5. Application. This section applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2004.

Sec. 4. 38 MRSA §343-B, first ¶, as enacted by PL 1991, c. 804, Pt. B, §1 and affected by §7, is amended to read:

At the request of a potential applicant or when required by rule, the department shall hold a preapplication meeting to identify the issues, types of information and documentation necessary for the department to properly assess a specific project. For any application that has had a preapplication meeting, the department shall also hold a presubmission meeting to review the application prior to the application being filed by the applicant unless the department determines that the presubmission meeting is unnecessary based upon the complexity of the application, status of development of the application or other factors and the applicant agrees not to hold a presubmission meeting.

Sec. 5. 38 MRSA §347-A, sub-§3, as enacted by PL 1989, c. 311, §4, is amended to read:

3. Emergency orders. Whenever it appears to the commissioner, after investigation, that there is a violation of the laws or regulations which the department administers or of the terms or conditions of any of the department's orders, which that is creating or is likely to create a substantial and immediate danger to public health or safety or to the environment, the commissioner may order the person or persons causing or contributing to the hazard to immediately take such actions as are necessary to reduce or alleviate the danger. Service of a copy of the commissioner's findings and order issued under this emergency procedure shall must be made by the sheriff or deputy sheriff within the county where the person to whom the order is directed operates or resides or by hand delivery by an authorized representative of the department in accordance with the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure. In the event that the persons are so numerous that the specified method of service is a practical impossibility or the commissioner is unable to identify the person or persons causing or contributing to the hazard, the commissioner shall make the order known through prominent publication or announcement in news media serving the affected area.