(a) At any time prior to approving or disapproving the water resources management strategy, the council or the ALJ may direct that the hearing record be reopened. This may be done to secure additional information or data, or to consider significant new evidence.

(b) The hearing conducted pursuant to this Part shall not be considered an adjudicatory proceeding as defined in section 102(3) of the State Administrative Procedure Act, or a rule making proceeding held pursuant to section 102(1) of such act.