(1) Prospective applicants may request the department to schedule a pre-application conference to discuss the proposed solid waste management system before an application is filed with the department.

(2) The purpose of this conference is to facilitate the development of an application that meets the requirements of the act and the rules. Also, any questions or comments relating to the proposed project can be discussed informally at this time to expedite the application and reduce the amount of correspondence that may otherwise be necessary. A statement made by any department official at the pre-application conference shall not be deemed an order or decision of the department.