Service of notice; filing receipts; filing undelivered notices; filing affidavit of service.

(1) Service of the notice described in section 61704(2), which is provided as a matter of public policy and not as a requirement of jurisdiction, before the date of the first publication of notice provided for in section 61726 by personal service or by certified mail, with return receipts requested, shall be provided to the last known address of the following interested persons: (a) The last owner of record of the oil and gas mineral interests underlying the lands or areas directly affected by the proposed action, and of the surface owners. (b) The last owner of record of the oil and gas mineral interests underlying the lands or areas immediately adjacent to, and contiguous to, the lands or areas directly affected by the proposed action, and of the surface owners. (c) The last owner of record of oil and gas leases from 1 or more owners described in subdivision (a) or (b). (2) Receipts returned following delivery by certified mail shall be filed with the supervisor on or before the date of the hearing, or before the supervisor's order is issued if there is no hearing. (3) Undelivered notices that are returned to the petitioner shall be filed with the supervisor on or before the date of the hearing, or before the supervisor's order is issued if there is no hearing. (4) If notice is given by personal service, an affidavit of service shall be filed with the supervisor on or before the date of the hearing, or before the supervisor's order is issued if there is no hearing.