(1) A reporting entity has a right to an administrative hearing (formal appeal), and any resulting appeals process available under chapters 34.05 RCW and 182-526 WAC, if the authority assesses a final notice of violation and fine(s) against the reporting entity under any section of chapter 43.71C RCW and this chapter. To the extent that there may be a conflict between the general provisions contained in chapter 182-526 WAC and this chapter, the more specific provisions in this chapter apply.

(2) A reporting entity may appeal both the assessed violation(s) and the amount of the fine(s) assessed in the final notice of violation and fine(s).

(3) A reporting entity must submit a request for formal hearing to the authority in writing, in a manner that provides proof of receipt, within twenty-eight calendar days after receipt of the final notice of violation and fine(s) under WAC 182-51-1700.

(4) Requests should specify:

(a) The name of the reporting entity requesting the hearing and the reporting entity's, or representative's, mailing address, telephone number, and email address (if available);

(b) The items, facts, or conclusions in the final notice of violation being contested; and

(c) The basis for contesting the authority's action, including any mitigating factors upon which the reporting entity relies and the outcome the reporting entity is seeking.

(5) At the administrative hearing and on appeal, the reporting entity bears the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that it has complied with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and agreements.

(6) The administrative hearing process is governed by chapters 34.05 RCW and 182-526 WAC.

(7) The authority does not begin the collection process until a decision in the administrative hearing is issued and all levels of appeal have been exhausted.

(8) Interest on owed and outstanding fines continues to accrue at the rate of one percent per month or portion of a month, but it is not collected until a decision in the administrative hearing is issued and all levels of appeal have been exhausted.