(1) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3), information obtained by the department under this part is a public record subject to disclosure as provided in the freedom of information act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 to 15.246.

    (2) A person regulated under this part may designate a record, permit application, other information, or a portion of a record, permit application, or other information furnished to or obtained by the department or its agents as being only for the confidential use of the department. The department shall notify the regulated person of a request for public records under section 5 of the freedom of information act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.235, whose scope includes information designated as confidential. The person regulated under this part has 30 days after the receipt of the notice to demonstrate to the department that the information designated as confidential should not be disclosed because the information is a trade secret or secret process or is production, commercial, or financial information the disclosure of which would jeopardize the competitive position of the person from whom the information was obtained and make available information not otherwise publicly available. The department shall grant the request for the information unless the person regulated under this part makes a satisfactory demonstration to the department that the information should not be disclosed. If there is a dispute between the owner or operator of a treatment, storage, or disposal facility and the person requesting information under the freedom of information act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 to 15.246, the director of the department shall make the decision to grant or deny the request. When the department makes a decision to grant a request, the information requested shall not be released until 3 days have elapsed after the decision is made.

    (3) Data on the quantity or composition of hazardous waste generated, transported, treated, stored, or disposed of; air and water emission factors, rates and characterizations; emissions during malfunctions of equipment required under this part on treatment, storage, or disposal facilities; or the efficiency of air and water pollution control devices is not rendered as confidential information by this section.

    (4) The department may release any information obtained under this part, including a record, permit application, or other information considered confidential pursuant to subsection (1), to the United States environmental protection agency, the United States agency for toxic substance disease registry, or other agency authorized to receive information, including confidential information, under the solid waste disposal act.