(1) If it is determined that significant public interest is involved, one or more of the following steps, as applicable, shall be taken to assist public participation in the decision-making process:

(a) a proceeding or hearing is held in compliance with the provisions of Montana Administrative Procedure Act, Title 2, chapter 4, MCA;

(b) a public hearing, after appropriate notice is given, is held pursuant to any other provision of state law or a local ordinance or regulation;

(c) a news release, legal advertisement, or other method of publication will be given to news media within the area to be affected which shall include the name of a person within the department most familiar with the proposed action, that person's address, and a telephone number where interested persons may submit their data, views, or arguments, orally or in written form, concerning the proposed action.