<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="14-108" title_number="14" title_name="Gas and Oil" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="In General">
  <text>The Department shall deny the permit if the Department determines that:</text>
  <level label="1">
    <text>The proposed operation shall violate a requirement of this subtitle or a regulation adopted under this subtitle;</text>
  </level>
  <level label="2">
    <text>The proposed drilling or well operation poses a substantial threat to public safety or a risk of significant adverse environmental impact to, but not limited to, the following:</text>
    <level label="i">
      <text>The Chesapeake Bay;</text>
    </level>
    <level label="ii">
      <text>The Chesapeake Bay Critical Area;</text>
    </level>
    <level label="iii">
      <text>Tidal or nontidal wetlands;</text>
    </level>
    <level label="iv">
      <text>Endangered or threatened species, species in need of conservation, or the habitat of any of them;</text>
    </level>
    <level label="v">
      <text>Historic properties under § 5A–326 of the State Finance and Procurement Article;</text>
    </level>
    <level label="vi">
      <text>Populated areas;</text>
    </level>
    <level label="vii">
      <text>Freshwater, estuarine, or marine fisheries; or</text>
    </level>
    <level label="viii">
      <text>Other significant natural resources;</text>
    </level>
  </level>
  <level label="3">
    <text>The applicant has failed to receive applicable permits or approvals for the operation from all State and local regulatory units responsible for air and water pollution, sediment control, and zoning;</text>
  </level>
  <level label="4">
    <text>The operation will constitute a significant physical hazard to a neighboring dwelling unit, school, church, hospital, commercial or industrial building, public road, or other public or private property in existence at the time of the application for the permit;</text>
  </level>
  <level label="5">
    <text>The operation will have a significant adverse effect on the uses of a publicly owned park, forest, or recreation area in existence at the time of the application for the permit; or</text>
  </level>
  <level label="6">
    <text>The applicant has not corrected any violations committed by the applicant under any prior permit.</text>
  </level>
</section>
