As soon as practicable after adoption of the order of determination, issuance of an order on reconsideration, or issuance of an order denying reconsideration, whichever is later, a certified copy of the order, together with the original evidence and transcript of testimony filed with or taken before the board and certified by it, shall be filed with the clerk of the superior court of the county in which the stream system, or some part thereof, is situated.

Upon the filing of the certified copy of the order of determination and the evidence and transcript, the board shall procure an order from the court setting a time for hearing.

The clerk of the court shall immediately furnish the board with a certified copy of the order setting the time for hearing.

Upon receiving the certified copy of the order setting the time for hearing, the board shall immediately mail a copy of the order by registered mail to each known party in interest at his last known place of residence.

The board shall cause the order to be published at least once a week for four consecutive weeks in some newspaper of general circulation published in each county in which the stream system or any part thereof is situated.

The board shall file with the clerk of the court proof of service by registered mail and by publication.

Service by registered mail and by publication shall be deemed full and sufficient notice to all parties in interest of the date and purpose of the hearing.

At least 10 days prior to the day set for hearing, each party in interest who is aggrieved or dissatisfied with the order of determination may file with the clerk of the court notice of exceptions to the order of determination.

The notice of exceptions shall state briefly the exceptions taken, the reasons therefor, and the prayer for relief.

A copy of each notice of exception shall be sent by registered mail at least 10 days prior to the hearing to the board and to each person who was an adverse party to any issue raised by the exception at a hearing of the board.

The order of determination, the statements or claims of claimants, and the exceptions made to the order of determination constitute the pleadings.

The court may allow such additional or amended pleadings as may be necessary to a final determination of the proceeding.

If no exceptions are filed, then on the day set for the hearing, on motion of the board, the court shall enter a decree affirming the order of determination.

On the day set for hearing all parties in interest who have filed notices of exceptions shall appear in person, or by counsel, and the court shall hear the matter or set the time for hearing, and shall continue the hearing until all exceptions are disposed of.

All proceedings on the hearing shall be as nearly as may be in accordance with the rules governing civil actions.

Whenever in the judgment of the court the State is a necessary party to the action, the court shall make an order to that effect and thereupon a copy of all pleadings and proceedings on file with the court in the action shall be served upon the Attorney General who shall represent the State therein.

For further information on any subject in controversy the court may employ one or more qualified persons to investigate and report thereon under oath, subject to examination by any party in interest as to his competency to give expert testimony on the subject.

The court may take additional evidence on any issue and may, if necessary, refer the case for such further evidence to be taken by the board as the court may direct, and may require a further determination by the board.

After the hearing, the court shall enter a decree determining the right of all persons involved in the proceeding.