(1) Prior to filing a formal appeal with a judicial body, grant applicants and recipients may request an internal review of a written decision by ecology using the following procedures. These procedures are intended to encourage the informal resolution of disputes.

(a) The applicant may seek review of an initial funding decision within thirty days of the decision. The applicant or recipient makes the request for review in writing to the water resources program manager.

(b) The program manager will consider the appeal information and will issue a written decision within thirty days from the date the appeal is received.

(c) If the applicant or recipient is not satisfied with the program manager's decision, the applicant or recipient has thirty days to submit a written request to ecology's deputy director for a review of the decision.

(d) Ecology's director or deputy director will consider the appeal information and will issue a written decision within thirty days from the date the request is received. This decision will be ecology's final decision.

(2) Grant applicants and recipients may formally appeal a written decision by ecology to the pollution control hearings board in accordance with the provisions of chapter 43.21B RCW.