are encouraged to prepare in advance for the conference. Parties should cooperate with each other and should request information and begin preparation of testimony at the earliest possible time. Failure of a party to appear at the preliminary conference or to raise matters that could reasonably be anticipated and resolved at that time will not delay the progress of the hearing, and constitutes a waiver of the rights of the party regarding such matters as objections to the agreements reached, actions taken, or rulings issued. Such failure to appear may also be grounds for striking the party's participation under § 179.42(f).

(b) Each party shall bring to the preliminary conference the following specific information, which will be filed with the hearing clerk under § 179.80:

(1) Any additional information to supplement the submission which may have been filed under § 179.83, and/or which may be filed if approved under § 179.83(c).

(2) A list setting forth each person who has been identified as a witness whose oral or written testimony will be offered by the party at the hearing, with a full curriculum vitae for each and a summary of the expected testimony (including a list of the principal exhibits on which the witness will rely) or a statement as to when such a summary will be furnished. A party may amend its witness and document list to add, delete, or substitute witnesses or documents.

(c) The presiding officer may hold preliminary conferences off the record in an effort to reach agreement on disputed factual or procedural questions.

(d) The presiding officer shall issue and file under § 179.80 a written order reciting the actions taken at each preliminary conference and setting forth the schedule for the hearing. The order will control the subsequent course of the hearing unless modified by the presiding officer for good cause.

A motion, unless made in the course of a preliminary conference or a transcribed oral hearing before the presiding officer, must be filed in the manner prescribed by § 179.80 and include a draft order. A response may be filed within 10 days of service of a motion. The moving party has no right to reply, except as permitted by the presiding officer. The presiding officer shall rule upon the motion.

(a) After the hearing commences, a party may file a written motion, with or without supporting affidavits or brief, for a summary decision on any issue in the hearing. Any other party may, within 10 days after service of the motion, which time may be extended for an additional 10 days for good cause shown, serve opposing affidavits or brief or countermove for summary decision. The presiding officer may set the matter for argument and call for the submission of briefs if not submitted by the parties.

(b) The presiding officer will grant the motion if the objections, requests for hearing, other pleadings, affidavits, and other material filed in connection with the hearing, or matters officially noticed, show that there is no genuine disagreement as to any material fact bearing on the issue and that a party is entitled to summary decision.

(c) Affidavits should set forth facts that would be admissible in evidence and show affirmatively that the affiant is competent to testify to the matters stated. When a properly supported motion for summary decision is made, a party opposing the motion may not rest upon mere allegations or denials or general descriptions of positions and contentions; affidavits or other responses must demonstrate specifically that there is a genuine issue of material fact for the hearing.

(d) Should it appear from the affidavits of a party opposing the motion that for sound reasons stated, facts essential to justify the opposition cannot be presented by affidavit, the presiding officer may deny the motion for summary decision, order a continuance to permit affidavits or additional evidence to be obtained, or issue other just order.

(e) If a summary decision is not rendered upon all issues or for all the relief asked, and evidentiary facts need to be developed, the presiding officer will issue an order specifying the facts that appear without substantial controversy and directing further evidentiary proceedings. The facts so specified will be deemed established.

(f) A party may obtain interlocutory review by the Administrator of a summary decision of the presiding officer.

(a) The party whose request for an evidentiary hearing was granted has the burden of going forward in the hearing with evidence as to the issues relevant to that request for a hearing.

(b) The party or parties who contend that a regulation satisfies the criteria of section 408 of the FFDCA has the burden of persuasion in the hearing on that issue, whether the proceeding concerns the establishment, modification, or revocation of a tolerance or exemption from the requirement for a tolerance.

(a) The presiding officer will conduct such proceedings as are necessary for the taking of oral direct testimony and for the conduct of oral examination of witnesses by the parties. The presiding officer shall limit oral examination to prevent irrelevant, immaterial or unduly repetitious examination.

(b) Direct testimony shall be submitted in writing, except that the presiding officer may order direct testimony to be presented orally in those unusual cases where the memory or demeanor of the witness is of importance. Written direct testimony shall be in the form of a verified statement of fact or opinion prepared by the witness, in narrative form or in question-and-answer form. Written direct testimony may incorporate exhibits. Such a verified statement or exhibit may not be admitted into evidence sooner than 14 days (or such other reasonable period as the presiding officer may order) after the witness has delivered to the presiding officer and each party a copy of the statement or exhibit. The admissibility of the evidence contained in such a statement is subject to the same rules as if such testimony had been given orally.

(c) Oral cross-examination of witnesses will be permitted. Each exhibit that a party intends to rely upon in cross-examining a witness shall be furnished to the other parties not later than 3 days (or such other reasonable period as the presiding officer may order) before such exhibit is used in the cross-examination.

(d) Witnesses shall give testimony under oath or affirmation.

(a) The hearing clerk shall make arrangements to have all oral testimony stenographically reported or recorded and transcribed, with evidence that is admitted in the form of written testimony or exhibits attached or incorporated as appropriate.

(b) Unless the presiding officer orders otherwise, parties shall have 15 days from the date that the transcript of particular oral testimony first becomes available to propose corrections in the transcript of that testimony. Corrections are permitted only for transcription errors. The presiding officer shall promptly order justified corrections.

(c) As soon as practicable after the taking of the last evidence, the presiding officer shall certify:

(1) That the original transcript is a true transcript of the oral testimony offered or received at the hearing, except in such particulars as the presiding officer specifies.

(2) That the written testimony and exhibits accompanying the transcript are all the written testimony and exhibits introduced at the hearing, with such exceptions as the presiding officer specifies.

(3) The transcript with attached or incorporated material, as so certified by the presiding officer, shall be submitted to and filed by the hearing clerk under § 179.80.

(d) Copies of the transcript shall be available to the public in accordance with § 179.81; parties may make special arrangements through the hearing clerk to obtain copies on an ongoing, expedited basis.

(a) Written material identified as direct testimony or as an evidentiary exhibit and offered by a party in a hearing, and oral testimony, whether on direct or on cross-examination, is admissible as evidence unless the presiding officer excludes it (on objection of a party or on the presiding officer's own initiative) because it is irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitive, or because its exclusion is necessary to enforce a specific requirement of this part relating to the admissibility of evidence.

(b) If a party objects to the admission or rejection of any evidence or to the limitation of the scope of any examination or cross-examination, the party shall state briefly the grounds for such objection. The transcript shall include any argument or debate thereon, unless the presiding officer, with the consent of all the parties, orders that such argument not be transcribed. The ruling and the reasons given therefor by the presiding officer on any objection shall be a part of the transcript. An automatic exception to that ruling will follow.

(c) Whenever evidence is deemed inadmissible, the party offering such evidence may make an offer of proof, which shall be included in the transcript. The offer of proof for excluded oral testimony shall consist of a brief statement describing the nature of the evidence excluded. If the evidence consists of a document or exhibit, it shall be inserted in the record in total. If the Administrator in reviewing the record under § 179.112 decides that the presiding officer's ruling in excluding the evidence was erroneous and prejudicial, the hearing may be reopened to permit the taking of such evidence, or, where appropriate, the Administrator may evaluate the evidence and proceed to a final decision.

(d) Official notice may be taken of Agency proceedings, any matter that might be judicially noticed by the courts of the United States, or any other fact within the knowledge and experience of the Agency as an expert agency. Any party shall be given adequate opportunity to show that such facts are erroneously noticed by presenting evidence to the contrary.

The presiding officer may schedule and hold conferences as needed to monitor the progress of the hearing, narrow and simplify the issues, and consider and rule on motions, requests, or other matters concerning the development of the evidence.

(a) Promptly after the taking of evidence is completed, the presiding officer will announce a schedule for the filing of briefs. Briefs must include a statement of position on each issue, with specific and complete citations to the evidence and points of law relied on. Briefs must contain proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law.

(b) The presiding officer may, as a matter of discretion, permit oral argument after the briefs are filed.