Rules of evidence; official notices.

In contested cases:A. Irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious evidence shall be excluded. The rules of evidence as applied in nonjury civil cases in the Supreme Courts of New York State shall be followed. When necessary to ascertain facts not reasonably susceptible of proof under those rules, evidence not admissible thereunder may be admitted (except where precluded by statute) if it is of a type commonly relied upon by a reasonably prudent people in the conduct of their affairs. The Sewer District shall give effect to the rules of privilege recognized by law. Objections to evidentiary offers may be made and noted in the record.

Subject to these requirements, when a hearing will be expedited and the interest of the parties will not be prejudiced substantially, any part of the evidence may be received in written form;B. Documentary evidence may be received in the form of copies or excerpts, if the original is not readily available. Upon request, parties shall be given an opportunity to compare the copy with the original;C. A party may conduct cross-examinations required for a full and true disclosure of the facts;D. Notice may be taken of judicially cognizable facts. In addition, notice may be taken of general recognized technical or scientific facts within the Sewer District's specialized knowledge.

Parties shall be notified, either before or during the hearing, or by reference in preliminary reports or otherwise, of the material noticed, including any staff memoranda or data, and they shall be afforded an opportunity to contest the material so noticed. The Sewer District's experience, technical competence, and specialized knowledge may be utilized in the evaluation of the evidence.