<section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-101" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Discharge” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The addition, introduction, leaking, spilling, or emitting of a pollutant into the waters of this State; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The placing of a pollutant in a location where the pollutant is likely to pollute.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>“Disposal system” means a system for disposing of wastes by surface, above surface, or underground methods.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Disposal system” includes a treatment works and a disposal well.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“Effluent limitation” means a restriction or prohibition that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is established under federal law or a law of this State; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Specifies quantities, rates, or concentrations of chemical, physical, biological, or other constituents that are discharged into the waters of this State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Effluent limitation” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Parameters for toxic and nontoxic discharges;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Standards of performance for new sources; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Ocean discharge standards.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d–1"> <text>“Failing on–site sewage disposal system” means an on–site sewage disposal system or a cesspool, or a component of an on–site sewage disposal system or a cesspool, that is a threat to public health due to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The potential for direct contact between sewage and members of the public;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A failure to prevent:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Sewage from reaching the surface of the ground;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Sewage from backing up into a structure due to slow soil absorption of sewage effluent;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Sewage from leaking from a sewage tank or collection system;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Unless specifically authorized by a groundwater protection report approved by the Department before January 1, 2019, groundwater degradation; or</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Surface water degradation; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For a permitted on–site sewage disposal system, significant noncompliance with the standards and conditions of the on–site sewage disposal system permit.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Industrial user” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A person who is engaged in manufacturing, fabricating, or assembling goods; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A member of any class of significant producers of pollutants identified under rules or regulations adopted by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Secretary; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“National pollutant discharge elimination system” means the national system for issuing permits as designated by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Pollutant” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any waste or wastewater that is discharged from:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A publicly owned treatment works; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An industrial source; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any other liquid, gaseous, solid, or other substance that will pollute any waters of this State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Pollution” means any contamination or other alteration of the physical, chemical, or biological properties of any waters of this State, including a change in temperature, taste, color, turbidity, or odor of the waters or the discharge or deposit of any organic matter, harmful organism, or liquid, gaseous, solid, radioactive, or other substance into any waters of this State, that will render the waters harmful or detrimental to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Public health, safety, or welfare;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Domestic, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreational, or other legitimate beneficial uses;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Livestock, wild animals, or birds; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Fish or other aquatic life.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Publicly owned treatment works” means a facility that is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Owned by this State or a political subdivision, municipal corporation, or other public entity; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Used for the treatment of pollutants.</text> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <level label="1"> <text>“Solid waste” means any garbage, refuse, sludge, or liquid from industrial, commercial, mining, or agricultural operations or from community activities.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Solid waste” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Scrap tires as defined in § 9–201 of this title;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Organic material capable of being composted that is not composted in accordance with regulations adopted under § 9–1725(b) of this title;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Materials that are managed at a recycling facility and are not recyclable materials as defined in § 9–1701 of this title; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Recyclable materials as defined in § 9–1701 of this title that are not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Returned to the marketplace in the form of a raw material or product within 1 calendar year from the time the recyclable materials are received; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Otherwise managed in accordance with regulations adopted under § 9–1713 of this title.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Solid waste” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Solid or dissolved material in domestic sewage or in irrigation return flows;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Compost as defined in § 9–1701 of this title;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Organic material capable of being composted that is composted in accordance with regulations adopted under § 9–1725(b) of this title; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Materials that are managed at a recycling facility in accordance with regulations adopted under § 9–1713 of this title.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Water quality standard” means a water quality standard that is adopted and effective under federal law or a law of this State.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <text>“Waters of this State” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Both surface and underground waters within the boundaries of this State subject to its jurisdiction, including that part of the Atlantic Ocean within the boundaries of this State, the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, and all ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, public ditches, tax ditches, and public drainage systems within this State, other than those designed and used to collect, convey, or dispose of sanitary sewage; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The flood plain of free–flowing waters determined by the Department of Natural Resources on the basis of the 100–year flood frequency.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-102" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <text>In addition to the duties set forth elsewhere, the health officer, or in Montgomery County the department designated by the Montgomery County government, shall inspect and report on the sanitary conditions of streams, sources of public water supply, and sewerage facilities in the county.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-103" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <text>Every order issued by the Department prohibiting the use of an existing septic tank sanitary facility shall include a description of the actions and procedures under which the prohibition may be lifted.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-201" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“First sale” means a sale of a new tire that is not a sale to a wholesaler or out-of-state retailer.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Local health official” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A health officer or a designee of the health officer; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Director of the Department of Environmental Protection of Montgomery County or a designee of the Director.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Person” includes the federal government, a state, county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Refuse disposal system” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An incinerator;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A transfer station;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A landfill system;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A landfill;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A solid waste processing facility; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Any other solid waste acceptance facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Scrap tire” means any tire that no longer is suitable for its original intended purpose by virtue of wear, damage, or defect.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Scrap tire collection facility” means a place where scrap tires are:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Deposited by a consumer or a scrap tire hauler; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Transferred to another scrap tire collection facility or scrap tire recycler.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Scrap tire hauler” means a person who as part of a commercial business:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Transports scrap tires; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is approved and licensed by the Department to transport scrap tires to a scrap tire recycler or a scrap tire collection facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Scrap tire recycler” means a person who is approved and licensed by the Department to process scrap tires to a form of raw materials or products that may be returned to the marketplace.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Service” means the Maryland Environmental Service.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Sewage” means the water–carried domestic waste from residences, buildings, industrial establishments, or other places.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <text>“Sewage sludge” means any thickened liquid, suspension, settled solid, or dried residue that a sewage treatment plant extracts from sewage.</text> </level> <level label="m"> <level label="1"> <text>“Sewage sludge generator” means a person who owns or operates a facility that receives and processes sewage in this State or produces sewage sludge to be utilized in this State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Sewage sludge generator” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Maryland Environmental Service.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Sewage sludge generator” does not include the owner or operator of a septic system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="n"> <text>“Sewage sludge utilization permit” means a permit, issued by the Department, to utilize sewage sludge.</text> </level> <level label="o"> <level label="1"> <text>“Sewage sludge utilizer” means a person who utilizes sewage sludge in this State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Sewage sludge utilizer” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Maryland Environmental Service.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="p"> <level label="1"> <text>“Sewerage system” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The channels used or intended to be used to collect and dispose of sewage; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any structure or appurtenance used or intended to be used to collect or prepare sewage for discharge into the waters of this State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Sewerage system” includes any sewer of any size.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Sewerage system” does not include the plumbing system inside any building served by the sewerage system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="q"> <text>“Store scrap tires” means the accumulation of scrap tires in any form or configuration in excess of 15,000 cubic feet.</text> </level> <level label="r"> <text>“Tire dealer” means a person who sells new tires to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A seller of tires in the State that is not a tire wholesaler; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A consumer of a tire on which a recycling fee has not been paid.</text> </level> </level> <level label="s"> <text>“Tire wholesaler” means a person who transfers tires to a person who is not a consumer.</text> </level> <level label="t"> <text>“Utilize sewage sludge” means to collect, handle, burn, store, treat, or transport sewage sludge to or from a sewage sludge generator or utilizer in this State, to apply it to land, or to dispose of it.</text> </level> <level label="u"> <level label="1"> <text>“Water supply system” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A source and the surrounding area from which water is supplied for drinking or domestic purposes; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any structure, channel, or appurtenance used to prepare water for use or to deliver water to a consumer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Water supply system” does not include the plumbing system inside any building that is served by the water supply system.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-202" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>It is the intent of the General Assembly that homeowners have access to programs to assist them in meeting their payment obligations for water and sewer services.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A political subdivision, a sanitary commission, or an authority providing services under this title may develop and implement service affordability programs to assist homeowners having difficulty making payments for water and sewer services, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Payment plans; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Round up programs in which ratepayers may donate to a fund to be used to provide payment assistance to homeowners.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-204" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies to any water supply system, sewerage system, refuse disposal system that is for public use, or any refuse disposal system that is a solid waste acceptance facility as defined in § 9–501(n) of this title if the solid waste acceptance facility is installed, altered, or extended after July 1, 1988.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary may adopt reasonable and proper regulations for submission of plans. These regulations may include the collection of a fee at the time of application for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A permit issued under this section for a privately owned water supply or sewerage system; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A permit applied for by a local unit of government for a privately financed water supply or sewerage system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary shall provide the regulated community an opportunity to participate in the rate setting and regulatory processes.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Before a person draws plans or submits an application under this section for a proposed water supply system, sewerage system, or refuse disposal system, the person may submit to the Secretary a preliminary statement on the proposed system.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At the request of the person, the Secretary shall outline the general requirements that must be met before the Secretary would approve the proposed system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A person shall have a permit issued by the Secretary under this section before the person installs, materially alters, or materially extends a water supply system, sewerage system, or refuse disposal system.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>An applicant for a permit shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Submit to the Secretary an application that contains:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The complete plans and specifications for the installation, alteration, or extension of the water supply system, sewerage system, or refuse disposal system;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For any application related to any solid waste acceptance facility in the areas of Baltimore City designated by the United States Post Office as zip code numbers 21225, 21226, and 21230, a groundwater and surface water impact analysis prepared at the expense of the applicant regarding the proposed installation, alteration, or extension; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any other information that the Secretary requires;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Submit to the Secretary any material change in the plans and specifications, with the reason for the change; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Pay the permit fee set by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Results of any groundwater and surface water impact analysis required under subsection (e)(1)(ii) of this section may be a basis for the Secretary’s denial of a permit.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>When a person applies for a permit and pays the fee under this section, the Secretary shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Examine the application without delay; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>Approve the application and issue the permit;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Disapprove the application; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>State the conditions under which the Secretary would approve the application.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary shall act within 30 working days after receiving an application and payment of fee for a permit under this section for a water distribution line or a sewage collection line.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the Secretary does not act within the time set by paragraph (2) of this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The application is approved automatically; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Secretary shall issue a permit for the work.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>A person may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Install, materially alter, or materially extend a water supply system, sewerage system, or refuse disposal system in this State except in accordance with a permit issued to the person by the Secretary under this section; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Embody any material change in construction until the Secretary has issued a revised permit based on the submission to the Secretary under subsection (e)(2) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>After a person completes work under a permit, the person shall submit to the Secretary for permanent record a certified copy of the plans that shows the work as built.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>An owner or operator of an incinerator may not accept more than 150 tons per day of special medical waste, as defined in Title 26, Subtitle 13, Chapter 11 of the Code of Maryland Regulations.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary may not issue any permit, including a permit under subsection (d) of this section or § 7–232 of this article, to construct or operate a municipal waste incinerator for disposal of a solid waste stream, as defined in § 9–1701 of this title, within 1 mile of a public or private elementary or secondary school.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person may not construct or operate a municipal waste incinerator for disposal of a solid waste stream, as defined in § 9–1701 of this title, within 1 mile of a public or private elementary or secondary school.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>This subsection may not be construed to prohibit:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The operation, construction, reconstruction, replacement, expansion, and material alteration or extension of an incinerator that was operating as a resource recovery facility on January 1, 1997; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The issuance of permits necessary for the operation, construction, reconstruction, replacement, expansion, and material alteration or extension of an incinerator that was operating on January 1, 1997.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="l"> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary may not issue any permit, including a permit under subsection (d) of this section, to construct or operate a transfer station in Prince George’s County for disposal of solid waste within 2 miles of Bowie State University.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person may not construct or operate a transfer station in Prince George’s County for the disposal of solid waste within 2 miles of Bowie State University.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>This subsection may not be construed to prohibit:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The operation, construction, reconstruction, replacement, expansion, or material alteration or extension of a transfer station that was operating on January 1, 2000; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The issuance of a permit that is necessary for the operation, construction, reconstruction, replacement, expansion, or material alteration or extension of a transfer station that was operating on January 1, 2000.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="m"> <text>The Secretary may not issue any permit under this section to construct or operate a landfill within 4 miles of Unicorn Lake in Queen Anne’s County, within 1 mile of the Piscataway Creek, a Piscataway Creek tributary, or the Mattawoman Creek, or within 1 mile of any other tributary in Prince George’s County that flows directly or indirectly into the Potomac River.</text> </level> <level label="n"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “trade secret” has the meaning provided in § 11–1201 of the Commercial Law Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department shall prepare an annual report identifying the amount of solid waste by weight or volume, disposed of in the State during the previous year.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The report required under paragraph (2) of this subsection shall identify:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The following solid waste categories:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Construction and demolition debris;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Incinerator ash;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Industrial waste;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Land clearing debris;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Municipal solid waste; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Any other solid waste identified by the Department;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The amount of solid waste disposed of in the State that is generated outside of the State;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The jurisdictions where the solid waste originated;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The amount of solid waste generated in the State that is transported outside of the State for disposal; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>An estimate of the amount of solid waste managed or disposed of by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Recycling;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Composting;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Landfilling; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Incineration.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>All permitted solid waste acceptance facilities shall at least annually provide to the Department information that is necessary to prepare the report required under paragraph (2) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, a facility owner may provide the following information:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An accounting of the facility’s economic benefits provided to the locality where the facility is located;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The value of disposal and recycling facilities provided to the locality at no cost or reduced cost;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Direct employment associated with the facility; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Other economic benefits resulting from the facility during the preceding calendar year.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>On or before December 31 each year, the Department shall submit, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, a report of the activities undertaken and the progress made in accordance with this section to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The House Environment and Transportation Committee; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>A facility owner is not required to provide information under paragraph (4) of this subsection that is a trade secret.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-204.1" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <text>The Secretary may not issue a permit to install, materially alter, or materially extend an incinerator for disposal of a solid waste stream, as defined in § 9-1701 of this title, unless the county where the proposed incinerator is to be installed, materially altered, or materially extended has a recycling plan submitted and approved in accordance with § 9-505 of this title.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-204.2" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to the requirements of § 9–204 of this subtitle and Title 1, Subtitle 6 of this article, an applicant for a permit to install, materially alter, or materially extend a landfill system shall give notice of the application by certified mail to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The owners of all real property adjoining the site where the proposed project is located;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The chairman of the legislative body and any elected executive of the county where the proposed project site is located;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The elected executive of any municipal corporation where the proposed project site is located; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any other county within 1 mile of where the proposed project site is located.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any informational meeting required by § 1–603 of this article shall be held in accordance with Title 1, Subtitle 6 of this article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-205" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “authority” means a water, sewerage, or sanitary district authority.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section applies only to any water supply system, sewerage system, or refuse disposal system that is for public use in this State.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Any authority or person who owns a water supply system, sewerage system, or refuse disposal system or who supplies or is authorized to supply water, sewerage, or refuse disposal service to the public shall submit to the Secretary:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A certified copy of the complete plans for the water supply system, sewerage system, or refuse disposal system that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is correct on the date of submission; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is of the scope and detail that the Secretary requires; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any existing specifications of or reports on the water supply system, sewerage system, or refuse disposal system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If plans do not exist or are of insufficient scope or detail, the authority or person who is required to submit the plans shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Prepare and submit to the Secretary new or supplemented plans; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Make any investigation that is necessary to ensure that the new or supplemented plans are correct.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary may request any other information about the water supply system, sewerage system, or refuse disposal system, including information or records on maintenance and operation, that the Secretary considers appropriate.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any authority or person to whom a request is made under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall submit the information or records to the Secretary.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-206" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Community sewerage system” means a publicly or privately owned sewerage system that serves at least two lots.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Growth tiers” means the tiers adopted by a local jurisdiction in accordance with Title 1, Subtitle 5 of the Land Use Article.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Lot” includes a part of a subdivision that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is used or is intended to be used as a building site; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is not intended to be further subdivided.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Major subdivision” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The subdivision of land:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Into new lots, plats, building sites, or other divisions of land defined or described as a major subdivision in a local ordinance or regulation:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>That is in effect on or before January 1, 2012; or</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Adopted on or before December 31, 2012, if a local jurisdiction chooses to create a definition or description applicable solely to this section or if a local ordinance or regulation does not define or describe a major subdivision under item A of this item; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a local jurisdiction has not adopted a definition or description of a major subdivision on or before December 31, 2012, under item 1 of this item, into five or more new lots, plats, building sites, or other divisions of land; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the local ordinance or regulation has multiple definitions or descriptions of a major subdivision under item (i) of this paragraph, the definition or description of a major subdivision that is determined by the local jurisdiction to apply for the purposes of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>“Minor subdivision” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The subdivision of land:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Into new lots, plats, building sites, or other divisions of land defined or described as a minor subdivision in a local ordinance or regulation:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>That is in effect on or before January 1, 2012; or</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Adopted on or before December 31, 2012, if a local jurisdiction chooses to create a definition or description applicable solely to this section or if a local ordinance or regulation does not define or describe a minor subdivision under item A of this item, provided that a minor subdivision defined or described in the adopted ordinance or regulation does not exceed seven new lots, plats, building sites, or other divisions of land; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a local jurisdiction has not adopted a definition or description of a minor subdivision on or before December 31, 2012, under item 1 of this item, into fewer than five new lots, plats, building sites, or other divisions of land; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the local ordinance or regulation has multiple definitions or descriptions of a minor subdivision under item (i) of this paragraph, the definition or description of a minor subdivision that is determined by the local jurisdiction to apply for the purposes of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>“On–site sewage disposal” means the disposal of sewage beneath the soil surface.</text> </level> <level label="8"> <level label="i"> <text>“On–site sewage disposal system” means a sewage treatment unit, collection system, disposal area, and related appurtenances.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“On–site sewage disposal system” includes a shared facility or community sewerage system that disposes of sewage effluent beneath the soil surface.</text> </level> </level> <level label="9"> <text>“Public sewer” means a community, shared, or multiuse sewerage system.</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>“Shared facility” means a sewerage system that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Serves more than one:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Lot and is owned in common by the users;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Condominium unit and is owned in common by the users or by a condominium association;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>User and is located on individual lots owned by the users; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>User on one lot and is owned in common by the users; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is located wholly or partly on any of the common elements of a condominium; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Serves a housing or another multiple ownership cooperative.</text> </level> </level> <level label="11"> <text>“State agency” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Maryland Environmental Trust;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Department of Natural Resources; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission.</text> </level> </level> <level label="12"> <text>“Subdivision” means a division of a tract or parcel of land into at least two lots for the immediate or future purpose of sale or building development.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Subsections (f) through (i) and subsection (l) of this section apply to residential subdivisions.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subsections (f) through (i) do not apply to an application for approval of a residential subdivision under § 9–512(e) of this title if:</text> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>By October 1, 2012, a submission for preliminary plan approval is made to a local jurisdiction that includes, at a minimum, the preliminary engineering, density, road network, lot layout, and existing features of the proposed site development;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>By July 1, 2012, in a local jurisdiction that requires a soil percolation test before a submission for preliminary approval:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>An application for a soil percolation test approval for all lots that will be included in the submission for preliminary approval is made to the local health department; and</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Within 18 months after approval of the soil percolation tests for the lots that will be included in the submission for preliminary approval, a submission for preliminary approval is made to a local jurisdiction that includes, at a minimum, the preliminary engineering, density, road network, lot layout, and existing features of the proposed site development; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>By July 1, 2012, in a local jurisdiction that requires a soil percolation test before a submission for preliminary approval and the local jurisdiction does not accept applications for soil percolation tests year round:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>Documentation that a Maryland professional engineer or surveyor has prepared and certified under seal a site plan in anticipation of an application for soil percolation tests;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>An application for a soil percolation test approval for all lots that will be included in the submission for preliminary approval is made to the local health department at the next available soil percolation test season; and</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>Within 18 months after approval of the soil percolation tests for the lots that will be included in the submission for preliminary approval, a submission for preliminary approval is made to a local jurisdiction that includes, at a minimum, the preliminary engineering, density, road network, lot layout, and existing features of the proposed site development; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>By October 1, 2016, the preliminary plan is approved.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Subsections (f) through (i) and subsection (l) of this section do not apply to covenants, restrictions, conditions, or conservation easements that were created or entered into at any time under § 2–118 of the Real Property Article for the benefit of, or held by, a State agency or a local jurisdiction for the purpose of conserving natural resources or agricultural land.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subsections (f) through (i) of this section may not be construed as granting any additional rights in covenants, restrictions, conditions, or conservation easements that were created or entered into at any time under § 2–118 of the Real Property Article for the benefit of, or held by, a State agency or a local jurisdiction for the purpose of conserving natural resources or agricultural land.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Subsections (f) through (i) and subsection (l) of this section do not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Affect a local transfer of development rights program authorized under § 10–324 of the Local Government Article or Title 7, Subtitle 2 or § 22–105 of the Land Use Article; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Diminish the local development rights transferred in these transfer of development rights programs.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Subsections (f) through (i) and subsection (l) of this section may not be construed as prohibiting a local jurisdiction from altering the definition or description of a major or minor subdivision in a local ordinance or regulation for local zoning or development purposes.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>On or after December 31, 2012, a local jurisdiction:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May not authorize a residential major subdivision served by on–site sewage disposal systems, community sewerage systems, or shared systems until the local jurisdiction adopts the growth tiers in accordance with § 5–104 of the Land Use Article; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the local jurisdiction has not adopted the growth tiers in accordance with § 5–104 of the Land Use Article, may authorize:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A residential minor subdivision served by on–site sewage disposal systems if the residential subdivision otherwise meets the requirements of this title; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A major or minor subdivision served by public sewer in a Tier I area.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (f)(2) of this section and subject to subsection (i) of this section, a local jurisdiction may authorize a residential subdivision plat only if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>All lots proposed in an area designated for Tier I growth will be served by public sewer;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>All lots proposed in an area designated for Tier II growth:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Will be served by public sewer; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the subdivision is a minor subdivision, may be served by on–site sewage disposal systems;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (h) of this section, the subdivision is a minor subdivision served by individual on–site sewage disposal systems in a Tier III or Tier IV area; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The subdivision is a major subdivision served by on–site sewage disposal systems, a community system, or a shared facility located in a Tier III area and has been recommended by the local planning board in accordance with § 5–104 of the Land Use Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any delay in the approval of a residential subdivision plat under this subsection may not be construed as applying to any deadline for approving or disapproving a subdivision plat under Division II or § 5–201 of the Land Use Article or a local ordinance.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>The limitation of minor subdivisions in subsection (g)(1)(iii) of this section does not apply to a local jurisdiction, if the subdivision and zoning requirements in their cumulative Tier IV areas result in an actual overall yield of not more than one dwelling unit per 20 acres that has been verified by the Department of Planning.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A local jurisdiction may request, in writing, a verification of the actual overall yield from the Department of Planning.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department of Planning shall verify the actual overall yield after consultation with the Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission, established in § 5–702 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>If two or more local jurisdictions adopt conflicting growth tier designations for the same area, the Department and the Department of Planning shall confer with the local jurisdictions to seek resolution of the conflicting designations.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a conflict in growth tier designations is not resolved, the Department of Planning shall recommend to the Department and the Department may approve the preferred local jurisdiction designations as recommended by the Department of Planning based on the following best planning practices or factors:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The comprehensive plan, including the municipal growth element, the water resources element, the land use element, and, if applicable, the priority preservation element;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Growth projections and development capacity; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Availability of infrastructure.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <text>With respect to land that is platted for subdivision, a person may not offer any of the land for sale or development or erect a permanent building on the land, unless there have been submitted to the Department:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A plat of the subdivision;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A statement of the methods, consistent with Subtitle 5 of this title, by which the subdivision is to be supplied with water and sewerage service;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Documentation by the local jurisdiction that a major subdivision on–site sewage disposal system, a community sewerage system, or a shared facility is in a:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Tier III area as adopted by the local jurisdiction; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Tier IV area in a local jurisdiction that is exempt from the limitation of minor subdivisions as provided in subsection (h) of this section; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any other information that the Department requires.</text> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <text>On the basis of information provided under subsection (j) of this section, the Department may order:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Preparation and submission, within any time the Department sets, of any plans and specifications that the Department considers necessary to provide for adequate water supply and sewerage service to the subdivision; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Installation, within any time the Department sets, of the whole or any part of a water supply system or sewerage system for the subdivision that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Conforms to the plans submitted to the Department and to any revision of the plans that the Department approves; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In the judgment of the Department, is needed for the public health.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="l"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection applies to a residential minor subdivision in a Tier II, Tier III, or Tier IV area.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as provided in paragraphs (4) and (5) of this subsection, on or after December 31, 2012, if a tract or parcel of land is subdivided into a residential minor subdivision leaving any remainder parcel or tract of land:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The residential minor subdivision may not be resubdivided or further subdivided; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The remainder parcel or tract of land may not be subdivided.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Except as provided in paragraphs (4) and (5) of this subsection, on or after December 31, 2012, the subdivision plat of the residential minor subdivision shall state that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The residential minor subdivision may not be resubdivided or further subdivided;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The remainder parcel or tract of land may not be subdivided; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The subdivision plat is subject to State law and local ordinances and regulations.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>On or after December 31, 2012, if a tract or parcel of land is subdivided into a residential minor subdivision, the residential minor subdivision or the remainder parcel or tract of land may be resubdivided or further subdivided if the subdivision or the remainder parcel or tract of land is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Within a priority funding area as defined in Title 5, Subtitle 7B of the State Finance and Procurement Article; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Designated for public sewerage service within 10 years in the approved water and sewer plan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>A tract or parcel of land may be subdivided into a residential minor subdivision in Tier II, Tier III, or Tier IV areas over time if each time a new lot or parcel is created, the subdivision plat states the number of new lots, plats, building sites, or other divisions of land that are left with the number of lots, plats, building sites, or other divisions of land allowed as a subdivision.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph, when the tract or parcel of land that is subdivided over time reaches the total number of lots, plats, building sites, or other divisions of land that are allowed as a residential minor subdivision, the subdivision plat shall state that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The residential minor subdivision may not be resubdivided or further subdivided;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The remainder parcel or tract of land may not be subdivided; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The subdivision plat is subject to State law and local ordinances and regulations.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A remainder parcel or tract of land may be subdivided for nonresidential agricultural purposes, including a farm market, agricultural processing facility, or creamery, and the owner may apply for approval of an on–site sewage disposal system to serve the nonresidential agricultural purposes.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="m"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “agricultural activities” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Plowing, tillage, cropping, seeding, cultivating, and harvesting for the production of food and fiber products; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The grazing of livestock.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A local jurisdiction may enact a local law or ordinance for the transfer of the right to subdivide, up to 7 lots, by an owner of property used for agricultural activities to the owner of another property used for agricultural activities in accordance with this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The local law or ordinance shall provide for the recordation of any rights to subdivide that are transferred under this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A property used for agricultural activities the owner of which receives rights to subdivide under this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is limited to a total of 15 lots; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shall cluster the lots on the property.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Rights to subdivide may not be transferred from the owner of property used for agricultural activities in a Tier III area to the owner of property used for agricultural activities in a Tier IV area.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-207" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “basic main facility”:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A sewage treatment plant;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An intercepting sewer;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>An outfall sewer;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A pumping station; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>A force main that is connected with a sewage treatment plant, intercepting sewer, outfall sewer, or pumping station; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Does not include a lateral or collector pipe that serves individual properties or developments.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary shall help counties and municipal corporations of this State and the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission to develop comprehensive master plans for constructing the basic main facilities of sewerage systems for collecting and disposing of sewage or industrial waste from lateral or collector pipes.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If the Secretary considers that regional planning is advisable, the Secretary shall attempt to coordinate on a regional basis:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The development of master plans under subsection (b) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Approval of the construction of sanitary facilities under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>This section does not take away any power of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-208" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>On request, the Secretary shall consult with and advise the owner, operator, prospective owner, or prospective operator of an existing or planned water supply system, drainage system, sewerage system, or refuse disposal system with respect to the existing and future needs of all persons and communities that may be affected on any of the following aspects of the system:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The most appropriate source of water;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The best method of assuring the purity of the water; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The best method of disposing of drainage, sewage, or refuse.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On request, the Secretary shall consult with and advise the owner, operator, prospective owner, or prospective operator of any business that produces sewage that may pollute the waters of this State.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Secretary may conduct any experiment relating to the purification of water or the treatment of sewage or refuse.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A person need not pay for consultation, advice, or experiments that the Secretary provides under this section.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Under this section, the Secretary shall give only preliminary information that outlines the best course to pursue.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Unless the Governor or the General Assembly delegates this authority specifically to the Secretary, and unless adequate special appropriation is provided for this purpose, the Secretary need not prepare plans, specifications, or detailed estimates for any improvement.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-209" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>The applicant shall give notice of the application, the informational meeting, and hearings:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To the public in compliance with Title 1, Subtitle 6 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>By certified mail to the board of county commissioners or the county council of any county and the chief executive of any county or municipal corporation that the Department determines may be affected by the incinerator for public use or landfill system, including any county or municipal corporation within one mile of the property line of the proposed incinerator for public use or landfill system;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>To the Department of Natural Resources, by certified mail;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>By certified mail to each member of the General Assembly representing any part of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A county in which the landfill system or incinerator for public use is located; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A county within 1 mile of the property line of the proposed landfill system or incinerator for public use;</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>To record owners of real property within 1,000 feet of the property line of the proposed incinerator for public use or landfill system, by certified mail to the addresses of record owners as indicated in the records of the State Department of Assessments and Taxation; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>By posting a notice of the application, the informational meeting, and hearings in a conspicuous space on the site of the proposed incinerator for public use or landfill system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The local officials notified under subsection (a)(2) of this section shall give notice of the application, the informational meeting, and hearings to all interested agencies of their respective jurisdictions.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>To the extent practicable, the Department and other units of the State government shall consolidate the informational meeting and hearings concerning permits for the same landfill system or incinerator for public use.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-210" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, the Secretary may not issue a permit to install, materially alter, or materially extend a refuse disposal system regulated under § 9-204(a) of this subtitle until the requirements set forth in this subsection are met in the following sequence:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Except for the opportunity for a public informational meeting, the Department has completed its preliminary phase 1 technical review of the proposed refuse disposal system;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department has reported the findings of its preliminary phase 1 technical review, in writing, to the county’s chief elected official and planning commission of the county where the proposed refuse disposal system is to be located; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The county has completed its review of the proposed refuse disposal system, and has provided to the Department a written statement that the refuse disposal system:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Meets all applicable county zoning and land use requirements; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is in conformity with the county solid waste plan.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Upon completion of the requirements of subsection (a)(1) and (2) of this section, the Department shall cease processing the permit application until the requirements of subsection (a)(3) of this section are met.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary may not issue a permit for a rubble landfill under § 9-204(a) of this subtitle unless the county in which the rubble landfill is located has specified the types of waste that may be disposed of in that rubble landfill in its county solid waste management plan under Subtitle 5 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The types of waste that a county may allow to be disposed of in a rubble landfill under this section include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Trees;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Land clearing debris that is not a controlled hazardous substance as defined in Title 7, Subtitle 2 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Demolition debris that is not a controlled hazardous substance as defined in Title 7, Subtitle 2 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Construction debris that is not a controlled hazardous substance as defined in Title 7, Subtitle 2 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The following types of waste may be disposed of in a rubble landfill subject to the regulations adopted under this subtitle if the disposal of these wastes is expressly approved by the county in its county solid waste management plan:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Asbestos, if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The asbestos is wet or otherwise in accordance with federal national emission standards for hazardous air pollution when delivered to the landfill; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The owner or operator of the landfill retains a record that clearly delineates where the asbestos has been deposited;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>White goods; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Subject to § 9-228(f) of this subtitle, scrap tires.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-211" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except for a sanitary landfill that is subject to § 9–211.1 of this subtitle, and as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, before the Secretary issues a permit for a landfill, incinerator, or transfer station to any private person, the applicant for the permit shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>File with the Department a bond on the form that the Department provides; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Deposit with the governing body of the local jurisdiction where the landfill, incinerator, or transfer station will be located cash, negotiable bonds of the federal government or this State, or any other security that the Department approves.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary may adopt regulations to exempt any legitimate recycling or reclamation facility from the requirements of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The obligation of a bond filed under this section shall be so conditioned as to be void on the closing of the landfill, incinerator, or transfer station in a manner that prevents erosion, health and safety hazards, nuisances, and pollution.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The local governing body that receives a deposit of cash or other security under this section shall hold the security in trust in the name of the local jurisdiction to assure the closing of the landfill, incinerator, or transfer station in a manner that prevents erosion, health and safety hazards, nuisances, and pollution.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A bond filed under this section shall be payable to the governing body of the political subdivision where the landfill, incinerator, or transfer station will be located.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, for a landfill:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Unless otherwise required by federal law or regulation, a bond filed under this section shall be in the amount of $10,000 for each acre of land to which the permit applies, but not less than $250,000;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Cash deposited under this section shall be not less than the amount specified in item (i) of this paragraph; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The market value of other security deposited under this section shall be not less than the amount specified in item (i) of this paragraph.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For an incinerator or transfer station, the Department shall establish the amount of the security required by this section.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>This paragraph does not apply to a rubble landfill.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For sanitary landfills that are restricted to acceptance of land clearing debris specified in regulations of the Department, a bond filed under this section shall be in the amount of $2,000 for each acre of land to which the permit applies, with a minimum amount of security of $25,000.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Both the applicant for a permit and a corporate surety licensed to do business in this State shall execute any bond filed under this section.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the term of any bond filed under this section and the time during which cash or other security must remain on deposit under this section is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The duration of the operation of the landfill, incinerator, or transfer station; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An additional 5 years after the closing of the landfill, incinerator, or transfer station.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Department has assurances that the landfill, incinerator, or transfer station has been closed in a manner that prevents erosion, health and safety hazards, nuisances, and pollution, the Department may release the security filed or deposited under this section before the end of the 5–year period specified in paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>The obligation of the holder of a permit for a landfill, incinerator, or transfer station and of any corporate surety under the bond shall become due and payable and any cash, securities, or bond proceeds shall be applied to payment of the costs of properly closing a landfill, incinerator, or transfer station only if the Department:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Notifies the permit holder and any corporate surety on the bond that the landfill, incinerator, or transfer station has not been closed in a manner that prevents erosion, health and safety hazards, nuisances, and pollution;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Specifies in the notice the deficiencies in the closing that must be corrected;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Gives the permit holder and the corporate surety a reasonable opportunity to correct the deficiencies and to close the landfill, incinerator, or transfer station in accordance with the regulations of the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Authorizes the local governing body to close the landfill, incinerator, or transfer station in accordance with the regulations of the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The local governing body shall use bond proceeds, cash, or the proceeds of other security to pay the cost of properly closing the landfill, incinerator, or transfer station.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-211.1" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations governing financial assurance for sanitary landfills that accept municipal solid waste.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For municipal solid waste landfills, the regulations shall be consistent with and may not exceed the requirements of federal regulations governing financial assurance (40 C.F.R. § 258.70 through 258.74).</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A regulation adopted under this section which is applicable to municipal solid waste landfills may not take effect until after the effective date of federal regulations governing financial assurance adopted pursuant to 40 C.F.R. § 258.70 through 258.74 and shall cease to be effective whenever those federal regulations are suspended or repealed.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Before the Secretary issues a permit for a sanitary landfill, the applicant for the permit shall provide proof of financial assurance in accordance with the regulations adopted by the Department under this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Until the regulations adopted by the Department under subsection (a) of this section are effective, or if those regulations cease to be effective, sanitary landfills that accept municipal solid waste shall comply with the requirements of § 9-211 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-212" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>As a condition precedent to the issuance by the Secretary of a permit for a landfill under this subtitle, the county or municipal corporation with jurisdiction over the landfill may require the owner of the site where the landfill is to be located to grant an option for the county or municipal corporation to purchase the site for open space or recreational purposes.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An option required under this subsection expires on the earlier of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The date specified in the option; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The date when the landfill ceases to be actively used.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>If the county or municipal corporation with jurisdiction over the landfill does not require an option under subsection (a) of this section, the State may require an option for the State to purchase the site for open space or recreational purposes.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the county or municipal corporation with jurisdiction over the landfill requires but will not exercise an option under subsection (a) of this section, the State may exercise the option.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Any option granted under this section is binding on any heir, representative, successor, or assign of the grantor.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-212.1" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <text>The Department may deny an application for a permit for a sanitary landfill system to any nongovernmental person if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The owner of the land, the operator, or the applicant has violated:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Any law of this State or any other state concerning sanitary landfills; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any regulation or permit condition of this State or any other state concerning sanitary landfills; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department finds that operation of the sanitary landfill system would harm public health or the environment.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-213" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>A permit for a landfill system expires on the 5th anniversary of its date of issue, unless the permit is renewed for a 5-year term as provided in this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Before a permit for a landfill system expires, the permit holder may renew it for an additional 5-year term, if the permit holder:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Submits to the Department a renewal application on the form that the Department requires;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Gives notice, by certified mail, of the renewal application to each member of the General Assembly in whose district the landfill system is located; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Obtains the written approval of the Department.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-214" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <text>The Department may refuse to renew a permit for a landfill system if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The permit holder violates any provision of this subtitle, any regulation adopted under this subtitle, any condition of the permit, or, if operating a landfill in another state, any statute, regulation, or permit of that state concerning landfill systems;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department finds that continued operation of the landfill system would be injurious to public health or the environment; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department finds that there is any other good cause.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-215" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>When landfill operations end, the holder of a permit issued under this subtitle for a landfill system shall close and cover all of the land for which the permit was issued in a manner that prevents:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Erosion;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Health and safety hazards;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Nuisances; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Pollution.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations that set standards for the closing and covering of landfill systems.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-216" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>In the coastal plain physiographic province of this State, a person may use any of the conventional, on-site sewage disposal systems identified in subsection (b) of this section if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The system is recommended by the Department as being the most appropriate; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary does not determine that the installation of the specific proposed system would be prejudicial to public health, safety, and welfare.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Systems that may be used under subsection (a) of this section are:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A septic tank or aerobic treatment system with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Standard trench or deep trench subsurface irrigation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A seepage pit; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A sand mound disposal system; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any other on-site sewage disposal system that the Department in its regulations states is conventional.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department may adopt regulations to carry out this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-217" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <text>Notwithstanding any provision of this title or any regulation of the Department that prohibits the installation of a specific on-site sewage disposal system, at the request of a person who owns a lot that was legally established on November 17, 1985, the Department shall test and evaluate the lot for an on-site sewage disposal system as if the person had applied to the Department and the Department had acted on the application on November 17, 1985.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-218" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Sanitary Facilities Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department may use the Sanitary Facilities Fund to finance planning for water and sewerage facilities and for solid waste disposal facilities and solid waste acceptance facilities.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department also may use funds appropriated in the State budget for general local health services to finance planning under this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Department uses a general local health services appropriation to finance planning under this section, State, county, and local funds shall be provided in the same proportions as they would be provided to pay for minimum health services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Department and any county, or the Department and the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, jointly may finance planning under this section.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Department and any local government may make a joint financing agreement to use any available federal grant for the planning under this section.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Any county or municipal corporation may appropriate its general funds to participate in the planning under this section.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>If a special government agency is charged with providing sanitary facilities in a county or municipal corporation, the Department, the county, or the municipal corporation may make general funds available to that agency for the planning under this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-219" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply if the State would lose or be denied any federal assistance or other funds because of its application.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>If federal grants, loans, or other funds are available for sewerage systems in the Patuxent River Watershed area, the Department shall use them to upgrade and floodproof existing sewerage systems, collector lines, or facilities in the area to meet standards currently in effect under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If available funds can be used to upgrade and floodproof any existing sewerage systems, collector lines, or facilities in the Patuxent River Watershed area, the Department may not use the funds to construct any new sewerage system, collector line, or facility in the area.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section, the Department may use available funds to construct a new sewerage system, collector line, or facility that does not discharge into a river, including a new sewerage system that incorporates land disposal of treated sewage effluent.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-220" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>The Secretary shall order the owner or person in charge of a water supply system, sewerage system, or refuse disposal system to correct the following improper conditions, if, after investigation, the Secretary determines that, because of incompetent supervision or inefficient operation, the water supply system, sewerage system, or refuse disposal system:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is not producing reasonable results from a sanitary viewpoint;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is a menace to health or comfort; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Is causing a nuisance.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The order shall require that the water supply system, sewerage system, or refuse disposal system produce specific, reasonable results within a time that the Secretary sets.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>If the water supply system, sewerage system, or refuse disposal system does not produce the required results within the time that the Secretary sets, the Secretary may order the owner or person in charge to appoint, within a time that the Secretary sets, a person approved by the Secretary to take charge of and operate the system in a manner that will secure the results demanded by the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The person who is served with an order under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall pay the salary of the person who is appointed in compliance with the order.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-221" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>If, after investigation, the Department determines that any water supply system, sewerage system, or refuse disposal system is a menace to health or comfort or is causing a nuisance, and that conditions cannot be improved sufficiently only by changing the method of operation, the Department may order the owner:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To alter or extend the water supply system, sewerage system, or refuse disposal system; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To install a new water supply system, sewerage system, or refuse disposal system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An order under subsection (a) of this section shall state a reasonable date for completion of the work.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Secretary may authorize a health officer:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To investigate refuse disposal systems; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To enforce any regulation of the Department concerning refuse disposal systems.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-222" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>The Secretary may issue an order under subsection (b) of this section, if, after investigation, the Secretary determines that the absence or incompleteness of a public water supply system, public sewerage system, or refuse disposal system in a county, municipal corporation, sanitary district, subdivision, or locality:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is sufficiently prejudicial to the health or comfort of that or any other county, municipal corporation, sanitary district, subdivision, or locality; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Causes a condition by which any of the waters of this State are being polluted or could become polluted in a way that is dangerous to health or is a nuisance.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An order under this section may require:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The installation, alteration, extension, utilization, operation, or the completion of a public water supply system, public sewerage system, or refuse disposal system in a county, municipal corporation, sanitary district, subdivision, or locality within a time that the Secretary sets; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The installation of any device, the establishment of any method, or the enforcement of any measure or regulation that the Secretary considers proper under the circumstances.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-223" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>If a water supply system that serves the public or a sewerage system that serves the public is directly available to service any property on which there is a spring, well, cesspool, privy, sink drain, or private sewage disposal system that is or could become prejudicial to health or the environment, the Secretary may order that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The property be connected with the water supply system or sewage disposal system; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The spring, well, cesspool, privy, sink drain, or private sewage disposal system be abandoned in a condition that will prevent it from being used or harming health.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the Secretary determines that a proposed well, cesspool, privy, sink drain, or private sewage disposal system would be prejudicial to health, the Secretary may prevent construction of the well, cesspool, privy, sink drain, or private sewage disposal system.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection does not apply to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The construction of a new dwelling; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any addition to or renovation of an existing dwelling.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary shall allow the owner of a dwelling unit to install an on-site sewage disposal system for the dwelling unit if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The dwelling unit is owner-occupied;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The dwelling unit is legally situated on a property and legally occupied; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Secretary finds that the on-site sewage disposal system would be a reasonable solution to sewage problems on the property and would not be an undue risk to the environment or to public health, safety, or welfare.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A person may not build a privy in this State unless the privy will, in the judgment of the Secretary, prevent:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The soil from coming in contact with any fecal matter; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Flies from gaining access to any fecal matter.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Secretary finds that a person has built a privy in violation of paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Secretary shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Condemn the privy; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Order any change sufficient to bring about compliance with paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>This section does not authorize the Secretary to prohibit a bona fide religious group from the free exercise of their religious beliefs by constructing a shallow well or a privy, if the well or privy:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is built in accordance with specified standards; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is not prejudicial to health or to the environment.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-223.1" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <text>Any new or replacement piping that is buried or installed for the purpose of connecting a building to a water supply system or a sewerage system shall comply with the requirements of § 12–129 of the Public Utilities Article.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-224" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>On request of the Secretary, the owner or operator of an industrial establishment shall submit to the Secretary any plan, information, or record concerning the waste disposal methods the industrial establishment uses.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>If the Secretary finds that public health or comfort is or may be threatened because the wastes of an industrial establishment have polluted or are polluting the waters of this State or because of the waste disposal methods an industrial establishment uses, the Secretary shall order the owner or operator of the industrial establishment:</text> <level label="i"> <text>To stop polluting the body of water into which the industrial establishment discharges its waste; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>To alter the waste disposal methods of the industrial establishment in any way that the Secretary considers necessary to protect public health and comfort.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The owner or operator of an industrial establishment shall comply with an order issued under paragraph (1) of this subsection within the time set by the Secretary.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person who is subject to an order issued under this section shall have a permit issued by the Secretary under § 9-204 of this subtitle before the person may change the waste disposal methods used by an industrial establishment.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-225" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <text>Unless a person applied for the permit before October 1, 1981, the Secretary may not issue a permit for a proposed landfill that would be within one-half mile of any hospital.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-226" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <text>If a landfill system for hazardous wastes does not qualify for a certificate of public necessity under § 7-405(d)(2) of this article, the Secretary may not issue a permit for the system.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-227" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>“Infectious waste” means any waste that comes from a hospital, laboratory, or other health care facility as defined in § 19-114 of the Health - General Article and that is known or suspected to be contaminated with organisms capable of producing disease or infection in humans.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Infectious waste” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Contaminated disposable equipment, instruments, and utensils;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Contaminated needles, scalpels, and razor blades;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Human tissues and organs that result from surgery, obstetrics, or autopsy;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Feces, urine, vomitus, and suctionings;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Live vaccines for human use;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Blood and blood products; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Laboratory specimens, such as tissues, blood elements, excreta, and secretions.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A hospital, laboratory, or other health care facility as defined in § 19-114 of the Health - General Article may not dispose of infectious waste, or cause infectious waste to be disposed of, in a landfill system in this State.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Secretary is responsible with law enforcement personnel in this State for monitoring and enforcing subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-228" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply to an individual authorized to store scrap tires, haul scrap tires, or operate a scrap tire collection facility or a scrap tire recycler in the State under §§ 10–14A–03 and 10–14B–03 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In this section, “approved facility” means a facility located in or outside of the State for collecting, recycling, or otherwise processing scrap tires that is approved or licensed by the Department in accordance with regulations adopted by the Department.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person may not store scrap tires in the State unless the person demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Department that, within 90 days of the time that the person stores the scrap tires, the scrap tires will be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Returned to the marketplace;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Used as fuel in an approved resource recovery incinerator;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Used as a tire derived fuel in an approved facility; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Transferred, by means of a scrap tire hauler, to any facility within the scrap tire recycling system established under subsection (c) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The service shall establish a scrap tire recycling system that includes scrap tire collection facilities, scrap tire haulers, and in the following order of priority:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Scrap tire recyclers; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>An approved resource recovery facility that uses tires as a fuel substitute; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An approved facility that uses tires as a tire derived fuel.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person may not incinerate tires except in:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An approved resource recovery facility that uses tires as a fuel substitute; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An approved facility that uses tires as a tire derived fuel.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A facility that processes scrap tires for use as a fuel in an incinerator, boiler, or resource recovery facility or a facility that burns or incinerates scrap tires may not be approved or licensed under this subtitle, unless:</text> <level label="i"> <text>There is no reasonable and economically available opportunity to process the tires and return them to the marketplace for reuse; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The burning or incineration meets all federal and State air quality standards.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Scrap tire collection facilities, haulers, or recyclers may be publicly or privately owned and operated.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>After consultation with other State agencies, representatives of the tire industry, and representatives of local government, the service shall place in operation a scrap tire recycling system:</text> <level label="i"> <text>By January 1, 1993 for any county with a population of 150,000 or more according to the most recent projections by the Department of Planning; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>By January 1, 1994 for any county with a population of less than 150,000 according to the most recent projections by the Department of Planning.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The service may establish a scrap tire recycling system required under paragraph (1) of this subsection on a regional basis.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In establishing the scrap tire recycling system, the service:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Shall give preference to existing private or public scrap tire collection, processing, or recycling programs or facilities that meet the requirements of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May include in–State facilities licensed by the Department as well as out–of–state facilities approved by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Each scrap tire recycling system established under this subsection shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Meet all zoning and land use requirements of the county or municipal corporation in which the system is to be located; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Be provided for in the county plan required under § 9–503 of this title.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, after January 1, 1994 scrap tires may not be disposed of in a landfill.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Secretary may waive the requirements of subparagraph (i) of this paragraph under such terms and conditions and for such periods as the Department considers appropriate if the Department determines that a scrap tire recycling system:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Does not exist; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Has insufficient capacity to accommodate the amount of scrap tires generated in the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person may not dispose of scrap tires except through a licensed scrap tire hauler or by delivering the tires to an approved facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>The Department shall establish a tire recycling fee to be imposed on the first sale of a new tire in the State by a tire dealer, including new tires sold as part of a new or used vehicle, trailer, farm implement, or other similar machinery.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A county, municipal corporation, or any agency of a county or municipal corporation may not impose any tax, fee, or other charge on the first sale of a new tire by a tire dealer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The tire recycling fee:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Shall be set at $1 per tire beginning January 1, 2026;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Subject to item (iii) of this paragraph, may be adjusted for inflation every 2 fiscal years based on the Consumer Price Index, as determined by the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>May not exceed $2 per tire.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For a sale made by a tire dealer to a person who resells tires, the tire dealer shall separately state its recycling fees paid by the tire dealer on the invoice or other document of sale.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>Each tire dealer shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Pay the tire recycling fee; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Complete and submit, under oath, a return and remit the fees to the Comptroller of the Treasury on or before the 21st day of the month that follows the month in which the sale was made, and for other periods and on other dates that the Comptroller specifies by regulation, including periods for which no fees were due.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For periods beginning after December 31, 2026, a person shall file a tire recycling fee return electronically.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A tire dealer who timely files a tire recycling fee return and pays the tire recycling fees due is allowed, for the expense of administering and paying the fee, a credit equal to 0.6% of the gross amount of tire recycling fees that the tire dealer is to pay to the Comptroller.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>If the amount of the tire recycling fee is separately stated in a retail sale, the tire recycling fee is not subject to any tax under Title 11 of the Tax – General Article or Title 13 of the Transportation Article.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>At the end of each quarter, the Comptroller shall forward all tire recycling fees to the Used Tire Cleanup and Recycling Fund, less the costs of administration.</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Except to the extent they are inconsistent with this subsection, the provisions of Title 13 of the Tax – General Article applicable to the sales and use tax shall govern the administration, collection, and enforcement of the tire recycling fee under this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>The Comptroller:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Shall administer the tire recycling fee; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May adopt any regulations that are necessary or appropriate to administer, collect, and enforce the tire recycling fee.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>Beginning on July 1, 1992, each scrap tire hauler shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be licensed by the Department to transport scrap tires from scrap tire collection facilities to scrap tire recyclers;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Apply for a scrap tire hauler’s license on a form provided by the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Transport each load of scrap tires to the scrap tire recyclers in accordance with regulations adopted by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <text>Beginning on July 1, 1992, each scrap tire collection facility shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>If located in the State, be licensed by the Department to receive tires from a consumer or a scrap tire hauler;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Apply for a license on a form provided by the Department;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Meet all zoning and land use requirements of the county or municipal corporation in which the tire collection facility is to be located;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Manage scrap tires in accordance with regulations adopted by the Department;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>By means of a scrap tire hauler, transfer scrap tires to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A scrap tire recycler; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Another scrap tire collection facility; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>In accordance with regulations adopted by the Department and on forms provided by the Department, provide:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Department with:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A record of the destination;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The name of the hauler that is registered with the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The quantity of each shipment of scrap tires; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Each hauler with:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A record of the destination; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The quantity of each shipment of scrap tires.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <level label="1"> <text>Beginning on July 1, 1992, a person may not operate as a scrap tire recycler in the State unless the person is licensed by the Department.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To apply for a license an applicant shall submit:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An application to the Department on the form that the Department requires; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any document or other information required in regulations adopted by the Department.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="l"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations necessary to administer the provisions of this section, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Minimum standards for the operation, maintenance, monitoring, reporting, and suspension of each scrap tire recycling system;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Requisite evidence of financial ability to properly establish, operate, and maintain a scrap tire recycling system, including the posting of bonds and other securities; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The forfeiture of bonds and other securities for noncompliance with the requirements of this section or any applicable regulation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department may require the delivery of scrap tires in this State to 1 or more facilities, in the State or outside of the State, designated by the service as part of the tire recycling system.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A scrap tire hauler or scrap tire collection facility may not transport or transfer scrap tires to any place other than a facility designated under paragraph (2) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-228.1" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>A requirement in this subtitle that a document be under oath means that the document shall be supported by a signed statement made under the penalties of perjury that the contents of the document are true to the best of the knowledge, information, and belief of the individual making the statement.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The oath or affirmation shall be made:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Before an individual authorized to administer oaths, who shall certify in writing to have administered the oath or taken the affirmation; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>By a signed statement that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is in the document or attached to and made part of the document; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is expressly made under the penalties for perjury.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If the procedures provided in subsection (b)(2) of this section are used, the affidavit subjects the individual making it to the penalties for perjury to the same extent as an oath or affirmation made before an individual authorized to administer oaths.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A document made under oath shall be signed:</text> <level label="1"> <text>For a corporation, by an officer of the corporation authorized to do so;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For a sole proprietorship, by its owner; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For a partnership, by a partner authorized to do so.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-229" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>Unless the Secretary determines that a removal and remedial action will be done properly and in a timely manner by the owner or operator of a site where used tires are stored or disposed of, if used tires are stored or disposed of at a site in a manner that may present a threat to the public health or environment, the Secretary may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Act to remove or arrange for the removal of the used tires and provide for remedial action necessary to restore any natural resources; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Take any other response measure that the Secretary considers necessary to protect the public health or welfare or the environment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Nothing in this section shall prohibit the Secretary from abating a nuisance under the provisions of Title 10 of this article, regardless of the volume of used tires stored.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-230" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department of the Environment shall adopt regulations to carry out this Part III of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department of the Environment may not adopt a regulation or part of a regulation that deals with the land application of sewage sludge without the approval of the Department of Agriculture.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In adopting regulations under this Part III and §§ 9-269 and 9-270 of this subtitle, the Department of the Environment shall consider:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Alternative utilization methods;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Pathogen control;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Advertising requirements for public hearings and public information meetings;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Performance bonds, liability insurance, or other forms of security;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Procedures for notifying units of local government and other interested parties; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Adequate standards for transporting sewage sludge, including requirements for enclosing or covering sewage sludge during transportation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In addition to the considerations under subsection (b) of this section, in adopting regulations for the land application of sewage sludge, the Department of the Environment shall consider:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Methods for calculating loading rates that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Will assure nondegradation of the groundwater supply; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For agricultural land, shall be limited by the nutrient requirements of crop or cover vegetation, as recommended by the Department of Agriculture;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The crops that are to be grown on land on which sewage sludge may be applied;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The nature of any nearby surface water or groundwater;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The character of any affected area;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The character of nearby existing or planned land uses and transport routes;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The nearness of the land on which sewage sludge may be applied to sensitive areas, including flood plains, wetlands, and areas of critical concern;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The definitions of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Sewage sludge that is unsuitable for application to agricultural land;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Agricultural land;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Marginal land; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Compost;</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Acceptable cumulative loading rates, including rates for nitrogen and heavy metals;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Special requirements of land used for producing tobacco; and</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Reasonable buffer areas to separate any home or other property from land on which sewage sludge may be applied.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations to establish a mechanism for determining annual generator’s fees.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The regulations shall provide for public input into the development of fee schedules.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The fee schedules shall take into account:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The volume of sewage sludge generated by a sewage sludge generator;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The method by which the sewage sludge is utilized;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The anticipated costs of monitoring and regulating sewage sludge utilization sites;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The anticipated needs of the State’s sewage sludge regulation program; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The potential hazard of the sewage sludge generator’s activities to public health, safety, or welfare or to the environment.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-231" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>A person shall have a sewage sludge utilization permit before the person utilizes sewage sludge in this State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person shall have a separate sewage sludge utilization permit for each site where the person utilizes sewage sludge.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-232" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>An applicant for a sewage sludge utilization permit shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Submit an application to the Department on the form that the Department requires;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Certify by signature the truth and accuracy of the completed application;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Pay the application fee set by the Department to cover the cost of processing the application;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Obtain the written consent of the owner of the land where the sewage sludge will be applied, including an agreement that the owner will not violate the permit; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Agree to permit or secure access to the sewage sludge utilization site for the purpose of any inspection permitted under § 9-243 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Before a sewage sludge utilization permit is issued, the applicant for the permit shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>File with the Department acceptable evidence of a bond or other security that the Department requires under § 9-240 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Satisfy every other requirement of this Part III of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-233" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <text>The Department may not issue a permit to install, materially alter, or materially extend a sewage sludge composting facility or a sewage sludge storage facility until:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The sewage sludge composting facility or sewage sludge storage facility meets all zoning and land use requirements of the county where the sewage sludge composting or storage facility is to be located; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In the case of a sewage sludge composting facility, the Department has a written statement that the board of county commissioners or the county council of the county where the sewage sludge composting facility is to be located does not oppose the issuance of the permit.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-234" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>When the Department receives an application for a permit to utilize sewage sludge at a site, the Department immediately shall mail a copy of the permit application:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To the legislative body and any elected executive of a county and to the elected executive of any municipal corporation where the sewage sludge utilization site is to be located; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To the legislative body and any elected executive of any other county within 1 mile of the sewage sludge utilization site.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>For a permit to apply sewage sludge on marginal land or to construct a permanent facility that is designed primarily to utilize sewage sludge, the Department shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Publish notice of the application in a local newspaper having a substantial circulation in the county where the sewage sludge is to be applied or the facility is to be constructed;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Mail a copy of the notice to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The local health official;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The chairman of the legislative body and any elected executive of the county where the sewage sludge is to be applied or the facility is to be constructed;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The elected executive of any municipal corporation where the sewage sludge is to be applied or the facility is to be constructed; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Any other county within 1 mile of where the sewage sludge is to be applied or the facility is to be constructed.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in § 9–234.1 of this subtitle, within 15 days after receiving a copy of the permit application, the executive or the legislative body of the county, or the executive or the legislative body of the municipal corporation, where the sewage sludge is to be applied or the facility is to be constructed may request that the Department hold a public hearing.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Department receives a request under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Department shall hold a public hearing:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Using teleconference or Internet–based conferencing technology; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In person in the affected subdivision.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the executives or legislative bodies of more than one county or municipal corporation request a hearing under this subsection, the Department may hold a consolidated hearing:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Using teleconference or Internet–based conferencing technology; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In person in one county.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>For a permit to apply sewage sludge on land other than marginal land, the Department shall mail a copy of the permit application to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The local health official;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The chairman of the legislative body and any elected executive of the county where the sewage sludge is to be applied; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The elected executive of any municipal corporation where the sewage sludge is to be applied.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Within 10 days after receiving a copy of the permit application, the executive or the legislative body of the county, or the executive or the legislative body of the municipal corporation, where the sewage sludge is to be applied may request that the Department conduct a public information meeting.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Department receives a request under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Department:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Shall conduct a public information meeting:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Using teleconference or Internet–based conferencing technology; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In person in the affected subdivision;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May consolidate the public information meeting with one or more public information meetings for other applications in the same county; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Shall notify the applicant for a permit and give the applicant the opportunity to present information at the public information meeting.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the executives or legislative bodies of more than one county or municipal corporation request a public information meeting under this subsection, the Department may hold a consolidated public information meeting:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Using teleconference or Internet–based conferencing technology; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In person in one county.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>To protect public health and safety, the Department is not required to hold an in–person public hearing or public information meeting specified under subsections (c) and (e) of this section if an emergency declaration is issued by an executive authority of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The federal or State government; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The local government with jurisdiction over a county or municipality where the in–person meeting or hearing would otherwise be held.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Department shall provide each county and municipal corporation that receives a copy of any application under this section with an opportunity to consult with the Department about the decision to issue, deny, or place restrictions on a sewage sludge utilization permit.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-234.1" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply to the storage or distribution of sewage sludge at a sewage treatment plant.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Before the Secretary issues, amends, or renews a permit to an applicant or permit holder under § 9–232 or § 9–238 of this subtitle to install, materially alter, or materially extend a structure used for storage or distribution of any type of sewage sludge, the Department shall hold a public hearing on the application, amendment, or renewal.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department shall hold a public hearing in accordance with Title 1, Subtitle 6 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>If more than one county or municipal corporation will be affected by the granting of the sludge storage permit application, the Department may hold a consolidated hearing in one county or municipal corporation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Department holds a consolidated hearing under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the consolidated hearing shall be held in accordance with Title 1, Subtitle 6 of this article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-235" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <text>The Department shall send to the local health official and the local soil conservation district:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A copy of any sewage sludge utilization permit issued in the county;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Notice of the denial of an application in the county for a sewage sludge utilization permit;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Notice of the suspension, revocation, modification, or termination of a sewage sludge utilization permit issued in the county;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A copy of any notice, complaint, or order that the Department issues in the county under Part III of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A copy of any report filed with the Department pursuant to a condition of the permit.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-236" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <text>The Department shall issue a sewage sludge utilization permit to an applicant who meets the requirements of this Part III of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-237" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>A sewage sludge utilization permit authorizes the permit holder to utilize sewage sludge according to the terms of the permit.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, if the utilizer is unable to utilize the sewage sludge as defined in the permit, the utilizer may return the sewage sludge to the generator provided that the utilizer obtains a new comprehensive analysis of the sewage sludge to be returned that indicates that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The sewage sludge meets all applicable permit requirements; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The sewage sludge may be utilized in the same manner, without additional treatment, as the sewage sludge that is generated by the generator.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If the utilizer returns the sewage sludge within 96 hours of the departure from the generator, the utilizer may not be required to obtain a new analysis of the sewage sludge.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-238" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>A sewage sludge utilization permit expires on the date the Department sets at the time of issuance or renewal, unless the permit is renewed for another term as provided in this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, the Department may renew a sewage sludge utilization permit if the permit holder:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is in compliance with the permit and all appropriate regulations of the Department;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Submits to the Department a renewal application on the form that the Department requires; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Pays the renewal application fee that the Department requires.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department may not renew or amend a permit to install, materially alter, or materially extend a structure used for storage or distribution of any type of sewage sludge unless the Department holds a public hearing on the renewal or amendment, as provided in § 9-234.1 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-239" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <text>A sewage sludge utilization permit in effect on July 1, 1984 remains in effect until the expiration date of the permit.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-240" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <text>To keep a sewage sludge utilization permit, a person shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Maintain a performance bond or other security in the amount that the Department considers sufficient to guarantee the fulfillment of any requirement related to the permit; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Comply with each other requirement that the Department sets.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-241" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <text>To allow the public to identify every permit that the Department issues for a particular tract of land, the Department shall maintain a permanent public record of all sewage sludge utilization permits issued under § 9-236 of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-242" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <text>The Department shall require each holder of a sewage sludge utilization permit to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Keep records, including daily records of the source and amount of sewage sludge for each truckload delivered to the site;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Make reports, including reports of sewage sludge analysis, as often as necessary to assure that the sewage sludge meets permit requirements;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Have a copy of the report of sewage sludge analysis that is required under item (2) of this section available on the vehicle transporting the sewage sludge while the sewage sludge is being transported in the State;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Install, calibrate, use, and maintain monitoring equipment or methods, including biological monitoring methods and well monitoring, if appropriate;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Take samples in accordance with the methods, at the locations, at the intervals, and in the manner that the Department requires; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Give to a representative of the Department or the local health official any information that the Department reasonably requires.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-243" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>To enforce this Part III of this subtitle and to ensure compliance with each sewage sludge utilization permit, a representative of the Department, the local health official, or the local health official’s designee may enter and inspect, at any reasonable time, any site where sewage sludge is utilized.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A sewage sludge utilizer may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Refuse access to a sewage sludge utilization site to any representative of the Department, to a local health official, or to the local health official’s designee, who requests access under this section; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Interfere with any inspection under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A local health official or the local health official’s designee may inspect, monitor, and investigate any sewage sludge utilization site in the county where the official is employed.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>With the concurrence of the Department, a local health official may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Issue a stop work order to stop utilizing sewage sludge at a site; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Suspend a sewage sludge utilization permit.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a local health official recommends issuance of a stop work order and the Department does not concur, the Department shall inspect the sewage sludge utilization site within 24 hours after it receives the recommendation.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>After inspecting the site and if necessary, the Department shall issue a stop work or other order to obtain compliance with State law, departmental regulations, or the sewage sludge utilization permit.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A county may seek injunctive relief or other appropriate remedies in circuit court if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A local health official is not satisfied that the enforcement measures of the Department are adequate to protect public health and safety in the county; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Department does not make the inspection required by paragraph (2) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A local health official shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Give the Department prompt notice of any inspection made by the local health official; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Report promptly in writing to the Department:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The time and place of the inspection;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A summary and findings of the inspection;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any enforcement action that the local health official takes or recommends; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any permit modifications or other modifications that the local health official recommends.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department:</text> <level label="i"> <text>May delegate to the local health official any inspection, monitoring, or enforcement authority of the Department under this Part III of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shall adopt regulations that establish standards for delegating authority under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The regulations adopted under this subsection shall include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Procedures for submission, review, and approval or disapproval of any application for delegation of authority;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Provisions requiring that any application for delegation of authority be approved by the county;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Provisions for oversight by the Department, including program evaluations and financial audits; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Provisions for revocation of a delegation, if the local health official fails to comply with the terms of a delegation agreement.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the Department finds that an application for delegation of authority meets all applicable requirements of this section and the regulations adopted under this section, the Department shall enter into a written delegation agreement.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Department shall establish performance standards for grants to provide reasonable reimbursement to counties, to the extent funds are available, for costs local health officials incur when they undertake authority delegated under this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A local health official may act through a designee under this subsection in accordance with an approved delegation agreement.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-244" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <text>The Department shall credit all sewage sludge generator’s fees, permit application fees, funds that the Department collects under this Part III and §§ 9–269 and 9–270 of this subtitle, and any civil or administrative penalty or fine imposed by a court under the provisions of this subtitle to the Maryland Clean Water Fund established under § 9–320 of this title.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-245" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <text>The Department shall deny an application for a sewage sludge utilization permit if the Department finds that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The applicant cannot utilize sewage sludge without:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Causing an undue risk to the environment or public health, safety, or welfare; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Otherwise violating this Part III, § 9-269, or § 9-270 of this subtitle;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The sewage sludge generator from which the sludge originated has not paid applicable generator’s fees; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The sewage sludge has been generated in a state in which the laws or application of those laws do not result in the land application of sewage sludge in that state.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-246" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department may suspend, revoke, or modify a sewage sludge utilization permit in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act if the Department finds that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The permit application contained false or inaccurate information;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>There has been a substantial deviation from:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The plans, specifications, or other documents approved by the Department; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any requirement established by the Department;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A representative of the Department has been refused entry to any area covered by the permit for the purpose of inspecting the area to ensure compliance with the conditions of the permit;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>There is or has been a violation of this Part III, § 9-269, or § 9-270 of this subtitle, any regulation adopted under this Part III, § 9-269, or § 9-270 of this subtitle, or any condition of the permit; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>There is any other good cause.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department may refuse to renew a sewage sludge utilization permit if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The permit holder violates this subtitle, any regulation adopted by the Department under this subtitle, or any condition of the permit;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department determines that continued operation of any area covered by the permit would be injurious to public health or the environment; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department determines that there is any other good cause.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-247" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>Any person who owns land that adjoins land for which an application to apply sewage sludge is filed, or for which a permit to apply sewage sludge is issued, has standing:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To sue the State, the applicant, or the permit holder to require compliance with this Part III, § 9-269, or § 9-270 of this subtitle and any permit issued under § 9-236 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>With respect to the sewage sludge utilization site, to intervene in:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Any civil court proceeding; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any contested administrative case.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any county or municipal corporation in which there is land for which an application to apply sewage sludge is filed, or for which a permit to apply sewage sludge is issued, has standing:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To sue the applicant or the permit holder to require compliance with this Part III, § 9-269, or § 9-270 of this subtitle and any permit issued under § 9-236 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>With respect to the sewage sludge utilization site, to intervene in:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Any civil court proceeding; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any contested administrative case.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-248" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <text>In addition to any other remedy authorized under this subtitle, the Department may bring an action to enjoin the violation of any law, regulation, or order concerning the utilization of sewage sludge under this Part III, § 9-269, or § 9-270 of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-249" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <text>A person may not utilize sewage sludge in this State except in accordance with this Part III, § 9-269, or § 9-270 of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-250" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Commingle” means to mix treated sewage sludge with other materials for the purpose of reducing the concentration of regulated PFAS.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Concentration of regulated PFAS” means the total concentration, as measured in accordance with monitoring protocols established under subsection (g) of this section, of the following per– and polyfluoroalkyl substances:</text> <level label="i"> <text>PFOA;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>PFOS; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A mixture of PFOA and PFOS.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“PFOS” means perfluorooctane sulfonic acid.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“PFOA” means perfluorooctanoic acid.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section applies to the land application of all sewage sludge in the State.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On or after October 1, 2028:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A person may not apply sewage sludge to agricultural or marginal land if the sewage sludge has a total concentration of regulated PFAS equal to or greater than 50 parts per billion; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If sewage sludge has a total concentration of regulated PFAS that is equal to or greater than 25 parts per billion but less than 50 parts per billion, a person may apply the sewage sludge to agricultural or marginal land only in accordance with subsections (e) and (f) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>On or after October 1, 2028, if a sewage sludge generator determines, through monitoring protocols established under subsection (g) of this section, that its sewage sludge has a total concentration of regulated PFAS that is equal to or greater than 25 parts per billion but less than 50 parts per billion, subject to the requirements of this subsection and in accordance with Department regulations:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For a period of not more than 2 years following the date the determination is made, the sewage sludge may be commingled to reduce the total concentration of regulated PFAS in the final material to levels below 25 parts per billion; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Sewage sludge commingled in accordance with item (i) of this paragraph may not be subject to the temporary alternative management measures specified in subsection (e) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>A person that commingles sewage sludge for the purpose of land application shall monitor for the presence of PFOS and PFOA at least once per month, using a representative sample, in accordance with protocols established under subsection (g) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the total concentration of regulated PFAS in the commingled product is equal to or greater than 25 parts per billion, the person:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall immediately notify the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May not apply the commingled product to land until the person demonstrates, through additional monitoring, that the total concentration of regulated PFAS in the commingled product has been reduced to levels below 25 parts per billion.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection applies only to the land application on or after October 1, 2028, of sewage sludge that has a total concentration of regulated PFAS that is equal to or greater than 25 parts per billion but less than 50 parts per billion.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>During the development and implementation of the source tracking study and mitigation plan required under subsection (f) of this section, a person may apply sewage sludge described under paragraph (1) of this subsection to land:</text> <level label="i"> <text>At a rate that does not exceed 3 dry metric tons per acre; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Subject to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The same setback requirements established in regulation for Class B biosolids;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Additional setbacks for land application near public and private water supply wells developed by the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Paragraph (3) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>At least 14 days before land applying sewage sludge described under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the land applier shall provide notice of the concentration of regulated PFAS in the sewage sludge to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The owner or operator of the land on which the sewage sludge will be applied;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The owner of each parcel of land adjoining the land to which the sewage sludge will be applied; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The local government for each county and municipality in which the land to which the sewage sludge will be applied is located.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection applies only to a sewage sludge generator that produces sewage sludge that is intended for land application.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a sewage sludge generator determines, through monitoring protocols established under subsection (g) of this section, that its sewage sludge has a total concentration of PFAS that is equal to or greater than 25 parts per billion, the sewage sludge generator shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Complete a source tracking study in accordance with paragraph (3) of this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Develop a mitigation plan in accordance with paragraph (4) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A source tracking study conducted under this subsection shall be designed to determine the contributions of sources of PFOS and PFOA to the wastewater treatment system with sufficient specificity to allow the sewage sludge generator and the Department to reduce or prevent the release of PFOA and PFOS from controllable sources in accordance with applicable law.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>A mitigation plan developed under this subsection shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be developed in consultation with the Department;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Identify significant sources of PFOA and PFOS loading to the wastewater treatment system;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Include actions that the sewage sludge generator can implement, or require sources of PFOA and PFOS loading to implement, to reduce the total concentration of regulated PFAS to levels below 25 parts per billion;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Take into consideration innovative solutions and long–term mitigation approaches, consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and other requirements; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Include a reasonable timeline, not to exceed 5 years from the date a determination is made under paragraph (2) of this subsection, for implementing the mitigation plan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The elements and strategies identified in a mitigation plan developed under this subsection may include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The exercise of pretreatment control authorities in accordance with subsection (h) of this section to reduce loading from industrial users;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The installation of treatment solutions at points of entry or concentration in the sanitary sewer systems that contain significant levels of PFOS or PFOA; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The installation of system–scale treatment solutions to reduce the total concentration of regulated PFAS to levels below 25 parts per billion.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>If, during the monitoring period for which the total concentration of PFAS was determined to be equal to or greater than 25 parts per billion, the individual samples were within the margin of error or detection limit for the laboratory performing the sample analysis, the mitigation plan shall include additional testing requirements and timelines developed in consultation with the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a sewage sludge generator shall submit a mitigation plan required under this subsection to the Department within 6 months after completion of the source tracking study required under this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A sewage sludge generator may request and the Department may grant a single extension on the development and submission of a mitigation plan under this subsection based on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Exigent circumstances; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Considerations related to the investigation and design of management approaches or treatment options.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <level label="i"> <text>The Department shall review each mitigation plan submitted under this subsection and may approve, deny, or suggest changes to the mitigation plan.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In reviewing a mitigation plan submitted under this subsection, the Department shall consider the cost of implementing mitigation options.</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>A sewage sludge generator:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Shall comply with the provisions of an approved mitigation plan; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May not apply sewage sludge to land if the Department has determined that the generator is out of compliance with the provisions of an approved mitigation plan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The Department shall provide a sewage sludge generator with reasonable technical assistance in the development of a source tracking study and mitigation plan under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, for the purpose of assessing compliance with the requirements of this section, the total concentration of regulated PFAS in sewage sludge shall be determined by taking the average of samples taken in accordance with this subsection over the immediately preceding 12 months.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Each sample shall be taken:</text> <level label="1"> <text>During normal operating conditions, as specified in Department regulations; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At a frequency specified by the Department in regulation, but not less than quarterly.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For a period of not more than 12 months following the date that commingling operations begin, a commingling operation may use a mass balance calculation to determine the concentration of regulated PFAS in the commingled product.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>Samples shall be analyzed:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s method 1633a or an equivalent method approved by the Department;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At a certified or accredited laboratory; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Subject to a reporting level established by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Department shall assist sewage sludge generators in identifying qualified laboratories under this paragraph.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Department may establish additional monitoring requirements for materials commingled in accordance with subsection (d) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>In accordance with the federal Clean Water Act, the Department and pretreatment authorities may establish pretreatment standards for industrial users that discharge per– and polyfluoroalkyl substances at levels that exceed action levels established by the Department or the pretreatment authority under an industrial pretreatment program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a publicly owned treatment works does not have an industrial pretreatment program, and it is determined that sewage sludge produced for land application by the publicly owned treatment works has a total concentration of regulated PFAS equal to or greater than 25 parts per billion, the Department shall, in consultation with the publicly owned treatment works, evaluate the contribution from industrial users and determine appropriate controls to meet applicable standards.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Issue guidance to support publicly owned treatment works in the implementation of this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Provide reasonable technical assistance as requested by local jurisdictions in the exercise of local limits authority under the federal Clean Water Act.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A local jurisdiction or a pretreatment authority may set appropriate rates and fees for industrial users, individually or as a class, that are determined to discharge per– and polyfluoroalkyl substances into the wastewater treatment system at levels that necessitate the implementation of mitigation measures.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>This section may not be interpreted to limit the authority of a local jurisdiction or a pretreatment authority to set local limits that lead to reductions of per– and polyfluoroalkyl substances that exceed the reductions required under this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>All sewage sludge generators are encouraged to identify potential sources of PFOA and PFOS loading to their wastewater treatment systems and to take steps to reduce the total concentration of regulated PFAS in the sewage sludge produced by those systems.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-252" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>To prevent or correct pollution of the waters of this State, the Secretary may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Adopt and enforce regulations; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Order works to be executed.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Require any public water supply system, public sewerage system, or refuse disposal system to be operated in a manner that will protect public health and comfort; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Order the alteration, extension, or replacement of any public water supply system, public sewerage system, or refuse disposal system.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Has supervision and control over the sanitary and physical condition of the waters of this State to protect public health and comfort;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall investigate:</text> <level label="i"> <text>All sources of water and ice; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>All points of sewage discharge;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Shall examine all public water supply systems, public sewerage systems, and refuse disposal systems; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Shall approve or disapprove the design and construction of any public water supply system, public sewerage system, or refuse disposal system that is to be built in this State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The powers and duties of the Secretary under this section are in addition to the powers and duties set forth elsewhere in this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-253" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>For purposes of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Secretary is the State water pollution control agency in this State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary has all powers that are necessary to comply with and represent this State under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Another unit of the State government may not exercise any power given to the Secretary under this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-254" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <text>Within the limits in the State budget, the Secretary may employ and set the compensation of any expert, engineer, clerical assistant, or other assistant that the Secretary considers necessary to carry out this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-255" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <text>The Department of the Environment and the Department of Natural Resources shall each make any test of water or wastewater that it considers necessary to determine the adequacy of performance of a water supply system, sewerage system, or industrial wastewater treatment plant.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-256" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>If the Secretary serves an order on the State or any county, municipal corporation, or public water supply, sewerage, or sanitary district, the appropriate official or department of the State, county, municipal corporation, or district shall raise any funds that are necessary to comply on time with the order of the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the Governor and the Attorney General approve, a county, municipal corporation, or public water supply, sewerage, or sanitary district may raise funds under subsection (a) of this section by issuing bonds, stock, or notes without legislative authority other than this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The question of whether to issue bonds, stock, or notes under this section need not be put to a referendum of the voters.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The proceeds of any bonds, stock, or notes issued under this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Constitute a sanitary fund; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May be used only to carry out the order of the Secretary.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The total amount of all bonds, stock, and notes being issued at any time under this section, together with all bonds, stock, and notes then outstanding from prior issues under this section or any predecessor of this section, may not exceed 5% of the total value of all property that, at the time of issue, is listed and assessed for taxation in the county, municipal corporation, or district.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The indebtedness authorized by this section is in addition to the total indebtedness otherwise permitted by law.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Bonds, stock, and notes issued under this section are:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Forever exempt from State, county, and municipal taxation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A lien on all property in the jurisdiction that issues the bonds, stock, or notes; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Payable in the same manner as bonds issued by municipal authorities under Part II of Subtitle 7 of this title.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Unless the Secretary approves the expenditure, including the amount of the expenditure, neither the State nor any county, municipal corporation, or public water supply, sewerage, or sanitary district may spend any public money for any of the purposes of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-257" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>If the Secretary finds that the water or ice from any source is or is likely to become dangerous to health, the Secretary shall order that the source of water or ice be closed; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Secretary finds that any discharge of sewage or any method of disposal of sewage or refuse is or is likely to become prejudicial to health or comfort, the Secretary shall order that the point of sewage discharge be abandoned or the method of disposal be discontinued.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the Secretary finds that the conditions found under subsection (a) of this section can be remedied sufficiently and practicably by installing any work or device or by taking any other remedial measure, the Secretary may order that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The work or device be installed; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The remedial measure be taken.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If the Secretary condemns a water supply system, sewerage system, or refuse disposal system, the Secretary may order the owner to make arrangements that will prevent the operation of the system.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Any order issued under this section shall set a reasonable time for compliance.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-260" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <text>If any lot or parcel of land in Garrett County is used as a site for a trailer park, motel, mobile motel, condominium, apartment house, or other facility with multiple bedrooms, and if any resulting sewage is disposed of underground on the lot or parcel, the lot or parcel shall have:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An area of at least 20,000 square feet for each 6 bedrooms or fraction of 6 bedrooms in the facility; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A width of at least 100 feet for each 6 bedrooms or fraction of 6 bedrooms in the facility.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-261" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>The following sanitary districts and persons shall keep any record that the Secretary requires:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any sanitary district or person who supplies water, ice, sewerage, or refuse disposal service to the public;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any person who owns an industrial establishment; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any person who owns a private water supply system or private sewerage system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any sanitary district or person who keeps a record under subsection (a) of this section shall make the record available to the Secretary on request.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>To determine compliance with any regulation, permit, or order of the Secretary, a representative of the Secretary may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Enter any private property;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Enter any building, structure, or land owned by a sanitary district or person who supplies water, ice, sewerage, or refuse disposal service to the public; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Collect samples, records, and information.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To determine compliance with pretreatment requirements of this title, a representative of the Secretary may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Enter any building, structure, or land of an industrial establishment that is or may be subject to pretreatment requirements; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Collect samples, records, and information.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Secretary may bring an action for an injunction to enforce this section without showing lack of an adequate remedy at law.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-262" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply to the expiration, revocation, or modification of a sewage sludge utilization permit.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary may revoke or change any permit issued under this subtitle after the Secretary gives the permit holder notice of the proposed revocation or change.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If the term of a permit issued under this subtitle is stated in the permit, the permit expires at the end of the stated term.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-263" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <text>Any county, municipality, legally constituted water, sewerage or sanitary district, institution, or person dissatisfied with any order, rule, or regulation of the Secretary under this subtitle may commence, within 10 days after the service of the order, rule, or regulation, an action in the circuit court for any county to vacate and set aside the order, rule, or regulation on the ground that the order, rule, or regulation is unlawful or unreasonable, or that the order is not necessary for the protection of the public health or comfort, in which action a copy of the complaint shall be served with the summons. The answer of the Secretary shall be filed within 10 days, whereupon the cause shall be at issue, and stand ready for trial upon 15 days’ notice to either party. Any action under this section shall have precedence over any civil cause of a different nature, except appeals from an order of the Public Service Commission. The courts shall always be deemed open for trial of an action under this section and any action under this section shall be tried and determined as other civil actions. Either party to an action under this section may appeal to the Appellate Court of Maryland.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-267" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <text>The provisions of §§ 7-256 through 7-268 of this article shall be used and shall apply to enforce violations of § 9-227(b) of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-268" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <text>Except for violations of Part III of this subtitle and violations enforced under §§ 9–229(b), 9–267, and 9–268.1 of this subtitle, the provisions of §§ 9–334 through 9–344 of this title shall be used and shall apply to enforce violations of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>This subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any regulation adopted under this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any order or permit issued under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-268.1" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to other penalties authorized under this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A person who violates § 9-228(f)(2) of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000, or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or both;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person who violates § 9-228(f)(2) of this subtitle for monetary or financial gain is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $25,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or both; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A person who violates § 9-228(b), (h)(1), (i)(1), or (j)(1) of this subtitle, or a regulation, order, or permit adopted or issued under § 9-228(b), (h)(1), (i)(1), or (j)(1) of this subtitle, is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $10,000.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Attorney General shall represent the State in every case arising under § 9–228 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This subsection may not limit or affect the power of State’s Attorneys under § 15–102 of the Criminal Procedure Article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-269" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A person who violates any provision of Part III of this subtitle or any rule, regulation, order, or permit adopted or issued under Part III of this subtitle is liable to the State for civil penalties.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>These civil penalties are:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A basic civil penalty not exceeding $10,000; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An additional penalty not exceeding $10,000 a day for each day that the violation continues, up to a maximum of $50,000.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The State shall recover the civil penalties under this section in a civil action.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>In addition to any other remedies available at law or in equity and after an opportunity for a hearing which may be waived in writing by the person accused of a violation, the Department may impose a penalty for violation of any provision of Part III of this subtitle or any regulation, order, or permit adopted or issued under Part III of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The penalty imposed on a person under this subsection shall be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Up to $1,000 for each violation, but not exceeding $50,000 total; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Assessed with consideration given to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The willfulness of the violation, the extent to which the existence of the violation was known to but uncorrected by the violator, and the extent to which the violator exercised reasonable care;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any actual harm to the environment or to human health, including injury to or impairment of the use of the waters of the State or the natural resources of the State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The cost of cleanup and the cost of restoration of natural resources;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The nature and degree of injury to or interference with general welfare, health, and property;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The extent to which the location of the violation, including location near waters of the State or areas of human population, creates the potential for harm to the environment or to human health or safety;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The available technology and economic reasonableness of controlling, reducing, or eliminating the violation; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The extent to which the current violation is part of a recurrent pattern of the same or similar type of violation committed by the violator.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Each day a violation occurs is a separate violation under this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any penalty imposed under this subsection is payable to the State and collectible in any manner provided by law for the collection of debts.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>If any person who is liable to pay a penalty imposed under this subsection fails to pay it after demand, the amount, together with interest and any costs that may accrue, shall be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A lien in favor of the State on any property, real or personal, of the person; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Recorded in the office of the clerk of court for the county in which the property is located.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Any penalty collected under this subsection shall be placed in the Maryland Clean Water Fund under § 9–320 of this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, in addition to any other penalties set forth in this section, if any sewage sludge utilizer violates the terms of the permit by any action or inaction of the utilizer that results in the return of the sewage sludge to the generator, the utilizer is liable to the State for civil penalties.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The civil penalty imposed under this subsection may not exceed $100 for each wet ton of sewage sludge returned to the generator.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The provisions of this subsection do not apply if the violation is not caused by any action or inaction of the utilizer.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-270" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>If, by violating any applicable statute, regulation, or permit condition, a sewage treatment plant that has a design capacity of 1,000,000 gallons or more per day creates a nuisance or otherwise may affect adversely public health or the environment, the person who owns or operates the sewage treatment plant is liable to the State for an administrative civil penalty not exceeding $10,000 a day.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The penalty imposed under this section shall be assessed with consideration given to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The extent to which the existence of the violation was known to the violator but uncorrected by the violator and the extent to which the violator exercised reasonable care;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any actual or potential harm to human health or to the environment, including injury to or impairment of the natural resources of the State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The degree of interference with general welfare, health, or property rights of the public;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The extent to which the location of the violation creates the potential for harm to the environment or to human health or safety;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The available technology for controlling, reducing, or eliminating the emissions that caused the violation; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The extent to which the current violation is part of a recurrent pattern of the same or similar type of violation committed by the violator.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Each day a violation continues is a separate violation under this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-273" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <text>There is a State Used Tire Cleanup and Recycling Fund.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-274" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>The State Used Tire Cleanup and Recycling Fund shall consist of moneys made available under:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Loan authorizations;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Funds appropriated in the State budget;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Fees collected for the sale of tires by retail dealers under § 9–228(g) of this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Bond and security forfeitures collected under § 9–228(k) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund is limited to a maximum of $10,000,000.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the sum of unallocated funds in the Fund and the projected fees for the next fiscal year exceeds $10,000,000, the Department shall adjust the fees for the next fiscal year on a pro rata basis so that the sum of unallocated and actual fees does not exceed $10,000,000.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-275" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>For fiscal year 2010 and each fiscal year thereafter, up to 50% of the revenues received by the State Used Tire Cleanup and Recycling Fund may be used for administrative expenses of the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to the appropriation process in the annual operating budget and subject to subsection (a) of this section, the Department shall use the remainder of the State Used Tire Cleanup and Recycling Fund solely:</text> <level label="1"> <text>For removal, restoration, emergency, or remedial action, including the restoration of natural resources where feasible, site maintenance and monitoring, and fire cessation, if requested by a local government, not to exceed $100,000 for each fire cessation emergency action in that jurisdiction, in response to the disposal or storage of scrap tires in violation of this subtitle, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>All costs incurred by the State in inspecting and monitoring any site where scrap tires are processed, stored, or disposed of in violation of this subtitle and assessing the threat to the public health and the environment of the site, the costs of investigations conducted for the purpose of defining necessary remedial action, and the costs of litigation expenses incurred in obtaining reimbursement for expenditures; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>All costs incurred in providing public information concerning a site where scrap tires are processed, stored, or disposed of;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For activities related to scrap tire recycling programs, including research, planning, monitoring, public education, and market development, and for associated administrative costs; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>With the approval of the Board of Public Works, to provide financial assistance:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Through the service for projects approved by the Department to reduce, recover, and recycle scrap tires; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>To the service for costs related to the implementation of scrap tire recycling systems, including the costs of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Preparation of a scrap tire recycling system under § 9–228(e) of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Implementation of any program established by the service as a part of a scrap tire recycling system; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Assisting in funding the establishment of a private or public scrap tire collection, processing, or recycling facility.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the Department shall provide the standing committees of the Maryland General Assembly with primary jurisdiction over this section with a status report on the Fund on or before November 1 of each year. The report shall include an accounting of all moneys expended for each of the purposes specified in subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-276" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, all expenditures from the State Used Tire Cleanup and Recycling Fund made by the Department under § 9–275(b)(1) of this subtitle in response to the storage or disposal of used tires at a particular site shall be reimbursed to the Department for the State Used Tire Cleanup and Recycling Fund by the owner or operator of the site or any other person who caused the tires to be stored or disposed of at the site in violation of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In addition to any other legal action authorized by this subtitle, the Attorney General may bring an action to recover costs and interest from any person who fails to make reimbursement as required under subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, the Department may recover costs incurred by the Department under § 9–275(b)(1) of this subtitle whether or not the discarded tires were disposed of or stored at the site before July 1, 1989.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>This section does not apply to expenditures related to removal, restoration, or remedial action in response to the disposal or storage of scrap tires in violation of this subtitle if the owner of a site where scrap tires were stored, disposed, or processed only before July 1, 1989:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is not engaged in the business of storage, disposal, or processing of scrap tires, hazardous substances, or other waste;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Did not cause or allow scrap tires to be stored, disposed, or processed on the site; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Obtained the site or an interest in the site by inheritance, bequest, or otherwise at the death of the transferor prior to January 1, 2000.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-277" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>With the approval of the Board of Public Works, the Secretary shall adopt regulations that establish application procedures and criteria for the award of financial assistance under § 9–275(b)(3) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The criteria shall provide the basis for project priority rankings and shall include, as appropriate:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The environmental or public health impacts caused by existing circumstances;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Previous efforts expended to correct any existing problem;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Financial capacity of the applicant;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The problem prevention aspects of a proposed project;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Cost effectiveness of a proposed project;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Provisions for monitoring and review;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The contribution of the proposed project toward meeting State and local solid waste plans and goals; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Measures to assure accountability for all funds awarded under § 9–275(b)(3) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-278" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>To the extent not inconsistent with this subtitle, a grant, or loan, or loan guarantee agreement shall contain those conditions that the Secretary requires by regulation and that the Board of Public Works requires on a specific application for financial assistance in order to achieve the goals of this subtitle and to otherwise protect the interests of the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A State loan extended under this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall bear at least the same rate of interest as the most recent State general obligation bond sale preceding the date of approval by the Board of Public Works; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall be repaid within 30 years.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A loan guarantee of the principal of or interest on any commercial loan or obligation to finance the eligible cost of a project under this subtitle may only be made if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The applicant certifies that the applicant is unable to obtain on reasonable terms sufficient credit to finance its actual needs without the guarantee; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Board of Public Works determines that there is a reasonable assurance of repayment of the loan obligation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The eligible cost of a project for State financial assistance under § 9–275(b)(3) of this subtitle may include only the costs of plans, specifications, equipment, construction, and rehabilitation or improvement as approved by the Department.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>State financial assistance under § 9–275(b)(3) of this subtitle may not exceed 50 percent of the eligible costs.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-281" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>In this part the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Coal combustion by–products” means the residue generated by, or resulting from, the burning of coal.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Coal combustion by–products” includes fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, pozzolan, and other solid residuals removed by air pollution control devices from the flue gas and combustion chambers of coal–burning furnaces and boilers, including flue gas desulfurization sludge and other solid residuals recovered from flue gas by wet or dry methods.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Fund” means the State Coal Combustion By–Products Management Fund.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“Generator” means a person whose operations, activities, processes, or actions create coal combustion by–products.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Generator” does not include a person who only generates coal combustion by–products by burning coal at a private residence.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-282" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a State Coal Combustion By–Products Management Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Fund shall consist of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Fees collected by the Department under § 9–283 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Funds appropriated by the General Assembly for deposit to the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any additional money made available from any sources, public or private, for the purposes for which the Fund has been established.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund is a special, continuing, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, unused money in the Fund may not revert to the General Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Fund shall be maintained and administered by the Department in accordance with the provisions of this part and any regulations the Department adopts.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-283" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, by regulation, the Department shall establish and collect a fee to be paid by a generator of coal combustion by–products, based on a per ton rate of coal combustion by–products generated by the generator annually.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department shall base the fees on the following factors:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The total annual tonnage of coal combustion by–products that the generator generates;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The type and volume of coal combustion by–products generated by the generator;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Whether the generator uses or disposes of the coal combustion by–products;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>To the extent that the coal combustion by–products are used rather than disposed of, the types of the uses;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Whether the coal combustion by–products are transported for use or disposal out–of–state;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The volume of coal combustion by–products that have been disposed of and remain in landfills or other storage units in the State that are subject to inspection and monitoring, not including coal combustion by–products that have been:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Added to cement products;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Used in coal mine reclamation; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Beneficially reused in a manner acceptable to the Department; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Other factors the Department considers appropriate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department may not establish or impose a fee on coal combustion by–products that are:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Beneficially used, as the Department determines; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Used for coal mine reclamation in accordance with regulations the Department adopts or with regulations of the receiving state.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Fees imposed on coal combustion by–products that are transported for use or disposal out–of–state may not exceed 50% of the fees established for disposal in–State.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The fees collected by the Department under this section shall be deposited into the Fund and used in accordance with § 9–284 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The fees imposed shall be set at the rate necessary to implement the purposes set forth in § 9–284 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>In any fiscal year, if the fee schedule established by the Department generates revenue that exceeds the amount necessary to operate a regulatory program to control the management of coal combustion by–products, the Department shall use the excess revenue to take action necessary to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Increase the beneficial reuse of coal combustion by–products; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Mitigate human health and environmental impacts due to the release of coal combustion by–products from priority sites.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-284" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <text>The Department shall use money in the Fund solely to administer and implement programs to control the disposal, use, beneficial use, recycling, processing, handling, storage, transport, or other requirements related to the management of coal combustion by–products, including all costs incurred by the State to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Review, inspect, and evaluate monitoring data, applications, licenses, permits, utilization requests, plans, analyses, and reports;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Perform and oversee assessments, investigations, and research and remedial activities; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Develop, adopt, and implement regulations, programs, or initiatives to address risks to human health and the environment related to the management of coal combustion by–products.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-285" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <text>Beginning November 1, 2010, the Department shall report each year to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The status of the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Revenues of and expenditures from the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The efficiency of the regulatory program under this part;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Compliance rates within the regulatory program under this part; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Based on the factors listed in items (1) through (4) of this section, the necessity to review and adjust the fee in accordance with § 9–283(g) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-286" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations to carry out this part.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-289" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this part, “coal combustion by–product” means the residue generated by or resulting from the burning of coal.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Coal combustion by–product” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Fly ash;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Bottom ash;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Boiler slag;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Pozzolan, as defined in § 15–407 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Solid residuals removed by air pollution control devices from the flue gas and combustion chambers of coal–burning furnaces and boilers.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On or before December 31, 2009, the Department shall submit to the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review regulations regarding:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Fugitive air emissions from the transportation of coal combustion by–products in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The permissible beneficial uses of coal combustion by–products in the State.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-290" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <text>The Department may not issue a permit under this title to install a new refuse disposal system that would accept coal combustion by–products for disposal or for new noncoal mine reclamation using coal combustion by–products if the refuse disposal system or noncoal mine reclamation would be located in a critical area, as defined under § 8–1802 of the Natural Resources Article.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-291" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Regulation by State"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “Coordinating Committee” means the Statewide Coal Combustion By–Products Coordinating Committee.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a Statewide Coal Combustion By–Products Coordinating Committee.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Coordinating Committee consists of the following members:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>One representative of the Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>One representative of the Power Plant Research Program in the Department of Natural Resources; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Three members, appointed by the Secretary, each with technical expertise in one of the following subjects:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Coal combustion by–products;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Public health; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Water quality.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Secretary shall designate the chair of the Coordinating Committee.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Department and the Power Plant Research Program in the Department of Natural Resources shall jointly provide staff for the Coordinating Committee.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A member of the Coordinating Committee:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May not receive compensation as a member of the Coordinating Committee; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Coordinating Committee shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Beginning in 2026, meet at least twice a year, at the times and places that the Coordinating Committee determines; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>With respect to coal combustion by–product sites:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Share information on monitoring results; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Discuss remedial action that is in process, that is still required, or both.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>On or before October 1, 2026, and each October 1 thereafter, the Coordinating Committee shall report its findings during the immediately preceding calendar year to the Senate Committee on Education, Energy, and the Environment and the House Environment and Transportation Committee, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-301" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Board” means the Water Science Advisory Board.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“CAFO” means a concentrated animal feeding operation, as defined in Department regulations.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Discharge permit” means a permit issued by the Department for the discharge of any pollutant or combination of pollutants into the waters of this State.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Drinking water treatment facility” means a facility that is used to treat water in a public water system.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Person” includes the federal government, this State, any county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision of this State, or any of their units.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Public water system” has the meaning stated in § 9–401 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Reclaimed water” means sewage that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Has been treated to a high quality suitable for various reuses; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Has a concentration of less than:</text> <level label="i"> <text>3 fecal coliform colonies per 100 milliliters;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>10 milligrams per liter of 5–day biological oxygen demand; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>10 milligrams per liter of total suspended solids.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Reservoir augmentation” means the planned placement of reclaimed water into a surface water reservoir used as a source for a drinking water treatment facility.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Reservoir augmentation permit” means a permit issued by the Department for reservoir augmentation.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Sewage” means any human or animal excretion, domestic waste, or industrial waste.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <level label="1"> <text>“Sewerage system” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The channels used or intended to be used to collect and dispose of sewage; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any structure and appurtenance used or intended to be used to collect or prepare sewage for discharge into the waters of this State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Sewerage system” includes any sewer of any size.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Sewerage system” does not include the plumbing system inside any building served by the sewerage system.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-302" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>The purpose of this subtitle is to establish effective programs and to provide additional and cumulative remedies to prevent, abate, and control pollution of the waters of this State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Because the quality of the waters of this State is vital to the interests of the citizens of this State, because pollution is a menace to public health and welfare, creates public nuisances, harms wildlife, fish, and aquatic life, and impairs domestic, agricultural, industrial, recreational, and other legitimate beneficial uses of water, and because the problem of water pollution in this State is closely related to the problem of water pollution in adjoining states, it is the policy of this State:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To improve, conserve, and manage the quality of the waters of this State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To protect, maintain, and improve the quality of water for public supplies, propagation of wildlife, fish, and aquatic life, and domestic, agricultural, industrial, recreational, and other legitimate beneficial uses;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>To provide that no waste is discharged into any waters of this State without first receiving necessary treatment or other corrective action to protect the legitimate beneficial uses of the waters of this State;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Through innovative and alternative methods of waste and wastewater treatment, to provide and promote prevention, abatement, and control of new or existing water pollution; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>To promote and encourage the use of reclaimed water in order to conserve water supplies, facilitate the indirect recharge of groundwater, and develop an alternative to discharging wastewater effluent to surface waters, thus pursuing the goal of the Clean Water Act to end the discharge of pollutants and meet the nutrient reduction goals of the Chesapeake Bay Agreement.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department shall cooperate with local governments, agencies of other states, and the federal government in carrying out the objectives of subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department may consult with the State Plumbing Board, as appropriate, on matters relating to the objectives of subsection (b)(5) of this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-303" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <text>This subtitle does not take away the right of any person, as a riparian owner or otherwise, in equity, at common law, or under statutory law to suppress a nuisance or abate pollution.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-303.1" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall encourage the use of reclaimed water as an alternative to discharging wastewater effluent into the surface waters of the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Reclaimed water may be used for irrigation of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Farmland;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Golf courses;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Athletic fields;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Turf;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Landscaping; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Any other use that the Department considers appropriate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department may establish buffer and setback requirements for the use of reclaimed water under subsection (b) of this section as follows:</text> <level label="1"> <text>From potable wells and surface water intakes, up to 100 feet;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>From intermittent and perennial streams and residential structures, up to 25 feet;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>From schools and playgrounds, up to 50 feet; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>From public roads and residential property lines, up to 25 feet.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-303.2" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2030 PER CHAPTERS 441 AND 442 OF 2025" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Drinking water treatment facility” means a facility that is used to treat water in a public water system.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Environmental buffer” means a reservoir, basin, or similar area above ground, the purpose of which is to store or impound source water for a drinking water treatment facility.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“PFAS” means per– and polyfluoroalkyl substances.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Pilot Program” means the Indirect Potable Reuse Pilot Program.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>“Potable reuse permit” means a permit issued by the Department to authorize and regulate a process to use reclaimed water as a source for a drinking water treatment facility.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>“Public water system” has the meaning stated in § 9–401 of this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is an Indirect Potable Reuse Pilot Program in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The purpose of the Pilot Program is to authorize the regulated use of reclaimed water as a source for drinking water treatment facilities.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department may review, permit, and regulate a process to use reclaimed water as a source for a drinking water treatment facility through a potable reuse permit if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Department determines that the process will meet or surpass safe drinking water standards before water enters the distribution system;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The reclaimed water is stored in an environmental buffer for a residence time of at least 180 days before intake into a drinking water treatment facility;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The reclaimed water meets the following requirements:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Primary and secondary maximum contaminant levels established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under 40 C.F.R. §§ 141 and 143 and by the Department under COMAR 26.04.01 before entering the environmental buffer and before entering the distribution system;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Treatment for removal of pathogens at the wastewater treatment stage and the drinking water treatment stage that meets or exceeds:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>12 log for enteric virus reduction;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>10 log for Giardia cyst reduction; and</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>10 log Cryptosporidium oocyst reduction; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Controls for maximum concentrations of PFAS chemicals established by the Department, notwithstanding § 9–406(c) or § 9–407(b) of this title, but not to exceed any primary drinking water regulations established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in a final rulemaking under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The reclaimed water undergoes testing and reporting to verify that the requirements of item (iii) of this paragraph are met;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The process includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Reverse osmosis; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection;</text> </level> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Emergency procedures are in place to protect and ensure the availability of the potable water supply if there is any failure to meet the Department’s requirements;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>The applicant gives the Department the right of entry on the permit site at any reasonable time to inspect or investigate for a violation or any potential violation of the potable reuse permit;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>The applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Department that, at all times and under all operating conditions, the volume of reclaimed water entering the drinking water treatment facility contains not more than 10% by volume of reclaimed water that was delivered to the environmental buffer during any 24–hour period;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>The process includes appropriate record–keeping requirements; and</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>The process complies with all other applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Notwithstanding subsection (d)(1)(ii) of this section, an applicant may request that reclaimed water be stored in an environmental buffer for less than 180 days, but not less than 60 days, before intake into a drinking water treatment facility if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The process reliably and consistently meets the requirements of the potable reuse permit under varying operating conditions to the satisfaction of the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Department that a lower residence time sufficiently protects public health.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Department may include in a potable reuse permit any term, condition, or requirement that the Department deems appropriate to protect public health or the environment.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The requirements of a potable reuse permit are supplemental to and do not override any other statute, regulation, permit, order, or decree.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The provisions of Title 1, Subtitle 6 of this article shall govern this issuance of potable reuse permits.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>The Department shall accept applications for potable reuse permits from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, inclusive.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>A successful application for a potable reuse permit shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Department:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The ability to comply with the requirements of this section;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The availability of funds to construct and operate any necessary improvements;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The technical and administrative capacity to perform the process covered under the permit; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>That all necessary planning and engineering design is complete; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A completed feasibility study; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any additional information requested by the Department.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <text>The Department may refuse to issue a potable reuse permit if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The applicant fails to provide any information requested by the Department;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The applicant fails or refuses to allow the Department to inspect the permit site;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department finds that issuance of the permit would violate any State or federal law or any regulation adopted under any State or federal law;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The source of the reclaimed water fails to comply with any State or federal law, any regulation adopted under any State or federal law, or any permit; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The applicant fails to demonstrate compliance with this section to the Department’s satisfaction.</text> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <text>A potable reuse permit shall be effective for 5 years from the date of issuance.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <text>Before a potable reuse permit expires, the Department may renew the potable reuse permit:</text> <level label="1"> <text>After administrative review in accordance with regulations that the Department adopts; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In accordance with Title 1, Subtitle 6 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="m"> <text>The Department may revoke a potable reuse permit issued under this section if the Department finds that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The application included false or inaccurate information;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Conditions or requirements of the potable reuse permit have been or are about to be violated;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Substantial deviation from plans, specifications, or requirements has occurred or is about to occur;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Department is refused entry to any premises for the purpose of inspecting the process to ensure compliance with the potable reuse permit;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A change in conditions exists that requires the temporary or permanent reduction or elimination of the use of reclaimed water;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>There is any noncompliance with a discharge permit or a pretreatment requirement that may affect the reclaimed water in any manner;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Any State or federal water quality standard or effluent limitation has been or is threatened to be violated;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Any State or federal requirement established under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, Subtitle 4 of this title, or Title 12 of this article has been or is threatened to be violated; or</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>The reclaimed water may threaten public health, safety, comfort, or the environment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="n"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this section, a public water system operating under a potable reuse permit shall be subject to requirements for public water systems that use surface water under COMAR 26.04.01.</text> </level> <level label="o"> <level label="1"> <text>On or before December 31, 2024, the Department shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The status of the Pilot Program;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Whether the Pilot Program should be extended or made permanent; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any statutory or regulatory changes that the Department recommends to permanently authorize the regulated use of reclaimed water as a source for drinking water treatment facilities, if appropriate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On or before December 31, 2029, the Department shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the implementation of the Pilot Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="p"> <text>The Department may adopt regulations to implement this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-303.3" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>On or after July 1, 2028, the Department may renew a potable reuse permit if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The renewal occurs before the potable reuse permit expires; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department issued the original potable reuse permit on or before June 30, 2028.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the Department renews a potable reuse permit in accordance with subsection (a) of this section, the Department shall renew the permit:</text> <level label="1"> <text>After administrative review in accordance with regulations that the Department adopts; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In accordance with Title 1, Subtitle 6 of this article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-303.4" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Reservoir Augmentation Program in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided in this section, a person may not perform reservoir augmentation.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Subject to the provisions of this section, the Department may issue, modify, or renew a reservoir augmentation permit if the Department finds that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The treatment process will meet or surpass standards established by the Department before water enters the reservoir;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The treatment process will meet or surpass standards established by the Department before water enters the distribution system; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The applicant agrees to provide the Department the right of entry on the permit site at any reasonable time to inspect or investigate for a violation or potential violation of the reservoir augmentation permit.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Department may include in a reservoir augmentation permit any term, condition, or requirement that the Department deems appropriate to protect public health or the environment.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The provisions of Title 1, Subtitle 6 of this article shall govern the issuance of reservoir augmentation permits.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>A person shall obtain, on written application to the Department, a permit from the Department to perform reservoir augmentation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An application for a reservoir augmentation permit shall include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, a feasibility study showing the purpose and the need for the reservoir augmentation project, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A description and technical analysis of the reservoir augmentation project and alternative options; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The costs associated with the reservoir augmentation project and alternative options; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any additional information requested by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A feasibility study is not required for a reservoir augmentation project that was previously approved by the Department under the Indirect Potable Reuse Pilot Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Department may refuse to issue a reservoir augmentation permit if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The applicant fails to provide any information requested by the Department;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The applicant fails or refuses to allow the Department to inspect the permit site;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The source of the reclaimed water fails to comply with any State or federal law, regulation, or permit;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Department finds that the issuance of the reservoir augmentation permit would violate any State or federal law or any regulation adopted under State or federal law; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The applicant fails or refuses to pay the application fee established under subsection (j) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>The Department may not issue a reservoir augmentation permit for a term longer than 5 years.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>The Department may revoke a reservoir augmentation permit if the Department finds that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The application included false or inaccurate information;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Conditions or requirements of the reservoir augmentation permit have been or are about to be violated;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Substantial deviation from plans, specifications, or requirements has occurred or is about to occur;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Department is refused entry to any premises for the purpose of evaluating compliance with the reservoir augmentation permit;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A change in conditions exists that requires the temporary or permanent reduction or elimination of the use of reclaimed water;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>There is noncompliance with a discharge permit or pretreatment regulation adopted by the Department that may affect the reclaimed water;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Any requirement established under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, Subtitle 4 of this title, or Title 12 of this article has been or is threatened to be violated; or</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The reclaimed water may threaten public health, safety, comfort, or the environment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations that establish:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The standards for reservoir augmentation; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The application, issuance, revocation, and modification of a reservoir augmentation permit.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The regulations adopted under this section shall set a reasonable application fee in an amount designed to cover the cost of issuing and administering a reservoir augmentation permit under the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <text>All revenues collected by the Department under this section, including application fees, permit fees, renewal fees, or any administrative penalty, civil penalty, or any fine imposed by a court for violations of this section, shall be distributed to a special fund, to be used only for the operation and oversight of the Reservoir Augmentation Program.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <text>On or before December 31, 2035, and every 5 years thereafter, the Department shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the implementation of the Reservoir Augmentation Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-303.5" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2036 PER CHAPTERS 474 AND 475 OF 2025" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Aquifer” means a geologic formation, group of formations, or part of a formation that is capable of yielding a significant amount of water to a well or spring.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Confined aquifer” means an aquifer under pressure from a relatively impervious layer of material laying above the aquifer.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Demonstration facility” means an advanced water treatment facility approved under a managed aquifer recharge permit to treat reclaimed water for use as a source for testing groundwater augmentation.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Groundwater augmentation” means the injection of reclaimed water into an aquifer for any purpose that is not discharge.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>“Hazardous substance” has the meaning stated in § 7–201 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>“Managed aquifer recharge permit” means a permit issued by the Department for groundwater augmentation.</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>“Pilot Program” means the Managed Aquifer Recharge Pilot Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person may not perform groundwater augmentation.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>There is a Managed Aquifer Recharge Pilot Program in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The purpose of the Pilot Program is to authorize, regulate, and evaluate the use of treated reclaimed water as a source for groundwater augmentation through managed aquifer recharge permits.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department may not issue more than one managed aquifer recharge permit under the Pilot Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Department may review, permit, and regulate groundwater augmentation through a managed aquifer recharge permit if the Department determines that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The groundwater augmentation will address a groundwater supply or quality problem that is occurring or reasonably anticipated to occur in the next 25 years, including land subsidence or saltwater intrusion;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The proposed location of the demonstration facility is suitable for long–term implementation of groundwater augmentation;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The reclaimed water will be treated at the demonstration facility to meet or surpass the following requirements:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Primary and secondary maximum contaminant levels established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the Department;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>At least three separate treatment processes that include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Oxidation treatment;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Treatment for removal of pathogens that, in total, meets or exceeds:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>12 log for enteric virus reduction;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>10 log for Giardia cyst reduction; and</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>10 log Cryptosporidium oocyst reduction; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For groundwater augmentation in a confined aquifer:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>Reverse osmosis; and</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Treatment to ensure that total organic carbon does not exceed 0.5 milligrams per liter based on a 20–week running average of all total organic carbon results and the average of the four most recent total organic carbon test results; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Treatment for removal of any hazardous substance in the reclaimed water that does not have a maximum contaminant level or effluent limit established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the Department to a quantitative level that is based on public health criteria;</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The reclaimed water will undergo testing and reporting to verify that the requirements of this subsection are met;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The applicant has conducted an analysis to evaluate alternatives to groundwater augmentation;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The applicant has in place a detailed testing and monitoring plan to demonstrate facility performance and groundwater compatibility during groundwater augmentation, including alternative methods of use or discharge when the injection parameters are not met;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The applicant has identified all wells that withdraw water from within 2 years of travel time for the water from the location where groundwater augmentation is proposed and has evaluated the potential impact to those wells;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The applicant has identified all industrial users that discharge to the sewerage system from which the reclaimed water is received and the pollutants in each industrial user’s discharge;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>The applicant has performed a hydrogeological investigation that includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A description of the geologic and hydrogeological setting of the portion of the aquifer that may be affected by groundwater augmentation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A detailed description of the stratigraphy beneath the project;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A map of the existing hydrogeology and the hydrogeology anticipated as a result of the groundwater augmentation based on at least four rounds of consecutive quarterly monitoring;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A map showing quarterly groundwater elevation contours, vector flow directions, and calculated hydraulic gradients using data from at least four rounds of consecutive quarterly monitoring;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>A map showing the location and boundaries of the project and the zone of potential drinking water well construction; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>A summary of the results from at least four groundwater samples with at least one sample collected during each quarter from each potentially affected aquifer that includes total nitrogen, total organic carbon, and an analysis of any other constituent requested by the Department;</text> </level> </level> <level label="10"> <text>The applicant has submitted a mitigation plan to address environmental and safe drinking water risks that includes a plan to provide an alternative drinking water source to well users who may be affected by the groundwater augmentation on a temporary or permanent basis;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>The applicant identifies the locations where at least two monitoring wells will be installed that are not less than 14 days and not more than 180 days of travel time downgradient from the injection well and at least 30 days of travel time upgradient from the nearest drinking water well;</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>The applicant submits a detailed operation and maintenance plan to the Department;</text> </level> <level label="13"> <text>The applicant gives the Department the right of entry on the permit site at any reasonable time to inspect or investigate for a violation or any potential violation of the managed aquifer recharge permit;</text> </level> <level label="14"> <text>The process includes appropriate record–keeping requirements; and</text> </level> <level label="15"> <text>The process complies with all other applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department may include in a managed aquifer recharge permit any term, condition, or requirement that the Department considers appropriate to protect public health or the environment.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The requirements of a managed aquifer recharge permit are supplemental to and do not override any other law, regulation, permit, order, or decree.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The provisions of Title 1, Subtitle 6 of this article shall govern the issuance of managed aquifer recharge permits.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>In addition to the notice required in Title 1, Subtitle 6 of this article, an applicant shall send written notice of the application for a managed aquifer recharge permit to each owner of a property containing a well identified in subsection (e)(7) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A managed aquifer recharge permit shall include a requirement to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Initiate a tracer study within 3 months after the date on which injections begin in order to verify the reclaimed water’s retention time in the aquifer under hydraulic conditions that are representative of normal operations at the demonstration facility; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Submit the results of the tracer study to the Department as soon as practicable after the completion of the tracer study.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Department shall accept applications for managed aquifer recharge permits from January 2, 2026, to January 3, 2028, both inclusive.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>A successful application for a managed aquifer recharge permit shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Department:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The ability to comply with the requirements of this section;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The applicant’s available funding for the construction and operation of the demonstration facility and implementation of any contingency or emergency plan;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The technical and administrative capacity to comply with the permit; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>That all necessary planning and engineering design is complete; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Include any additional information requested by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>The Department may refuse to issue a managed aquifer recharge permit if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The applicant fails to provide any information requested by the Department;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The applicant fails or refuses to allow the Department to inspect the permit site;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department finds that issuance of the permit would violate any State or federal law or any regulation adopted under any State or federal law;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The source of the reclaimed water fails to comply with any State or federal law, any regulation adopted under any State or federal law, or any permit;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The applicant fails to demonstrate compliance with this section to the Department’s satisfaction; or</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The Department finds that the proposed groundwater augmentation may create an unreasonable risk to public health, safety, or the environment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <level label="1"> <text>A managed aquifer recharge permit issued under the Pilot Program shall be effective for 5 years from the date of issuance.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department may renew a managed aquifer recharge permit for an additional period of 5 years following administrative review by the Department and subject to the provisions of Title 1, Subtitle 6 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <text>The Department may revoke a managed aquifer recharge permit if the Department finds that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The application included false or inaccurate information;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Conditions or requirements of the permit have been or are about to be violated;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Substantial deviation from plans, specifications, or requirements has occurred or is about to occur;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Department is refused entry to any premises for the purpose of inspection to ensure compliance with the permit;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A change in conditions exists that requires the permanent reduction or elimination of the use of groundwater augmentation;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>There is any noncompliance with a discharge permit, pretreatment standard, or pretreatment requirement that may affect the reclaimed water in any manner;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Any State or federal water quality standard or effluent limitation has been or is threatened to be violated;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Any State or federal requirement established under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, this subtitle, Subtitle 4 of this title, or Title 12 of this article has been or is threatened to be violated; or</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>The treated reclaimed water may threaten public health, safety, comfort, or the environment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="l"> <level label="1"> <text>On or before September 1 each year, each holder of a managed aquifer recharge permit shall report to the Department on:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The applied scientific results of any demonstration facility or groundwater augmentation activities undertaken under the Pilot Program; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any recommendations for the Pilot Program based on the holder’s experience in the Pilot Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On or before December 31, 2028, and each December 31 thereafter, the Department shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The status of the Pilot Program;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any scientific results and recommendations reported under paragraph (1) of this subsection;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Whether the Pilot Program should be modified, extended, or made permanent; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Any statutory or regulatory changes that the Department recommends to permanently authorize the regulated use of treated reclaimed water as a source for groundwater augmentation, if appropriate.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="m"> <text>The Department may adopt regulations to carry out this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-303.6" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>On or before January 1, 2028, the Department shall adopt regulations and standards governing the permitting of carbon dioxide capture, removal, or sequestration projects that utilize biochar or wood vault technologies.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In developing the regulations and standards under subsection (a) of this section, the Department shall consult with the Department of Agriculture.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-305" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <text>There is a Water Science Advisory Board.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-306" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board consists of 9 members appointed by the Governor.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Of the Board members:</text> <level label="i"> <text>1 shall be appointed from a list of at least 3 qualified individuals submitted to the Governor by the Chancellor of the University System of Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>1 shall be appointed from a list of at least 3 qualified individuals submitted to the Governor by the President of The Johns Hopkins University; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>7 shall be representatives of institutions of higher learning, private industry, or agencies of government or other public bodies that normally are not associated with water pollution control activities.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each member shall be an individual who has scientific or technical expertise.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of a member is 5 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Board on July 1, 1982. The terms of those members end as follows:</text> <level label="i"> <text>2 in 1983;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>1 in 1984;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>2 in 1985;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>2 in 1986; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>2 in 1987.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If a member who was appointed from a list required by subsection (a) of this section dies, resigns, or otherwise ceases to be a member, a successor shall be appointed from a list submitted to the Governor in the manner required by subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>A member may be appointed to successive terms.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-307" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <text>From among the Board members, the Governor shall appoint a chairman and a vice chairman.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-308" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>The Governor shall appoint a Board secretary.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board secretary may, but need not, be a member of the Board.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board secretary:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May not receive compensation; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-309" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>The Board shall meet at the times and places that the Governor or the chairman determines.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A member of the Board:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May not receive compensation; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-310" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <text>The purpose of the Board is to provide State water pollution control programs with the advice and assistance of the scientific capabilities of institutions of higher learning, private industry, and agencies of government and other public bodies that normally are not associated with water pollution control activities.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-313" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department may adopt rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In adopting any rule or regulation under this subtitle, the Department shall consider:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Existing physical conditions;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The character of the area involved, including surrounding land uses;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Priority ranking of waters as to effluent limits;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Zoning;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The nature of the existing receiving body of water;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The technical feasibility of measuring or reducing the particular type of water pollution;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The economic reasonableness of measuring or reducing the particular type of water pollution; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The purposes of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Except as this subtitle otherwise provides for a particular type of rule or regulation, a rule or regulation adopted under this subtitle may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Impose, as circumstances require, different requirements for different pollutant sources and for different geographical areas;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Apply to sources located outside this State that cause, contribute to, or threaten environmental damage in this State; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Make special provisions for alert and abatement standards and procedures for occurrences or emergencies of pollution or on other short term conditions that are an acute danger to health or to the environment.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-314" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department may adopt rules and regulations that set, for the waters of this State, water quality standards and effluent standards. These standards shall be designed to protect:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The public health, safety, and welfare;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Present and future use of the waters of this State for public water supply;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The propagation of aquatic life and wildlife;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Recreational use of the waters of this State; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Agricultural, industrial, and other legitimate uses of the waters of this State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The rules and regulations adopted under this section shall include at least the following:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Water quality standards that specify the maximum permissible short term and long term concentrations of pollutants in the water, the minimum permissible concentrations of dissolved oxygen and other desirable matter in the water, and the temperature range for the water.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Effluent standards that specify the maximum loading or concentrations and the physical, thermal, chemical, biological, and radioactive properties of wastes that may be discharged into the waters of this State.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Definition of technique for filling and sealing abandoned water wells and holes, for disposal wells, for deep mines and surface mines, and for landfills to prevent groundwater contamination, seepage, and drainage into the waters of this State.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Requirements for the sale, offer, use, or storage of pesticides and other substances that the Department finds to constitute water pollution hazards.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Procedures for water pollution incidents or emergencies that constitute an acute danger to health or the environment.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Provisions for equipment and procedures for monitoring pollutants, collecting samples, and logging and reporting of monitoring.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Effluent standards set under this section shall be at least as stringent as those specified by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-315" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <text>Except as provided in § 4-405 of this article, the Department may adopt procedural rules and regulations as necessary to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-316" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department may not adopt any rule or regulation under this subtitle unless the requirements of this section and the Administrative Procedure Act are met.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Before adopting any rule or regulation under this subtitle, the Department shall announce and hold a public hearing on the subject.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Before the public hearing, the Department shall publish notice of the hearing.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The notice shall state:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The date, time, and place of the hearing;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The general subject of the rules and regulations that are to be considered at the hearing; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>If appropriate, the specific waters for which standards are sought to be adopted, amended, or repealed.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>At the public hearing, any interested person may submit information or views, orally or in writing.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-317" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <text>The Department shall publish annually on its Web site the total amount of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Sewage overflow, in gallons, from State sewerage systems into the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries during the previous year; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Fines collected as a result of sewage overflows into the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries during the previous year.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-318" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department may cooperate with any appropriate agency to train personnel needed in the area of water pollution control.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To provide the training authorized by subsection (a) of this section, the Department of the Environment and the Department of Natural Resources may contract with any appropriate institution of higher learning or any appropriate unit:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To develop the needed curricula; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To support training courses.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-319" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to the powers and duties set forth elsewhere in this subtitle, the Department has the following powers and duties:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To administer and enforce this subtitle and the rules and regulations adopted under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To develop comprehensive programs and plans for the prevention, control, and abatement of pollution of the waters of this State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>To advise, consult, and cooperate with other units of this State, the federal government, other State and interstate agencies, affected groups, political subdivisions, and industries to carry out the provisions of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>To accept and administer loans and grants from the federal government and other sources, public or private, to carry out any of the Department’s functions;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>To encourage, participate in, finance, or conduct studies, investigations, research, or demonstrations that relate to water pollution or its causes, prevention, control, or abatement;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>To collect and give out information about water pollution and its prevention, control, and abatement;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>To issue, modify, or revoke orders and permits that prohibit discharges of pollutants into the waters of this State or to adopt any other reasonable remedial measures to prevent, control, or abate pollution or undesirable changes in the quality of the waters of this State;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Through the Secretary or a hearing officer who is designated in writing by the Secretary, to hold hearings, to issue hearing notices and subpoenas that require the attendance of witnesses and production of evidence, to administer oaths, and to take necessary testimony;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>To apply and enforce against industrial users of publicly owned treatment works toxic effluent standards and pretreatment requirements for the introduction into treatment works of pollutants that interfere with, pass through, or otherwise are incompatible with the treatment works; and</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>To exercise every incidental power necessary to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To carry out the provisions of this subtitle, the Department of the Environment and the Department of Natural Resources may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Conduct studies, surveys, investigations, research, and analyses; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Employ consultants.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-320" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Maryland Clean Water Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided in § 9–303.4 of this subtitle, the following payments shall be made into the Maryland Clean Water Fund:</text> <level label="1"> <text>All application fees, permit fees, renewal fees, and funds collected by the Department under this subtitle, including any civil or administrative penalty or any fine imposed by a court under the provisions of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>With the exception of penalties and fines required to be paid into the Private Dam Repair Fund, any civil or administrative penalty or any fine imposed by a court under the provisions of Title 5, Subtitle 5 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any civil or administrative penalty or any fine imposed by a court under the provisions of Title 4, Subtitle 1 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any fees or funds that the Department collects under Subtitle 2, Part III of this title and §§ 9–269 and 9–270 of this title and any civil or administrative penalty or fine imposed by a court under the provisions of Subtitle 2 of this title;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Any fees or funds that the Department collects under Subtitle 24 of this title and any civil or administrative penalty or fine imposed by a court under the provisions of Subtitle 24 of this title; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Any other fees legally authorized to be paid into the Maryland Clean Water Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department shall use the Maryland Clean Water Fund for activities that are related to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The identification, monitoring, and regulation of the proper discharge of effluent into the waters of the State including program development of these activities as provided by the State budget;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The management, conservation, protection, and preservation of the State’s groundwater and surface water including program development of these activities as provided by the State budget;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Correcting to the extent possible the failure to implement or maintain erosion and sediment controls;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Administration of the sediment control program;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Emergency removal of sewage sludge or mitigation of the effect of any utilization of sewage sludge that the Department finds:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Endangers public health, safety, or welfare; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Endangers or damages natural resources;</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Activities that are:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Conducted by the Department, by a local health official, or by the local health official’s designee under § 9–243(e) of this title;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Related to identifying, monitoring, or regulating the utilization of sewage sludge, including program development; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Conducted by the Department under Subtitle 24 of this title; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Providing supplemental inspections and monitoring of sewage sludge utilization sites by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Contracting with a county on request of that county to provide supplemental inspections and monitoring; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Limiting the value of services provided under the contract to no more than 45% of the generator fees for sludge utilized in that county that is generated outside of that county or service area.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>An expenditure that the Department makes under subsection (c)(5) of this section shall be reimbursed to the Department by the sewage sludge utilizer whose sewage sludge utilization brought about the expenditure by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Endangering public health, safety, or welfare; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Endangering or damaging natural resources.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>In addition to any other legal action authorized by this subtitle, the Attorney General may bring an action against any person who fails to reimburse the Department under subsection (d) of this section to recover any expenditure that the Department makes under subsection (c)(5) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>In determining the use of the Maryland Clean Water Fund, priority shall be given to activities relating to the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, funds credited and any interest accrued to the Fund:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall remain available until expended; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May not be reverted to the General Fund under any other provision of law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>On or before January 15 of each year, the Department shall report to the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee and the House Environment and Transportation Committee, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on the status of the Maryland Clean Water Fund, including a detailed description of all revenues and expenditures of the Fund for the previous year.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-321" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <text>The Secretary of the Environment and the Secretary of Natural Resources jointly shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Develop and implement a comprehensive program to monitor the quality of the waters and living resources of the Chesapeake Bay;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Cooperate with other states in the Chesapeake Bay region and with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and other state and federal agencies, as appropriate; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Report every 2 years to the General Assembly on the results of this monitoring program and the status of the resources of the Chesapeake Bay.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-321.1" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>The definitions in § 5-901 of the Agriculture Article apply in this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Develop by December 1, 1988 a water quality standard for the concentration of tributyltin in the waters of the State that is sufficient for the protection of aquatic life; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Regulate point sources of release of tributyltin in accordance with the water quality standard developed under paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-321.2" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “closed swimming lake” means a body of water that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is no more than 1.5 acres in surface area;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is used for swimming; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Does not have a circulation system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (c)(2) of this section, a closed swimming lake located within and maintained by a municipal corporation and only accessible to residents of the municipal corporation is not subject to the regulations that apply to public bathing beaches under COMAR 26.08.09 or any county regulations related to public swimming facilities.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a municipal corporation that maintains a closed swimming lake shall establish a policy to assess and monitor the water quality of the closed swimming lake.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The policy established under this subsection shall be consistent with requirements under:</text> <level label="i"> <text>COMAR 26.08.09.06;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>COMAR 26.08.09.07; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>COMAR 26.08.09.08.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-322" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <text>Except as provided in this subtitle and Title 4, Subtitle 4 of this article and the rules and regulations adopted under those subtitles, a person may not discharge any pollutant into the waters of this State.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-323" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person shall hold a discharge permit issued by the Department before the person may construct, install, modify, extend, alter, or operate any of the following if its operation could cause or increase the discharge of pollutants into the waters of this State:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An industrial, commercial, or recreational facility or disposal system;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A State–owned treatment facility; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any other outlet or establishment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the general discharge permit for animal feeding operations is administratively extended by the Department, the Department may authorize a person to begin construction on any part of a new animal feeding operation under an approval process established by the Department that requires the person to demonstrate compliance with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The requirements for coverage under the administratively extended general discharge permit; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>All other applicable laws and regulations and required construction permits.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>By rule or regulation, the Department may require a discharge permit for any other activity.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-323.1" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section and for a construction site with a total proposed disturbed area of 5 acres or more, the Department may not authorize the discharge of stormwater associated with construction activity under a general discharge permit until the requirements under subsection (b) of this section are satisfied if any portion of the area of disturbance is located in:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A watershed or catchment that drains to a receiving water designated as high quality under Department regulations;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Critical Area Buffer; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An area identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as having a 1% chance of annual flooding.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, if the Department receives a written request within the public notification period of the general discharge permit, the Department shall extend the public notice period to 60 days to provide the requestor an opportunity to comment on the potential impact of inadequate construction site controls on waters of the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department shall promptly:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Acknowledge receipt of the written request;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Notify the applicant for the general discharge permit of the written request and include details regarding potential inadequacies of proposed construction site controls;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Request an electronic copy of the approved sediment control plan from the applicant and provide a copy to the requestor; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Notify the applicant if any updates to the sediment control plan are required prior to final authorization of the general discharge permit.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>This section does not apply to construction activity that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Does not result in the establishment of any permanent residential, commercial, or industrial building; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is solely intended to restore natural resources, reduce water pollution, or improve water quality.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-324" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to the provisions of this section, the Department may issue a discharge permit if the Department finds that the discharge meets:</text> <level label="1"> <text>All applicable State and federal water quality standards and effluent limitations; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>All other requirements of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Before issuing a discharge permit, the Department and the applicant shall comply with the provisions of Title 1, Subtitle 6 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The informational meeting required by Title 1, Subtitle 6 of this article shall be held in accordance with Title 1, Subtitle 6 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Department shall give public notice of each application for a discharge permit as required by Title 1, Subtitle 6 of this article, and by making available to the public appropriate documents, permit applications, supporting material, plans, and other relevant information.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-325" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department may adopt rules and regulations that relate to application for, issuance of, revocation of, or modification of discharge permits.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The rules and regulations may require submission of plans, specifications, and other information.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to subsection (c)(2) of this section, the rules and regulations adopted under this section shall set a reasonable application fee in an amount designed to cover the cost of the permit procedure.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the rules and regulations adopted under this section shall set a reasonable permit fee schedule for industrial users based on:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The anticipated cost of monitoring and regulating the permitted facility;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The flow of effluent discharge from the permitted facility; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The anticipated needs for program development activities that relate to management of the discharge of pollutants into the waters of this State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The Department shall charge a one–time permit application fee of at least $2,000 on receipt of a notice of intent to seek coverage under a CAFO Discharge permit for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A proposed new CAFO that will have a house capacity of 350,000 square feet or more; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Modification of an existing CAFO to expand the house capacity to 350,000 square feet or more.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Department shall charge an annual fee of at least $1,200 for the continued coverage under a CAFO Discharge permit of a CAFO with a house capacity of 350,000 square feet or more.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In adopting the rules and regulations under this subsection, the Department shall consult with industry and provide that the permit fee not exceed a certain dollar amount.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Department may not waive the fee for a CAFO Discharge permit.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-326" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department may make the issuance of a discharge permit contingent on any conditions the Department considers necessary to prevent violation of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In permits for the discharge of pollutants from publicly owned treatment works, the Department:</text> <level label="i"> <text>May impose as conditions appropriate measures to establish and insure compliance by industrial users with any system of user charges required by State or federal law or by any rule, regulation, or guideline adopted under State or federal law; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shall impose as conditions requirements for the permit holder to provide information about new introductions of pollutants or substantial changes in the volume or character of pollutants being introduced into the treatment works.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Issuance of a discharge permit is contingent on the grant by the permit holder to the Department of a right of entry on the permit site at any reasonable time to inspect and investigate for violation or potential violation of any condition of the permit.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-327" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <text>The Department may refuse to issue a discharge permit if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The applicant fails or refuses to allow any representative of the Department to inspect the proposed permit site;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department finds that issuance of the permit would violate any State or federal law or any rule or regulation adopted under any State or federal law; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The applicant fails or refuses to pay the permit fee assessed under § 9–325(c) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-328" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Unless it is renewed for another term, a discharge permit expires on the expiration date the Department sets at issuance or renewal.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department may not issue a discharge permit for a term longer than 5 years.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Before a discharge permit expires, the Department may renew the discharge permit for another term:</text> <level label="1"> <text>After administrative review in accordance with the rules and regulations that the Department adopts;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>After notice and opportunity for public hearing on the subject;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>On the condition that the discharge meets or will meet:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Any applicable State or federal water quality standards or effluent limitations; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any applicable requirement of this subtitle; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If the permit holder pays all application and permit fees assessed by the Department under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Administrative review proceedings under this section shall be completed at least 60 days before the expiration date of the permit.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-328.1" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section, “administratively continued permit” means a discharge permit that has been administratively continued under Department regulations in accordance with 40 C.F.R. § 122.6(d).</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Administratively continued permit” does not include a discharge permit that has been continued beyond its original expiration date due to an enforcement action taken during the permit term.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>To ensure compliance with the terms of a discharge permit, the Department shall conduct inspections in accordance with this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, and subject to paragraph (4) of this subsection, beginning July 1, 2022, at least once per month the Department shall inspect each facility or site that the Department or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined to be in significant noncompliance with an applicable State or federal water quality standard, effluent limitation, or other applicable requirement of the Department or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If a facility or site is determined to be in significant noncompliance solely due to the failure to report any required information to the Department or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Department may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Delay inspections under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph by 1 month while the Department reviews the compliance status of the facility or site through correspondence with the owner or operator of the facility or site or other appropriate methods; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Begin monthly inspections in accordance with subparagraph (i) of this paragraph if, after the period specified in item 1 of this subparagraph, the owner or operator of the facility or site has not provided the information necessary for the Department to determine the compliance status of the facility or site.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph and subject to paragraph (4) of this subsection, beginning July 1, 2023, at least once every 90 days, the Department shall inspect each facility or site that has been operating under an administratively continued permit for longer than 365 days.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Department is not required to inspect the operations of a facility or site operating a general permit that has been administratively continued, unless the Department or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined the facility or site to be in significant noncompliance as specified under paragraph (2) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Inspections required under this subsection may be conducted by means other than an in–person inspection of the facility or site if the presence of the inspector would result in an unreasonable risk to health, safety, or welfare.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection applies to a permit holder that is determined by the Department or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to be in significant noncompliance of an applicable State or federal water quality standard, effluent limitation, or other applicable requirement of the Department or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency two or more times in a year.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department shall require a permit holder specified under paragraph (1) of this subsection to submit a written report to the Department detailing:</text> <level label="i"> <text>How violations reported by the permit holder or noted by the Department will be addressed; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The timeline for addressing the violations.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>The Department shall maintain on its website a list of permit holders determined to be in significant noncompliance under paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The list shall be sorted by county.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Department shall provide each Senator and Delegate a link to the list by monthly e–mail.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>If a permit holder remains in significant noncompliance for the same underlying condition after 2 consecutive months of inspections conducted under subsection (b) of this section, the permit holder shall be subject to an administrative penalty of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For a permit holder for a facility that discharges less than 500,000 gallons per day:</text> <level label="1"> <text>$250 when the condition is observed on the third consecutive inspection;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>$500 when the condition is observed on the fourth consecutive inspection; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>$2,500 when the condition is observed on the fifth consecutive inspection or any subsequent consecutive inspection; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For a permit holder for a facility that discharges 500,000 gallons or more per day:</text> <level label="1"> <text>$1,000 when the condition is observed on the third consecutive inspection;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>$5,000 when the condition is observed on the fourth consecutive inspection; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>$10,000 when the condition is observed on the fifth consecutive inspection or any subsequent consecutive inspection.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The penalties provided under this subsection are in addition to any other civil or criminal penalties provided under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-329" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise prohibited in subsection (b) of this section, the Department may issue a permit that allows the use of chlorine or chlorine compounds in treatment of wastewaters discharged from any publicly or privately owned sewage treatment plant to any surface waters of this State only if the treatment of the wastewaters includes dechlorination.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection is not effective unless matching federal funds are available to implement the provisions of paragraph (4) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This subsection does not apply to sewerage treatment facilities that discharge an amount of treated sewage less than 1 percent of the 7-day, 10-year low flow of the receiving stream.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department may not issue a permit that allows the use of chlorine or chlorine compounds in the treatment of wastewaters discharged into any waters of this State that are designated by the Department as natural trout waters and their tributaries.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>This subsection applies to any local subdivision that owns or operates an existing treatment system that is required to convert from use of chlorination to another system in order to be permitted under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the local subdivision applied for assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency on or before September 30, 1981, the conversion costs not funded by the Environmental Protection Agency may be covered with State funds as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>If the local subdivision failed to apply for assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency on or before September 30, 1981, conversion costs ordinarily met by the Environmental Protection Agency and this State shall be the responsibility of the local subdivision.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-329.1" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A publicly or privately owned sewage treatment plant; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The discharge of any chlorine or chlorine products that are present due to their occurrence as a natural constituent of saline water.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who has a discharge permit may not discharge chlorine or chlorine products into the Chesapeake Bay or its tributaries during April and May of any year at a level that is greater than the chlorine discharge level that is applicable to a publicly or privately owned sewage treatment plant under § 9-329 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-329.2" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in this section and notwithstanding any other provision of this article, on or after July 1, 1988 a person may not discharge any chlorine or chlorine products into the Chesapeake Bay or its tributaries in excess of a concentration that the Department of the Environment, in consultation with the Department of Natural Resources, determines to be the lowest practicably attainable concentration.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To determine the allowable concentrations of chlorine or chlorine products under this section, the Secretary of the Environment, in consultation with the Secretary of Natural Resources, shall adopt regulations that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Use the best practicable management technologies; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Set forth approved monitoring technologies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A person may apply to the Department of the Environment for an exception under subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department of the Environment, in consultation with the Department of Natural Resources, may grant an exception under subsection (a) of this section to an applicant if the application sets forth compliance schedules acceptable to the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>An owner of a vessel that is equipped with a marine sanitation device that meets the requirements of 33 C.F.R. 159 shall automatically be excepted from the provisions of subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-330" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <text>The Department may revoke any discharge permit if the Department finds that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>False or inaccurate information was contained in the application;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Conditions or requirements of the discharge permit have been or are about to be violated;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Substantial deviation from plans, specifications, or requirements has occurred;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Department has been refused entry to the premises for the purpose of inspecting to insure compliance with the conditions of the discharge permit;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A change in conditions exists that requires temporary or permanent reduction or elimination of the permitted discharge;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Any State or federal water quality stream standard or effluent standard has been or is threatened to be violated; or</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Any other good cause exists for revoking the discharge permit.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-331" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <text>By rule, regulation, order, permit, or otherwise, the Department may require the owner or operator of any source of a discharge of pollutants or of any source that is an industrial user of a publicly owned treatment works:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To keep records;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To make reports;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>To install, calibrate, use, and maintain monitoring equipment or methods, including, where appropriate, biological monitoring methods;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>To sample discharges in accordance with the methods, at the locations, at the intervals, and in the manner the Department requires; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>To provide to the Department any information that the Department reasonably requires about:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Discharge of pollutants into the waters of this State; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Introduction of pollutants into publicly owned treatment works.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-331.1" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The owner or operator of any sanitary sewer system, combined sewer system, or wastewater treatment plant shall report to the Department any sewer overflow or treatment plant bypass that results in the direct or potential discharge of raw or diluted sewage into the surface waters or groundwaters of the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The report shall be made as soon as practicable but no later than 24 hours after the time that the operator or owner became aware of the event.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Within 5 calendar days after notification of the event, the owner or operator shall provide the Department with a written report regarding the incident that includes any information required by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Department, in cooperation with the Maryland Department of Health, the local health departments, and local environmental health directors, shall develop procedures for requiring the owner or operator of any sanitary sewer system, combined sewer system, or wastewater treatment plant to provide public notification of a sewer overflow or treatment plant bypass.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The procedures developed under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Require that the notification be posted:</text> <level label="1"> <text>In Spanish and English at the location of the sewer overflow or treatment plant bypass;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On the website of the Department, the Maryland Department of Health, and the appropriate local health department; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>On any social media website on which the appropriate local health department regularly posts information; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Require notification within a reasonable time to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Appropriate downstream jurisdictions;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Appropriate county governments;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>State parks impacted by the sewer overflow or treatment plant bypass;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Department of Natural Resources; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Any other local, State, or federal land manager impacted by the sewer overflow or treatment plant bypass.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Maryland Department of Health and the local health departments shall make all decisions and determinations as to public health issues resulting from sewer overflows or treatment bypasses.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The owner or operator of any sanitary sewer system, combined sewer system, or wastewater treatment plant is not responsible for making public health determinations regarding sewer overflow or treatment plant bypasses.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations to implement the requirements of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-332" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not introduce any pollutant, either directly or indirectly, into a publicly owned treatment works, or into any conveyance leading to a publicly owned treatment works, in violation of any applicable pretreatment requirements including federal pretreatment standards, State requirements, local ordinances, or any pretreatment agreement.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary may delegate to owners of publicly owned treatment works the authority to apply and enforce State pretreatment requirements against industrial users.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Secretary may determine which publicly owned treatment works are or may be adversely impacted by industrial users and may require the owners of those publicly owned treatment works to develop and maintain programs which meet State pretreatment requirements.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>This section shall not be construed to limit any other provision of law imposing any restriction or prohibition relating to the discharge or disposal of pollutants or controlled hazardous wastes.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-333" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Pump-out facility” means a facility that pumps or receives human body wastes out of type III marine sanitation devices (holding tanks) on vessels.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>“Waste reception facility” means a facility specifically designed to receive wastes from portable toilets carried on vessels.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Waste reception facility” does not include a rest room facility.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section applies to any public or private marina that is located on the navigable waters of the State.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person may not construct any additional slips at an existing marina that is capable of berthing vessels 22 feet or larger that would result in a total slip capacity of more than 10 slips or construct a new marina that is capable of berthing vessels 22 feet or larger with more than 10 slips on the navigable waters of the State unless:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The wastewater collection and treatment system at the marina is adequate to handle any existing and increased flow; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>There is a pump-out station on-site at the marina that is adequate to handle the increased sewage capacity from vessels that use the marina and that is operable and accessible at reasonable times.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Unless a postponement is granted under subsection (e) of this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>By July 1, 1995, a marina that berths any vessel that is over 22 feet in length and has 200 or more slips shall have a pump-out facility and a waste reception facility on-site that is operable, adequate to handle any existing and increased flows, and accessible at reasonable times;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>By July 1, 1996, a marina that berths any vessel that is over 22 feet in length and has 100 or more slips shall have a pump-out facility and a waste reception facility on-site that is operable, adequate to handle any existing and increased flows, and accessible at reasonable times; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>By July 1, 1997, a marina that berths any vessel that is over 22 feet in length and has 50 or more slips shall have a pump-out facility and a waste reception facility on-site that is operable, adequate to handle any existing and increased flows, and accessible at reasonable times.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>Upon application by a marina owner or operator, the Secretary may grant a postponement of a requirement of subsection (d) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A postponement under this subsection:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May not be for more than 3 years; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May not be renewed more than once and may not be renewed for more than 3 years.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An application for a postponement or a renewed postponement under this subsection must be filed with the Secretary not less than 6 months before the applicable deadline.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>Within 15 days following receipt of an application for a postponement under this subsection, the Secretary shall forward a copy of the application to the Department of Natural Resources.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Department of Natural Resources shall provide its written comments, if any, within 60 days following receipt of the original application under this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>If no comments have been received from the Department of Natural Resources within 60 days following receipt of the original application, the application shall be processed with the assumption that there are no objections by the Department of Natural Resources.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>In deciding whether to grant a postponement or a renewed postponement under this subsection, the Secretary shall consider:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Whether sufficient public funds are available to assist the marina owner or operator in meeting the requirements of subsection (d) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If sufficient public funds are not available, whether compliance with the requirements of subsection (d) of this section would represent an economic hardship to the marina owner or operator.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>The Secretary shall issue a decision on an application for postponement or renewed postponement under this subsection within 90 days following the original receipt of the application.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If no action has been taken by the Secretary within 90 days following the original receipt of the application, the postponement or renewed postponement shall be considered granted for a period of 3 years.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-334" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall issue a written complaint if the Department has reasonable grounds to believe that the person to whom the complaint is directed has violated:</text> <level label="1"> <text>This subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any rule or regulation adopted under this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any order or permit issued under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A complaint issued under this section shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Specify the provision that allegedly has been violated; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>State the alleged facts that constitute the violation.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-335" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>After or concurrently with service of a complaint under this subtitle, the Department may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Issue an order that requires the person to whom the order is directed to take corrective action within a time set in the order;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Send a written notice that requires the person to whom the notice is directed to file a written report about the alleged violation; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Send a written notice that requires the person to whom the notice is directed:</text> <level label="i"> <text>To appear at a hearing before the Department at a time and place the Department sets to answer the charges in the complaint; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>To file a written report and also appear at a hearing before the Department at a time and place the Department sets to answer the charges in the complaint.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any order issued under this section is effective immediately, according to its terms, when it is served.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-336" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>Any complaint, order, notice, or other instrument issued by the Department under this subtitle may be served on the person to whom it is directed:</text> <level label="1"> <text>In accordance with § 1–204 of this article; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>By publication.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If service is made by certified mail, return receipt requested, bearing a postmark from the United States Postal Service, the person who mails the document shall file with the Department verified proof of mailing.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Any notice that requires filing of a report, attendance at a hearing, or both shall be served at least 10 days before the earlier of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The time set for the hearing, if any; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The time set for the filing of the report, if any.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-337" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall give notice and hold any hearing under this subtitle in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Within 10 days after being served with an order under § 9-335(a)(1) of this subtitle, the person served may request in writing a hearing before the Department.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a request for a hearing is made under this subsection, the Department shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Hold the hearing within 10 days after receiving the request; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Render a decision within 10 days after the hearing.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Within 10 days after being served with a notice under § 9-335(a)(2) of this subtitle, the person served may request in writing a hearing before the Department.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Department may make a verbatim record of the proceedings of any hearing held under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>In connection with any hearing under this subtitle, the Department may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Subpoena any person or evidence; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Order a witness to give evidence.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A subpoenaed witness shall receive the same fees and mileage reimbursement as if the hearing were part of a civil action.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If a person fails to comply with a subpoena or order issued under this subsection, on petition of the Department, a circuit court, by order, may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Compel obedience to the Department’s order or subpoena; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Compel testimony or the production of evidence.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The court may punish as a contempt any failure to obey its order issued under this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-338" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Unless the person served with an order under § 9-335(a)(1) of this subtitle makes a timely request for a hearing, the order is a final order.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the person served with an order under § 9-335(a)(1) of this subtitle makes a timely request for a hearing, the order becomes a final corrective order when the Department renders its decision following the hearing.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>If the Department issues a notice under § 9-335(a)(2) or (3) of this subtitle, the Department may not issue an order that requires corrective action by the person to whom the notice is directed until after the later of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The time set for the hearing, if any; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The time set for filing of the report, if any.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>After the time within which the Department may not issue a corrective order has passed, if the Department finds that a violation of this subtitle has occurred, the Department shall issue an order that requires correction of the violation within a time set in the order.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any order issued under this subsection is a final corrective order and the person to whom the order is directed is not entitled to a hearing before the Department as a result of the order.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Take action to secure compliance with any final corrective order; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the terms of the final corrective order are violated or if a violation is not corrected within the time set in the order, sue to require correction of the violation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>This section does not prevent the Department or the Attorney General from taking action against a violator before the expiration of the time limitations or schedules in the order.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-339" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department may bring an action for an injunction against any person who violates any provision of this subtitle or any rule, regulation, order, or permit adopted or issued by the Department under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In any action for an injunction under this section, any finding of the Department after a hearing is prima facie evidence of each fact the Department determines.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On a showing that any person is violating or is about to violate this subtitle or any rule, regulation, order, or permit adopted or issued by the Department, the court shall grant an injunction without requiring a showing of a lack of an adequate remedy at law.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If an emergency arises from imminent danger to the public health, to the public welfare, or to the environment, the Department may sue for an immediate injunction to stop any pollution or other activity that is causing the danger.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-340" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>Any person aggrieved by a final decision of the Department in connection with an order or permit issued under this subtitle may take a direct judicial appeal.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The appeal shall be made as provided for judicial review of final decisions in the Administrative Procedure Act.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-341" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>If any condition of a permit for discharges from a publicly owned treatment works is violated, the Department, by corrective order or by request for injunctive action under this subtitle, may restrict or prohibit the introduction of any pollutant into the treatment works by any source that did not use the treatment works before the time of the finding that the condition was violated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the Department finds that an industrial user is not in compliance with a system of user charges required under State law or federal law, or with a condition of a permit issued by the Department to the publicly owned treatment works into which the industrial user is introducing pollutants, the Department may enforce or apply the system of user charges directly against the industrial user by corrective order or by requesting injunctive action under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-342" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to being subject to an injunctive action under this subtitle, a person who violates any provision of this subtitle or of any rule, regulation, order, or permit adopted or issued under this subtitle is liable to a civil penalty not exceeding $10,000, to be collected in a civil action brought by the Department. Each day a violation occurs is a separate violation under this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>In addition to any other remedies available at law or in equity and after an opportunity for a hearing which may be waived in writing by the person accused of a violation, the Department may impose a penalty for violation of any provision of this subtitle or any rule, regulation, order, or permit adopted or issued under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The penalty imposed on a person under this subsection shall be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Up to $10,000 for each violation, but not exceeding $100,000 total; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Assessed with consideration given to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The willfulness of the violation, the extent to which the existence of the violation was known to but uncorrected by the violator, and the extent to which the violator exercised reasonable care;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any actual harm to the environment or to human health, including injury to or impairment of the use of the waters of this State or the natural resources of this State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The cost of cleanup and the cost of restoration of natural resources;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The nature and degree of injury to or interference with general welfare, health, and property;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The extent to which the location of the violation, including location near waters of this State or areas of human population, creates the potential for harm to the environment or to human health or safety;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The available technology and economic reasonableness of controlling, reducing, or eliminating the violation;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The degree of hazard posed by the particular pollutant or pollutants involved; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The extent to which the current violation is part of a recurrent pattern of the same or similar type of violation committed by the violator.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Each day a violation occurs is a separate violation under this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any penalty imposed under this subsection is payable to this State and collectible in any manner provided at law for the collection of debts.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>If any person who is liable to pay a penalty imposed under this subsection fails to pay it after demand, the amount, together with interest and any costs that may accrue, shall be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A lien in favor of this State on any property, real or personal, of the person; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Recorded in the office of the clerk of court for the county in which the property is located.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Any penalty collected under this subsection shall be placed in a special fund to be used for monitoring and surveillance by the Department to assure and maintain an adequate record of any violations, including discharge of waste material and other pollutants into the waters of this State or into the environment.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-342.1" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section, “sewage treatment plant” means any publicly or privately owned facility that is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Constructed to receive primarily and treat human sewage; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Subject to a State discharge permit.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For purposes of this section, “sewage treatment plant” means only those plants that have a discharge permit that was issued on the basis of a discharge of 500,000 gallons or more per day.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “significant violation” means a monthly average discharge as expressed in milligrams per liter that is equal to or greater than:</text> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>4 times the effluent limitation allowed by the discharge permit for biochemical oxygen demand; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>2 times the effluent limitation allowed by the discharge permit for:</text> </level> <level label="1"> <text>Suspended solids; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN).</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>If a sewage treatment plant is in significant violation of any effluent limitation under this subsection, the owner shall pay an administrative penalty of $10 for each pound that is discharged in excess of its discharge permit under this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A penalty for each significant violation of each of the effluent limitations of this subsection may not exceed $5,000 per month.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “significant violation” means a monthly average discharge as expressed in milligrams per liter that is equal to or greater than 1.2 times the effluent limitation allowed by the discharge permit for any 2 months in a consecutive 6-month period for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Phosphorus; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Nitrogen.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>If a sewage treatment plant is in significant violation of any effluent limitation under this subsection, the owner shall pay an administrative penalty of $10 for each pound that is discharged in excess of its discharge permit under this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A penalty for each significant violation of each of the effluent limitations of this subsection may not exceed $5,000 per month.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “significant violation” means more than 10% of the instantaneous measurements for dissolved oxygen in the effluent, measured over a period of 1 month, that violate the minimum dissolved oxygen permit limit.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a sewage treatment plant is in significant violation of the effluent limitation under this subsection, the owner shall pay an administrative penalty of $5,000 for each significant violation under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “significant violation” means more than 10% of the instantaneous measurements of effluent pH or chlorine, over a period of 1 month, that violate the range for pH or the maximum limit for chlorine in the discharge permit.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The owner of a sewage treatment plant shall pay an administrative penalty of $5,000 for each effluent limitation in a month for which a significant violation occurs under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Penalties required by this section shall be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Calculated on the basis of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The monthly discharge monitoring report filed by each sewage treatment plant; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any other discharge monitoring information that may be compiled by the Department; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Assessed on a monthly basis.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Unless a hearing is requested, all penalties for any significant violation under this section shall be paid to the Department within 90 days of the end of the calendar month in which the significant violation occurred.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If a hearing is requested, all penalties for any significant violation under this section shall be paid to the Department within 30 days after the decision of the hearing officer.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>Penalties for the sum of all significant violations under subsections (b), (c), (d), and (e) of this section may not exceed $25,000 per month for any sewage treatment plant.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The penalties required to be imposed under this section are in addition to any other penalties provided by law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>Any person required to pay a penalty under this section shall have the right to a hearing but may waive that right in writing.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a penalty imposed under this section may not be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Waived;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Reduced; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Used to assist the penalized person in upgrading a sewage treatment plant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A penalty imposed under this section may be waived by the Department:</text> <level label="i"> <text>If the discharge was due to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An act of God; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A power outage or a massive discharge of any pollutant that could not reasonably have been anticipated by the owner or operator of the plant; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>As long as the sewage treatment plant:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="A"> <text>Is in compliance with a compliance schedule contained in an order issued by the Department; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Meets all interim effluent limitations established by the Department; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="A"> <text>Has recently upgraded to meet more stringent standards and is operating under a start-up program and schedule approved by the Department;</text> </level> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Is implementing operational modifications to accomplish biological nutrient removal under a program and schedule approved by the Department; or</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>Is accomplishing major maintenance or facility repair under a program and schedule approved by the Department; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>If compliance with the effluent limitations set forth in this section is prevented by a judicial or administrative action initiated by a person other than an agency responsible for regulating the sewage treatment plant or the owner or operator of the sewage treatment plant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For purposes of the waiver allowed in paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection, the Department may not issue any waiver if the compliance schedule in effect as of October 1, 1992 or any subsequent compliance schedule is modified by the Department, except that a waiver may be allowed if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The violator applies in writing for a waiver and clearly demonstrates that extraordinary circumstances prevent compliance; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Department determines that the violator has acted in good faith to meet all effluent limitations and has failed to comply because of extraordinary circumstances that have been documented by clear and convincing evidence.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <text>The Department shall deposit the penalties collected under this section in the Maryland Clean Water Fund created under § 9-320 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>The Department shall collect the penalties required to be imposed under this section beginning January 1, 1993 and on the first day of each subsequent month.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-342.2" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>A person who discharges a pollutant into the waters of the State in violation of § 9–322 or § 9–323 of this subtitle shall reimburse the Department for the reasonable costs incurred by the Department in conducting environmental health monitoring or testing, including the cost of collecting and analyzing soil samples, surface water samples, or groundwater samples for the purpose of assessing the effect on public health and the environment of the person’s discharge.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department may recover costs that are reimbursable under subsection (a) of this section in a civil action.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-343" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A person who violates any provision of or fails to perform any duty imposed by this subtitle, or who violates any provision of or fails to perform any duty imposed by a rule, regulation, order, or permit adopted or issued under this subtitle, is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For a first offense, a fine not exceeding $25,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the conviction is for a violation committed after a first conviction of the person under this subsection, a fine not exceeding $50,000 for each day of violation or imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or both.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In addition to any criminal penalties imposed on a person convicted under this subsection, the person may be enjoined from continuing the violation.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Each day on which a violation occurs is a separate violation under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $50,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or both if the person:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Knowingly makes any false statement, representation, or certification in any application, record, report, plan, or other document filed or required to be maintained under this subtitle or any rule, regulation, order, or permit adopted or issued under this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Falsifies, tampers with, or knowingly renders inaccurate any monitoring device or method required to be maintained under this subtitle or any rule, regulation, order, or permit adopted or issued under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-344" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>The Attorney General shall take charge of, prosecute, and defend on behalf of this State every case arising under the provisions of this subtitle, including the recovery of penalties.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The provisions of this section may not limit or affect the power or authority of State’s Attorneys under § 15–102 of the Criminal Procedure Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-345" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Water Pollution Control Fund consisting of money made available under water quality loan authorizations or by funds appropriated in the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board of Public Works, upon the recommendation of the Secretary, may award financial assistance for the following types of projects:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Construction of sewerage systems under §§ 9–347 and 9–348 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Industrial user pretreatment projects under § 9–349 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Best management practices to control or prevent agriculturally related nonpoint source pollution under § 9–350 of this subtitle and Title 8, Subtitle 7 of the Agriculture Article; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Practices to reduce pollution from stormwater runoff in existing urbanized areas under § 9–350 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary, with the approval of the Board of Public Works, shall adopt rules and regulations that establish application procedures and criteria for the award of financial assistance under this subtitle. The criteria shall provide the basis for project priority rankings and shall include, as appropriate:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The water quality or public health impacts caused by existing circumstances;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Previous efforts expended to correct any existing problem;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Financial capacity of the applicant;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The problem prevention aspects of a proposed project;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Cost effectiveness of a proposed project;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Planning requirements;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Provisions for monitoring and review; and</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>Measures to assure accountability for all funds awarded under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Project priority systems shall be established. Prior to adopting rules and regulations and establishing project priority rankings under this section, the Secretary shall consult with the Secretaries of Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Commerce and the Secretary of the Department of Planning.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>For financial assistance over $500,000 awarded under the Fund, the applicant shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Department, that steps were taken to include small business enterprises, minority business enterprises, and women’s business enterprises by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Placing qualified small business enterprises, minority business enterprises, and women’s business enterprises on solicitation lists;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Assuring that small business enterprises, minority business enterprises, and women’s business enterprises are solicited whenever they are potential sources;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Dividing total requirements, when economically feasible, into small tasks or quantities to permit maximum participation of small business enterprises, minority business enterprises, and women’s business enterprises;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Establishing delivery schedules, where the requirement permits, that encourage participation by small business enterprises, minority business enterprises, and women’s business enterprises; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Using the services and assistance of the Maryland Department of Transportation and the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs in identifying and soliciting small business enterprises, minority business enterprises, and women’s business enterprises.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>If the steps required under subsection (d) of this section are not demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Department, the Department may withhold financial assistance for the project.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-346" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>To the extent not inconsistent with this subtitle, a grant, loan, or loan guarantee agreement shall contain those conditions that the Secretary requires by regulation and that the Board of Public Works requires on a specific application for financial assistance in order to achieve the goals of this subtitle and to otherwise protect the interests of the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A State loan extended under this subtitle:</text> <level label="i"> <text>May not exceed $500,000 in principal amount;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shall bear at least the same rate of interest as the most recent State general obligation bond sale preceding the date of approval by the Board of Public Works; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Shall be repaid within 30 years.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The aggregate principal amount of all loans to a single applicant in any calendar year may not exceed $500,000 unless the Board of Public Works determines that extraordinary circumstances exist.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A loan guarantee of the principal of or interest on any commercial loan or obligation to finance the eligible cost of a project under this subtitle may only be made if the applicant certifies that it is unable to obtain on reasonable terms sufficient credit to finance its actual needs without the guarantee and if the Board of Public Works determines that there is a reasonable assurance of repayment of the loan obligation. A loan guarantee may not exceed $500,000 to a single applicant unless the Board of Public Works determines that extraordinary circumstances exist.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The eligible cost of a project for State financial assistance under this subtitle may include the costs of reports, plans, specifications, legal and administrative services, equipment, construction, rehabilitation or improvement, and may include land, easements, and rights-of-way. However, the eligible cost of a project to control nonpoint sources of agriculturally related water pollution may not include land or interests in land.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-347" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>Grants or loans may be awarded under this section to any State or local governmental entity responsible by law for the provision of sewerage systems in order to finance construction of those systems so as to satisfy State water quality standards and policies.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) and subsection (d), combined State and federal assistance shall not exceed 87 1/2 percent of federally eligible costs.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Combined State and federal assistance under this section shall not exceed 77 1/2 percent if the Department has determined that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A project is eligible for federal construction grant funding before October 1, 1984; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The information required by the federal government or the Department has not been provided by the applicant in a timely fashion to allow approval by that date.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>State grants or loans authorized under this section may only be used to finance projects for which construction grant funding under the federal Clean Water Act has been awarded.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>For projects which contain innovative or alternative technology as defined by the federal Clean Water Act, State and federal assistance may not exceed 96 1/4 percent of eligible costs for that technology.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-348" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>Grants or loans may be awarded under this section to any State or local governmental entity responsible by law for the provision of sewerage systems to finance the construction of sewerage systems needed to improve water quality whether or not the project is eligible for construction grant assistance under the federal Clean Water Act.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Projects which may receive financial assistance under this section include those providing for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Chlorine removal;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Nitrogen removal;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Phosphorus removal when in conjunction with a nitrogen removal cost–share grant; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Wastewater collection or treatment otherwise undertaken to correct existing special water quality needs or an extraordinary public health problem.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Grants or loans awarded under this section may be awarded for up to 100 percent of eligible costs.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-349" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Loans or loan guarantees may be awarded to industrial users for projects that provide for pretreatment of pollutants that are discharged directly or indirectly into publicly owned treatment works or into any conveyance leading to a publicly owned treatment plant.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary and the Secretary of Commerce shall jointly administer the program established under this section with the Secretary of Commerce being primarily responsible for the assessment of the financial capability of an applicant and appropriateness of the terms and conditions of any loan assistance.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Loan assistance may be awarded to a person under this section if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An agreement is executed by the person that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Specifies the purpose, amount, manner of repayment, and any other condition required by the Board of Public Works;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Obligates the person to construct, install, and operate the pretreatment project in a manner that ensures compliance with all pretreatment requirements and technical specifications, to maintain the project for its expected life span, and to bind any successor in title; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Shall be signed by the Secretary and the Secretary of Commerce or their designees;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The applicant certifies that it is otherwise unable to obtain on reasonable terms sufficient credit to finance the pretreatment project and the Secretary of Commerce determines that there is a reasonable assurance of repayment of the loan;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Secretary of the Environment determines that the project meets all applicable technical standards and that all cost estimates are reasonable and represent eligible costs; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>When an applicant leases the property where the pretreatment project will be constructed, the landowner consents to the terms and conditions of the agreement.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>For any loan assistance exceeding $2,500, the Secretary of Commerce shall require the granting to the State of an appropriate security interest in any equipment, structures, or similar items purchased with State money.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>In accordance with § 9–345 of this subtitle, the Secretary and the Secretary of Commerce jointly shall adopt rules and regulations to implement this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-350" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Grants may be awarded to counties and municipalities for projects to reduce pollution from stormwater runoff in existing urbanized areas.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Grants may be used for construction on privately owned property if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Necessary for the purpose of the project; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An agreement has been made with the property owner.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A grant awarded under this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Shall not exceed 75 percent of all eligible costs; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shall not exceed $500,000.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>In addition to cost sharing funds provided under Title 8, Subtitle 7 of the Agriculture Article, grants may be awarded for projects to implement best management practices to prevent or control agriculturally related nonpoint sources of water pollution on State land or to governmental entities in other areas in which the potential for water pollution from agriculture is substantial. When cost sharing funds are provided under Title 8, Subtitle 7 of the Agriculture Article, the procedures and requirements of that law rather than § 9–345 of this subtitle apply.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Grants awarded under this subsection to governmental entities or for use on State land may be awarded for up to 100 percent of the total cost of a project. However, in awarding such grants, the applicant’s financial capability to cost share and any resultant economic benefit shall be considered in determining the extent of any required matching dollar amount.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>All grants awarded under this subsection shall be made after prior consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-353" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>In this part the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Industrial user” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A person who is engaged in manufacturing, fabricating, or assembling goods; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A member of any class of significant producers of pollutants identified under regulations adopted by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Industrial user” does not include the federal, State, and local governments.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“PFAS chemicals” means a class of fluorinated organic chemicals that contain at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom, including perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Pretreatment permit” means a document issued by the Department or the Department’s designee that authorizes a significant industrial user to introduce industrial wastes into a publicly owned treatment works in compliance with the pretreatment requirements under COMAR 26.08.01.01B(69).</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>“Significant industrial user” means an industrial user that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is subject to categorical pretreatment standards under 40 C.F.R. Part 403.6;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Discharges an average of 25,000 gallons per day or more of processed wastewater to a publicly owned treatment works, not including sanitary, noncontact cooling, and boiler blowdown wastewater;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Contributes processed wastewater that makes up 5% or more of the average dry–weather hydraulic or organic capacity of the publicly owned treatment works; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Is designated as a significant industrial user by the publicly owned treatment works on the basis that the industrial user has:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A reasonable potential for adversely affecting the wastewater treatment plant’s operations and sewer system; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Violated a pretreatment standard or requirement.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Significant industrial user” does not include the federal, State, and local governments.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Waters of the State” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Both surface and underground waters within the boundaries of the State subject to its jurisdiction;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>That portion of the Atlantic Ocean within the boundaries of the State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>All ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, public ditches, tax ditches, and public drainage systems within the State, other than those designed and used to collect, convey, or dispose of sanitary sewage; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The floodplain of free–flowing waters determined by the Department on the basis of the 100–year flood frequency.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-354" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Water Pollution Control"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies to a significant industrial user that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Has a pretreatment permit; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is currently and intentionally using PFAS chemicals.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On or before October 1, 2024, the Department shall, in collaboration with publicly owned treatment works and significant industrial users in the State, identify the significant industrial users that currently and intentionally use PFAS chemicals.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On or before January 1, 2025, in accordance with guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Department shall develop PFAS monitoring and testing protocols for significant industrial users identified in accordance with subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>On or before June 1, 2025, the Department shall, in collaboration with publicly owned treatment works and the significant industrial users in the State identified in accordance with subsection (b) of this section, develop PFAS action levels for addressing PFAS contamination from industrial discharge for pretreatment permits.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On or before September 1, 2025, the Department shall, in collaboration with publicly owned treatment works and the significant industrial users in the State identified in accordance with subsection (b) of this section, develop mitigation plans for addressing PFAS contamination from industrial discharge for pretreatment permits.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The mitigation plans under paragraph (2) of this subsection shall include strategies and options for reducing the presence of PFAS in industrial discharge, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Substituting or eliminating products containing PFAS chemicals;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Taking precautions to avoid accidental discharges;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Decontaminating or replacing equipment contaminated with PFAS chemicals; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Using any other method the Department determines is necessary for the reduction or elimination of PFAS chemicals in water.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>In accordance with regulations adopted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding the storage of PFAS chemicals, a significant industrial user shall safely store PFAS chemicals that were captured after reducing PFAS chemicals from water in accordance with this section.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A significant industrial user may dispose of stored PFAS chemicals using safe disposal systems or technologies approved by the Department.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>A significant industrial user shall:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>By September 1, 2025, measure the levels of PFAS chemicals in its industrial wastewater using methods approved by the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Report the levels of PFAS chemicals in the industrial wastewater in a manner approved by the Department;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>By July 1, 2026, and in accordance with this section, implement measures to reduce PFAS chemicals from water discharged to a publicly owned treatment works;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Provide documentation of PFAS storage or reuse on request to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Attorney General;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Department;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A county council;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A State’s Attorney;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>A City Attorney; or</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Any other State or local governmental entity; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Report the storage or disposal of PFAS chemicals under 40 C.F.R. Part 372 (Toxic Chemical Release Reporting).</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-401" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Drinking Water"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Administrator” means the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Community water system” means a public water system that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Serves at least 15 service connections used by year–round residents of the area served by the system; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Regularly serves at least 25 year–round residents.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Contaminant” means any chemical, biological, or radioactive substance that is harmful to health if in the water.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Federal Act” means the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Federal agency” means any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“National primary drinking water regulations” means the primary drinking water rules or regulations that the Administrator adopts under the federal Act.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Noncommunity water system” means a public water system that is not a community water system.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Nontransient noncommunity water system” means a public water system that is not a community system and that regularly serves at least 25 of the same individuals over 6 months per year.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Person” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any State, county, municipal corporation, or federal agency;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any special taxing area or district that operates a public water system; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any officer, agent, or employee of any of these.</text> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Primary drinking water regulation” means a rule or regulation that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Applies to public water systems;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Specifies contaminants that, in the judgment of the Secretary, would have an adverse effect on the health of human beings;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Specifies for each contaminant either:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A maximum contaminant level if, in the judgment of the Secretary, it is economically and technologically feasible to determine the level of the contaminant in water in public water systems; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If, in the judgment of the Secretary, it is not economically or technologically feasible to determine the level of the contaminant, each treatment technique known to the Secretary that leads to a reduction in the level of the contaminant sufficient to satisfy the requirements of this subtitle; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Contains standards and procedures:</text> <level label="i"> <text>To ensure a supply of drinking water that dependably complies with the maximum contaminant levels, including quality control and testing procedures for compliance with those levels;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>To ensure proper operation and maintenance of the system; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>To establish requirements as to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The minimum quality of water that may be taken into the system; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Siting for new facilities for public water systems.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="l"> <level label="1"> <text>“Public water system” means a system that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Provides to the public water for human consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>Has at least 15 service connections; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Regularly serves at least 25 individuals.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Public water system” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Any collection, treatment, storage, or distribution facility that is under the control of the operator of the system and is used primarily in connection with the system; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any collection or pretreatment storage facility that is not under the control of the operator of the system and is used primarily in connection with the system.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="m"> <text>“Supplier of water” means any person who owns or operates a public water system.</text> </level> <level label="n"> <text>“Tamper” means to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Introduce a contaminant into a public water system with the intention of harming a person; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Otherwise interfere with the operation of a public water system with the intention of harming a person.</text> </level> </level> <level label="o"> <text>“Transient noncommunity water system” means a noncommunity water system that does not regularly serve at least 25 of the same individuals over 6 months per year.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-402" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Drinking Water"> <text>The purpose of this subtitle is to ensure that this State has the primary enforcement responsibility for drinking water standards under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-403" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Drinking Water"> <level label="a"> <text>This subtitle does not affect any other express powers conferred by statute on the Department of the Environment or the Department of Natural Resources.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The powers, duties, and authority of the Department under this subtitle supplement and are ancillary to any other provisions of this article and the Health - General Article that relate to the Secretary’s authority and responsibility to assure the purity and sanitary condition of the water supply.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-404" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Drinking Water"> <text>To carry out the provisions of this subtitle and in addition to the powers set forth elsewhere in this subtitle, the Secretary may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Perform any act necessary to carry out the provisions of this subtitle that relate to adopting or enforcing State primary drinking water regulations;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Administer the provisions of this subtitle and all rules, regulations, and orders adopted, issued, or effective under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Enter into agreements, contracts, or cooperative arrangements, under appropriate terms and conditions, with any person or governmental entity;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Receive financial and technical assistance from the federal government or other public or private agencies;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Participate in related programs of the federal government, other states, interstate agencies, or other public or private agencies or organizations;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Establish adequate fiscal controls and accounting procedures to assure proper disbursement of and accounting for funds appropriated or otherwise provided for the purpose of carrying out provisions of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Delegate any responsibilities and duties the Secretary considers appropriate for administering the requirements of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Set and collect fees for conducting necessary inspections and laboratory analyses; and</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Adopt rules and regulations that are necessary or appropriate to carry out the Secretary’s functions under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-405" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Drinking Water"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “dangerous contaminant” means a contaminant that, if present in a public water system, would present an imminent and substantial danger to the health of individuals.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>On receipt of information that a dangerous contaminant is present in or likely to enter a public water system, the Secretary may take any action necessary to protect the health of the individuals whose health is or would be endangered by the dangerous contaminant.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The actions that the Secretary may take under this section include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Issuing any order necessary to protect the health of individuals who are or may be users of the public water system; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Suing for injunctive or other appropriate relief.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-406" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Drinking Water"> <level label="a"> <text>The Secretary shall adopt an adequate plan for providing safe drinking water under emergency circumstances.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If, in the judgment of the Secretary, emergency circumstances exist with respect to a need for safe drinking water, the Secretary may take any action necessary to provide safe drinking water where it otherwise would not be available.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Notwithstanding § 9-407(b) of this subtitle, the Secretary may adopt and enforce regulations for a contaminant if the Secretary determines that the contaminant poses a significant risk to public health and for which complete interim or revised national primary drinking water regulations are not in effect.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>As part of the Secretary’s determination under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Secretary shall prepare a report that includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>1 year of statewide monitoring data for the contaminant, which identifies locations in the State where the contaminant level may pose a significant risk to public health;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Peer reviewed assessments, methodologies, and data concerning the particular contaminant; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A cost/benefit analysis of implementing the proposed standard for the contaminant conducted by the Department that includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Review and comment by the Department of Business and Economic Development; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>After the Department provides notice of the analysis and a reasonable opportunity to comment to the affected public water systems, any submitted written statements from public water systems affected by the proposed standard.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Nothing in this subsection affects the Department’s authority to adopt and enforce complete interim or revised national primary drinking water regulations.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-407" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Drinking Water"> <level label="a"> <text>The Secretary shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Adopt and enforce State primary drinking water regulations; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Adopt and implement adequate procedures for enforcing the State primary drinking water regulations.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The State primary drinking water regulations may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be more stringent than the complete interim or revised national primary drinking water regulations in effect at the time; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Require the addition of any substance for preventive health care purposes unrelated to contamination of drinking water.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The enforcement procedures shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Include monitoring and inspection procedures; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Comply with all rules and regulations adopted by the Administrator under the federal Act.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>As the Administrator requires by rules or regulations adopted under the federal Act, the Secretary shall keep records and make reports with respect to the Secretary’s activities under this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-408" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Drinking Water"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, and subject to § 9-409 of this subtitle, State primary drinking water regulations shall apply to every public water system in this State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The State primary drinking water regulations do not apply to a public water system that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Consists only of distribution and storage facilities, and does not have any collection and treatment facilities;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Obtains all of its water from, but is not owned or operated by, a public water system to which the State primary drinking water regulations apply;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Does not sell water to any person; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Is not a carrier that conveys passengers in interstate commerce.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-409" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Drinking Water"> <text>The Secretary may authorize variances or exemptions from the rules and regulations issued in accordance with § 9–407 of this subtitle, under conditions and in a manner necessary and desirable. However, the variances or exemptions are permitted only under conditions and in a manner that is not less stringent than the conditions under, and the manner in which, variances and exemptions may be granted under the federal Act.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-410" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Drinking Water"> <level label="a"> <text>Each supplier of water shall give notice to the Department and the persons served by the system and shall give written notice to noncollegiate educational institutions, public schools, family child care homes, and child care centers whenever the system:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Fails to comply with an applicable maximum contaminant level, treatment technique requirement, or testing procedure prescribed by a drinking water regulation or fails to perform required monitoring;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is subject to variance granted for an inability to meet a maximum contaminant level;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Is subject to an exemption;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Fails to comply with the requirements set by a variance or exemption; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Has concentration levels of an unregulated contaminant for which the State may require notice due to the risk to public health.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each notice shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>State the nature and possible health effects that may result;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Be provided to the persons served by the water system;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Be issued in a timely manner by means of radio, television, newspaper of general circulation, written notice, or other means acceptable to the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Be in a form readily understandable by the affected population.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>By rule or regulation, the Secretary shall adopt notice requirements to meet the requirements of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The rules and regulations shall establish notification standards and procedures that include the manner, frequency, form, and content of the notices.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>For violations with the potential to have serious adverse effects on human health as a result of short–term exposure, the supplier of water shall provide notice as soon as practicable, but not later than 24 hours after the occurrence of the violation.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>For violations other than the violations described in subsection (d) of this section, the supplier of water shall provide written notice to each person served by the system in an annual report, or by mail not later than 1 year after the violation.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Each nontransient noncommunity water system, including those systems that primarily provide bottled water, shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>At a frequency determined by the Department, test the water provided by the system for the presence of methyl tertiary butyl ether; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Report the test results to the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a test conducted under this subsection indicates that the level of methyl tertiary butyl ether in the drinking water exceeds the State advisory level, as determined by the Department, the water system shall give notice of that fact to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The persons regularly served by the water system; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the water system serves a child care center, an elementary or secondary school, or any other facility that regularly serves minors, the parents or legal guardians of all minors regularly served by the water system.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-411" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Drinking Water"> <text>In addition to any other remedy authorized under this subtitle, the Secretary may bring an action to enjoin any violation of any rule, regulation, or order adopted or issued under this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-412" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Drinking Water"> <level label="a"> <text>A supplier of water may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Fail to comply with § 9-410 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Disseminate any false or misleading information in or about any notice required under § 9-410 of this subtitle or about any remedial action being undertaken to achieve compliance with State primary drinking water regulations;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Knowingly make any false statement, representation, or certification in any application, record, report, plan, or other document filed or permit adopted or issued under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Fail to comply with the rules and regulations adopted under § 9-407 of this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Fail to comply with any conditions for variances or exemptions authorized under § 9-409 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Fail to comply with any order issued by the Secretary under this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Falsify or knowingly render inaccurate any monitoring device or method required to be maintained under this subtitle or any rule, regulation, order, or permit adopted or issued under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-412.1" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Drinking Water"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not tamper, attempt to tamper, or make a threat to tamper with a public water system.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department may bring a civil action against any person who tampers, attempts to tamper, or makes a threat to tamper with a public water system.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The court may impose a civil penalty of not more than $50,000 for actual tampering, or not more than $20,000 for each attempt to tamper.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-413" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Drinking Water"> <level label="a"> <text>A person who willfully violates § 9–412(a)(4) or (5) of this subtitle is subject to a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for each day on which the violation exists.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who violates § 9–412(a)(1), (2), or (3) of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $5,000 for each day on which the violation occurs or failure to comply continues.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In an action brought in the appropriate court to enforce the order, a person who willfully violates or fails or refuses to comply with any order issued by the Secretary under this subtitle may be fined not more than $5,000 for each day on which the violation occurs or failure to comply continues.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>In addition to any other remedies available at law and after an opportunity for a hearing, which may be waived in writing by the person accused of a violation, the Department may impose a penalty for violation of any provision of this subtitle or any order, regulation, or plan adopted or issued under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The penalty imposed on a supplier of water serving a population of more than 10,000 under this subsection shall be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Up to $1,000 per day for each violation, but not exceeding $25,000 total for each violation; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Assessed with consideration given to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The willfulness of the violation, the extent to which the existence of the violation was known to but uncorrected by the violator, and the extent to which the violator exercised reasonable care;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any actual harm to the environment or to human health, including injury to or impairment of the use of the waters of this State or the natural resources of the State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The cost of cleanup and the cost of restoration of natural resources;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The nature and degree of injury to or interference with general welfare, health, and property;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The extent to which the location of the violation, including location near waters of this State or areas of human population, creates the potential for harm to the environment or to human health or safety;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The available technology and economic reasonableness of controlling, reducing, or eliminating the violation;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The degree of hazard posed by the particular pollutant or pollutants involved;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The extent to which the current violation is part of a recurrent pattern of the same or similar type of violation committed by the violator; and</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Whether or not penalties were assessed or will be assessed under other provisions of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The penalty imposed on a supplier of water serving a population of 3,301 to 10,000 under this subsection shall be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Up to $500 per day for each violation, but not exceeding $12,500 total for each violation; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Assessed with consideration given to the factors set forth in paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The penalty imposed on a supplier of water serving a population of 501 to 3,300 under this subsection shall be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Up to $250 per day for each violation, but not exceeding $6,250 total for each violation; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Assessed with consideration given to the factors set forth in paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The penalty imposed on a supplier of water serving a population of 500 or less under this subsection shall be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Up to $100 per day for each violation, but not exceeding $5,000 total for each violation; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Assessed with consideration given to the factors set forth in paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Each day a violation occurs is a separate violation under this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Any penalty imposed under this subsection is payable to the State and collectible in any manner provided at law for the collection of penalties.</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>All penalties collected under this subtitle shall be paid into the Maryland Clean Water Fund created under § 9–320 of this title.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-414" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Drinking Water"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department may issue an order or notice if the Department has reasonable grounds to believe that a person to whom the order or notice is directed has violated:</text> <level label="1"> <text>This subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any rule or regulation adopted under this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any order or permit issued under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An order or notice issued under this subtitle shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Specify the provision that allegedly has been violated;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>State the alleged facts that constitute the violation;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>State the actions necessary to correct the violation and the time allowed for corrections; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>State the procedure for requesting a hearing to respond to the violation alleged in the order.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If the person served with an order does not request a hearing within 30 days, the order becomes a final order.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Any notice or order issued by the Department under this subtitle may be served on the person to whom it is directed:</text> <level label="1"> <text>In accordance with § 1–204 of this article; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>By publication.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-415" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Drinking Water"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall give notice and hold hearings under this subtitle in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Within 30 days after service of the order under this subtitle the person served may request in writing a hearing before the Department.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>If a person served with an order under this subsection makes a timely request for a hearing, the Department shall give the person written notice of the date, time, and place of the hearing, at least 10 days before the hearing date.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The order becomes final when the Department renders its decision following the hearing.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department may make a verbatim record of the proceedings of any hearing held under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>In connection with any hearing under this subtitle, the Department may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Subpoena any person or evidence; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Order a witness to give evidence.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A subpoenaed witness shall receive the same fees and mileage reimbursement as if the hearing were part of a civil action.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If a person fails to comply with a subpoena or order issued under this subsection, on petition of the Department, a circuit court, by order may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Compel obedience to the Department’s order or subpoena; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Compel testimony or the production of evidence.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The court may punish as contempt any failure to obey its order issued under this section.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Any person aggrieved by a final decision of the Department in connection with an order or a permit issued under this subtitle may take judicial appeal in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-416" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Drinking Water"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department may bring an action for an injunction against any person who violates any provision of this subtitle or any rule, regulation, order, or permit adopted or issued by the Department under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In an action for an injunction under this section, any finding of the Department after a hearing is prima facie evidence of each fact the Department determines.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-417" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Drinking Water"> <text>Each new community and nontransient noncommunity water supply system that commences operation after October 1, 1999 shall demonstrate to the Department that it has the technical, managerial, and financial capacity to operate the proposed water system in accordance with the drinking water regulations in effect, or likely to be in effect, on the date of the commencement of operations.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-420" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Drinking Water"> <level label="a"> <text>For the purposes of this Part II, a “water supply facility” includes a source, treatment, storage, or distribution facility.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a Water Supply Facilities Financial Assistance Program consisting of moneys made available under water supply loan authorizations and funds appropriated in the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board of Public Works, upon the recommendation of the Secretary, may award financial assistance to State and local governmental entities for the acquisition, construction, equipping, rehabilitation, design, and improvement of water supply facilities.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-421" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Drinking Water"> <level label="a"> <text>Grants and loans may be awarded to any State or local governmental entity responsible by law for the provision of water supply systems in order to finance eligible costs of those systems that are necessary to satisfy State drinking water standards and policies or to protect the public health and comfort.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>State assistance under this Part II of this subtitle, may not exceed 87.5 percent of eligible costs for each project or part of a project.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In the case of a project to be operated by a State–owned institution or facility, State financial assistance shall equal the total cost of the project less the amount of any federal grant made therefor.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>For financial assistance over $500,000 awarded under the Fund, the applicant shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Department, that steps were taken to include small business enterprises, minority business enterprises, and women’s business enterprises by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Placing qualified small business enterprises, minority business enterprises, and women’s business enterprises on solicitation lists;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Assuring that small business enterprises, minority business enterprises, and women’s business enterprises are solicited whenever they are potential sources;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Dividing total requirements, when economically feasible, into small tasks or quantities to permit maximum participation of small business enterprises, minority business enterprises, and women’s business enterprises;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Establishing delivery schedules, where the requirement permits, that encourage participation by small business enterprises, minority business enterprises, and women’s business enterprises; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Using the services and assistance of the Maryland Department of Transportation and the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs in identifying and soliciting small business enterprises, minority business enterprises, and women’s business enterprises.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>If the steps required under subsection (d) of this section are not demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Department, the Department may withhold financial assistance for the project.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-422" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Drinking Water"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Before any loan is made, the applicant shall execute an agreement specifying the purpose, amount, and manner of repayment of the loan.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The agreement shall be signed on behalf of the State by the Department of the Environment and shall be approved by the Board of Public Works.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>To the extent not inconsistent with this Part II of Subtitle 4, a grant, loan, or loan guarantee agreement shall contain those conditions that the Secretary requires by regulation and that the Board of Public Works requires on a specific application for financial assistance.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A State loan extended under this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May not exceed $500,000 principal amount for each project or part of a project in any calendar year except as provided in subsection (c) of this section;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May not exceed the eligible cost of the project less the total of federal and State grants and federal loans;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Shall bear at least the same rate of interest as the most recent State general obligation bond sale preceding the date of approval by the Board of Public Works; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Shall be repaid within 30 years.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The aggregate principal amount of all loans for each project or part of a project in any calendar year may not exceed $500,000 unless the Board of Public Works determines that extraordinary circumstances exist.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-423" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Drinking Water"> <level label="a"> <text>With the approval of the Board of Public Works, the Secretary shall adopt regulations that establish application procedures and criteria for the award of financial assistance under this Part II of Subtitle 4. The criteria shall provide the basis for project priority rankings and shall include, as appropriate:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The water quality for public health impacts caused by existing circumstances;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Previous efforts expended to correct any existing problem;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Financial capability of the applicant;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The problem prevention aspects of a proposed project;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Cost effectiveness of a proposed project;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Planning requirements;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Provisions for monitoring and review; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Measures to assure accountability for all funds awarded under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary shall establish project priority systems.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-424" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Drinking Water"> <level label="a"> <text>A loan guarantee of the principal of or interest on any commercial loan or obligation to finance the eligible cost of a project under this subtitle may only be made if the applicant certifies that it is unable to obtain on reasonable terms sufficient credit to finance its actual needs without the guarantee and if the Board of Public Works determines that there is a reasonable assurance of repayment of the loan obligation.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A loan guarantee may not exceed $500,000 for each project or part of a project in any calendar year unless the Board of Public Works determines that extraordinary circumstances exist.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-425" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Drinking Water"> <text>The eligible cost of a project for State financial assistance under this subtitle may include the costs of reports, plans, specifications, legal and administrative services, equipment, construction, rehabilitation, or improvement, and may include land, easements, and rights-of-way.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-426" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Drinking Water"> <text>To receive financial assistance from the Fund, the project must be included in the county water and sewer plan approved by the county governing body and the Maryland Department of the Environment.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-4A-01" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="4A" subtitle_name="Private Well Safety Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Maximum contaminant level” means a standard that is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the Department for drinking water quality; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The legal threshold limit on the amount of a substance that is allowed in a public water system under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Private well” means a private or domestic water supply well that is a source of potable water.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“Water quality testing” means water quality sampling, testing, and analysis:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Conducted by a State–approved water sampler and a State–approved laboratory for a private well; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Of which the minimum sampling criteria include bacteria, nitrate, and turbidity.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Water quality testing” includes water quality sampling of any contaminant of concern, as determined by the Department.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-4A-02" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="4A" subtitle_name="Private Well Safety Program"> <level label="a"> <text>On or before December 31, 2026, the Department shall adopt regulations to identify a list of additional standards for water quality testing that the Department deems necessary for each county or any specific area within a county.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Regulations adopted in accordance with this subsection may require, as appropriate, testing for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Manganese;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Arsenic;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Radon;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Mercury; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Other volatile organic compounds for which there is a maximum contaminant level.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-4A-03" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="4A" subtitle_name="Private Well Safety Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to the availability of funding for the planning and implementation of an online portal, and in consultation with the Department of Information Technology, the Department shall utilize an online portal:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To receive the results of water quality testing from State–certified laboratories and the Maryland Geological Survey;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To upload certificates of potability as required under COMAR 26.04.04.30, results of water quality testing, and other relevant information submitted to the Department related to private wells, on at least a quarterly basis; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>To provide public access to the information received under items (1) and (2) of this subsection in a manner that is easy to use and categorized by county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On implementation of the online portal under this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A county may submit to the Department records of certificates of potability, as required under COMAR 26.04.04.30, and any results of water quality testing received voluntarily from residents; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A State–certified laboratory that conducts water quality testing of private wells for the purpose of implementing this subtitle shall submit to the Department the results of each water quality test conducted by the laboratory in a manner determined by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Consistently share the information collected under this section with the Maryland Department of Health and local health departments; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Encourage the Maryland Department of Health and local health departments to share relevant information to the online portal.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-4A-04" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="4A" subtitle_name="Private Well Safety Program"> <level label="a"> <text>An owner of residential rental property that is served by a private well shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Provide for water quality testing every 3 years;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Disclose to a tenant the results of the water quality testing; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Notify a tenant:</text> <level label="i"> <text>After any water quality test required under item (1) of this subsection is complete; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Of the most recent water quality test when they sign a lease.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The requirements of this subsection apply when a private well is contaminated by a substance that exceeds:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The maximum contaminant level for that substance that is set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for drinking water quality; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A harmful level for that substance, as determined by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>When a water quality test reveals a private well is contaminated, the owner of a residential rental property that is served by the well shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Notify the Department and the local health department about the contamination;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Provide an approved potable water supply until the contamination is permanently remediated; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Within 60 days of the date on which the owner knew of the contamination, resolve the issue, including by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Providing an approved potable water supply on an ongoing basis;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Permanently remediating the contamination; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Providing the tenant with the option to terminate the lease.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A person who violates a provision of this section is subject to a civil penalty not exceeding $1,000.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A local health department may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Enforce this section; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Collect the civil penalty provided under paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations to establish minimum criteria for water quality testing required under this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-501" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="County Water and Sewerage Plans"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Community sewerage system” means a publicly or privately owned sewerage system that serves at least 2 lots.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Community water supply system” means a water supply system that serves at least 2 lots.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“County plan” means a comprehensive plan for adequately providing throughout the county, including all towns, municipal corporations, and sanitary districts in the county, the following facilities and services by public or private ownership:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Water supply systems;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Sewerage systems;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Solid waste disposal systems;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Solid waste acceptance facilities; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Systematic collection and disposal of solid waste, including litter.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“County plan” includes a revised or amended county plan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Individual sewerage system” means a sewerage system that serves only 1 lot.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Individual water supply system” means a water supply system that supplies water to only 1 lot.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Litter” means any:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Waste material;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Refuse;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Garbage;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Trash;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Debris;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Dead animal; or</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Other discarded material.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Lot” means a parcel of land, including a part of a subdivision, that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is used or is intended to be used as a building site; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is not intended to be further subdivided.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Multiuse sewerage system” means a sewerage system that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Serves only 1 lot;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Serves a number of individuals;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Has a treatment capacity of more than 5,000 gallons a day; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Is not publicly owned or operated.</text> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Multiuse water supply system” means an individual water supply system that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Has the capacity to supply more than 5,000 gallons of water a day; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Serves a number of individuals.</text> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <level label="1"> <text>“Proposed county plan” means a county plan that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Has been adopted by the county governing body; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Has not been approved by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Proposed county plan” includes any proposed amendment or revision of the county plan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="l"> <text>“Sewage” means any human or animal excretion, street wash, domestic waste, or industrial waste.</text> </level> <level label="m"> <level label="1"> <text>“Sewerage system” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The channels used or intended to be used to collect and dispose of sewage; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any structure and appurtenance used or intended to be used to collect or prepare sewage for discharge into the waters of this State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Sewerage system” includes any sewer of any size.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Sewerage system” does not include the plumbing system inside any building served by the sewerage system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="n"> <text>“Solid waste acceptance facility” means any sanitary landfill, incinerator, transfer station, or plant whose primary purpose is to dispose of, treat, or process solid waste.</text> </level> <level label="o"> <level label="1"> <text>“Solid waste disposal system” means any publicly or privately owned system that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Provides a scheduled or systematic collection of solid waste;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Transports the solid waste to a solid waste acceptance facility; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Treats or otherwise disposes of the solid waste at the solid waste acceptance facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Solid waste disposal system” includes each solid waste acceptance facility that is used in connection with the solid waste disposal system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="p"> <level label="1"> <text>“Subdivision” means any division of a tract or parcel of land into at least 2 lots, for the purpose of sale or building development.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Subdivision” includes any change in street lines or lot lines.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (4) of this subsection, “subdivision” does not include any division of land into parcels of more than 3 acres, if the division:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is for agricultural purposes; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Does not involve any new street or easement of access.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>In Carroll County, “subdivision” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Any division of land into parcels of more than 3 acres, if the division:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is for agricultural purposes; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Does not involve any new street or easement of access; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A remainder parcel of land of 25 acres or more that exists as a result of the division of a large parcel into at least 2 smaller parcels, provided that any occupied dwelling on the remainder parcel is serviced by a properly functioning sewerage disposal system and potable water supply.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="q"> <level label="1"> <text>“Water supply system” means a publicly or privately owned or operated:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Source and the surrounding area from which water is supplied for drinking or domestic purposes; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Structure, channel, or appurtenance used or intended to be used to prepare water for use or to deliver water to a consumer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Water supply system” does not include the plumbing system inside any building that is served by the water supply system.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-502" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="County Water and Sewerage Plans"> <level label="a"> <text>Unless the operation of a water supply system would interfere with a cleanup or remediation action of the Department, this subtitle does not prohibit the installation or operation of a water supply system that is used only to supply water for purposes other than human or animal consumption.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If a county is exempt from the provisions of this subtitle, the county may not receive funds from the sanitary facilities fund.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Any rule or regulation adopted under this subtitle does not limit or supersede any other county, municipal, or State law, rule, or regulation that provides greater protection to the public health, safety, or welfare.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-503" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="County Water and Sewerage Plans"> <level label="a"> <text>Each county shall have a county plan or a plan with adjoining counties that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is approved by the Department;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Covers at least the 10-year period next following adoption by the county governing body; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Deals with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Water supply systems;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Sewerage systems;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Solid waste disposal systems;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Solid waste acceptance facilities; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The systematic collection and disposal of solid waste, including litter.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided in § 9-515 of this subtitle, each county governing body shall review its county plan at least once every 3 years in accordance with a schedule set by the Department.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Each county governing body shall adopt and submit to the Department a revision or amendment to its county plan if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The governing body considers a revision or amendment necessary; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department requires a revision or amendment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Before a county governing body adopts any revision or amendment to its county plan or adopts a new county plan, the governing body shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Conduct a public hearing on the county plan, revision, or amendment that may be conducted jointly with other public hearings or meetings; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Give the principal elected official of each municipal corporation that is affected notice of the county plan, revision, or amendment at least 14 days before the hearing.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Notice of the time and place of the public hearing, together with a summary of the plan, revision, or amendment, shall be published in at least 1 newspaper of general circulation in the county once each week for 2 successive weeks, with the first publication of notice appearing at least 14 days before the hearing.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Notice of the public hearing may be a part of the general notice listing all other items to be considered during the public hearing or meeting.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-504" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="County Water and Sewerage Plans"> <level label="a"> <text>To the extent that the incorporation will promote the public health, safety, and welfare, each county plan shall incorporate all or part of the subsidiary plans of each town, municipal corporation, sanitary district, privately owned facility, or local, State, or federal agency that has existing or planned development in that county.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the governing body of each county that is affected adopts a subsidiary plan for a multicounty area, the county may incorporate in its county plan all or part of the subsidiary plan.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-505" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="County Water and Sewerage Plans"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to the other requirements of this subtitle, each county plan shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Provide for the orderly expansion and extension of the following systems in a manner consistent with all county and local comprehensive plans prepared under Title 1, Subtitle 4, Title 3, or Title 21 of the Land Use Article and § 10–324 of the Local Government Article:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Community water supply systems and multiuse water supply systems;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Community sewerage systems and multiuse sewerage systems; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Solid waste disposal systems and solid waste acceptance facilities;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provide for the sizing and staging of facilities construction that is consistent with the county plan;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Show compliance with items (1) and (2) of this subsection by using graphic and tabular information;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Provide:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For sewage treatment facilities that are adequate to prevent the discharge of any inadequately treated sewage or other liquid waste into any waters; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Otherwise for safe and sanitary treatment of sewage and other liquid waste;</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Provide for facilities that are adequate to treat, recover, or dispose of solid waste in a manner that is consistent with the laws of this State that relate to air pollution, water pollution, and land use;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Contain adequate information about:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The existing sewage treatment capacity in each drainage basin or sewage treatment plant service area in the county;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The present level of use of sewage treatment plants in each drainage basin; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Projections for use of sewage treatment plant capacity based on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Outstanding building permits and subdivision plats if the county has subdivision authority; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Zoning commitments if the county does not have subdivision authority;</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Taking into account all relevant planning, zoning, population, engineering, and economic information and all State, regional, municipal, and local plans, describe, with all practical precision, those parts of the county that reasonably may be expected to be served in the next 10 years by any:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Community water supply system;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Multiuse water supply system;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Community sewerage system;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Multiuse sewerage system;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Solid waste disposal system; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Solid waste acceptance facility;</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Set procedures for identifying and acquiring, on a time schedule that conforms to the time requirement in item (7) of this subsection, any rights–of–way or easements that are necessary for any:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Community water supply system;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Multiuse water supply system;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Community sewerage system;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Solid waste disposal system; or</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Solid waste acceptance facility;</text> </level> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Taking into account all relevant planning, zoning, population, engineering, and economic information and all State, regional, municipal, and local plans, describe, with all practical precision, any parts of the county in which it is not reasonably foreseeable to have service in the next 10 years by any:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Community water supply system;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Multiuse water supply system;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Community sewerage system;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Multiuse sewerage system;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Solid waste disposal system; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Solid waste acceptance facility;</text> </level> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Set a time schedule and a proposed method for financing the construction and operation of each planned:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Community water supply system;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Multiuse water supply system;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Community sewerage system;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Solid waste disposal system; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Solid waste acceptance facility;</text> </level> </level> <level label="11"> <text>Set forth the estimated cost of constructing and operating each planned:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Community water supply system;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Multiuse water supply system;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Community sewerage system;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Solid waste disposal system; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Solid waste acceptance facility;</text> </level> </level> <level label="12"> <text>Indicate:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Any source of supply from the waters of this State;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The approximate amount of water to be withdrawn from the waters of this State; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The quantity and quality of waste to be discharged into the waters of this State;</text> </level> </level> <level label="13"> <text>Describe, in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle, each area in the county where:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A community water supply system must be provided;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A multiuse water supply system may be installed and used;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>An individual water supply system may be installed and used for an interim period until a planned community water supply system is available;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>An individual water supply system may be installed and used indefinitely;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>A community sewerage system must be provided;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>A multiuse sewerage system may be installed and used;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Except as provided in § 9–517 of this subtitle, an individual sewerage system may be installed and used for an interim period until a planned community sewerage system is available;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>An individual sewerage system may be installed and used indefinitely;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>A community solid waste disposal system must be provided; or</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>A community solid waste acceptance facility must be provided for use by residents of the described area during an interim period until a planned community solid waste disposal system is available;</text> </level> </level> <level label="14"> <text>Except as provided in § 9–515 of this subtitle, provide for amendment or revision of the county plan at least once every 2 years in accordance with a schedule adopted by the Department;</text> </level> <level label="15"> <text>Designate an appropriate agency of the county to be responsible for creating a workable plan:</text> <level label="i"> <text>To keep the environment of the county free of solid waste, including litter; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>To prevent scenic pollution of both public and private property in the county;</text> </level> </level> <level label="16"> <text>By July 1, 1987, treat each publicly owned community sewerage system as a separate entity for fiscal purposes within the local operating agency;</text> </level> <level label="17"> <text>Document compliance with and report on actions taken and plans to enforce §§ 12–605 and 12–606 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article;</text> </level> <level label="18"> <text>For a county with a population greater than 150,000 according to the latest Department of Planning projections, include a recycling plan by July 1, 2014 that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Provides for a reduction through recycling of at least 35% of the county’s solid waste stream by weight or submits adequate justification, including economic and other specific factors, as to why the 35% reduction cannot be met;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Provides for recycling of the solid waste stream to the extent practical and economically feasible, but in no event may less than a 15% reduction be submitted; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Requires full implementation of the recycling plan by December 31, 2015; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="19"> <text>For a county with a population less than 150,000 according to the latest Department of Planning projections, include a recycling plan by July 1, 2014 that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Provides for a reduction through recycling of at least 20% of the county’s solid waste stream or submits adequate justification, including economic and other specific factors, as to why the 20% reduction cannot be met;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Provides for recycling of the solid waste stream to the extent practical and economically feasible, but in no event may less than a 10% reduction be submitted; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Requires full implementation of the recycling plan by December 31, 2015.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A plan created under subsection (a)(15) of this section may include the use of prisoners from the State correctional system or from county jails or detention centers.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The recycling reductions of 35% and 20% provided in subsection (a)(18) and (19) of this section are not intended to be the maximum percentage that a county can achieve. A county that can practically and economically achieve a higher rate of recycling is encouraged to submit a recycling plan for a higher percentage.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If a county with a population less than 150,000 increases to a population of above 150,000, the county shall have 2 years to revise the recycling plan to be consistent with the recycling goals under subsection (a)(18) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The governing bodies of 2 or more counties may adopt a regional recycling plan to comply with subsection (a)(18) or (19) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A regional recycling plan which otherwise satisfies the requirements of this subtitle for each of the participating counties shall constitute the county recycling plan for each county which participates in the plan.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-506" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="County Water and Sewerage Plans"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, before a county governing body may adopt a county plan or a revision or amendment to the county plan:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The county governing body shall submit the county plan, revision, or amendment to each official planning agency that has jurisdiction in the county, including any comprehensive planning agency with areawide jurisdiction, for review and comment within a 30–day period for consistency with planning programs for the area; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The county planning agency shall certify that the plan, revision, or amendment is consistent with the county comprehensive plan prepared under Title 1, Subtitle 4 or Title 3 of the Land Use Article or § 10–324 of the Local Government Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In Montgomery County and Prince George’s County, the review and comments of the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission in accordance with § 9–516 of this subtitle constitute full compliance with the requirement for review by an official planning agency under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each county governing body shall submit to the Department:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Progress reports on the development of its county plan; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A report of its review conducted at least every 2 years, including any revision or amendment of the county plan that has been adopted.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>If the Secretary determines that a county governing body has failed to submit a timely and adequate report of its review of its county plan or any required revision or amendment of its county plan to the Department, the Secretary shall give the county governing body a written notice of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The county’s failure to submit a report; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any specific inadequacy in the county’s plan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If within 90 days of this notice a county does not submit its report or an adequate revision or amendment of its plan to the Department, the Secretary:</text> <level label="i"> <text>May not issue any permit to install or alter a water supply system, sewerage system, or solid waste disposal system in that county under § 9–204 of this title;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shall give the county notice of its right to administrative review by the Secretary under this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Shall give the county notice of its right to appeal the Secretary’s decision to the Board of Review.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-507" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="County Water and Sewerage Plans"> <level label="a"> <text>When a county governing body submits its proposed county plan or a proposed revision or amendment of its county plan to the Department, the Department may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Approve the proposal;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Disapprove the proposal;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the part approved includes all of the required elements of a county plan, approve the proposal in part and disapprove it in part; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Modify or take other appropriate action on the proposal.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Before the Department approves or disapproves, in whole or in part, a proposed county plan or a proposed revision or amendment of a county plan, the Department shall submit the proposal:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To the Department of Natural Resources for advice on natural resources matters;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For water and sewerage proposals only, to the Department of Planning for advice on the consistency of the proposal with the local master plan and other appropriate matters; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>To the Department of Agriculture for advice on the impact of water and sewerage service and solid waste facilities on productive or potentially productive agricultural land.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the Department shall approve, disapprove, or partially approve and partially disapprove each proposed county plan or proposed revision or amendment to a county plan within 60 days after the proposal is submitted to the Department.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For good cause and after notice to the county involved, the Department may extend the 60–day review period of paragraph (1) of this subsection for an additional 45 days.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, if the Department requires additional time for review beyond what is provided in paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection, a supplemental 45–day review period may be added at the expiration of the 45–day extension authorized in paragraph (2) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>If the Department adds the supplemental 45–day review period authorized in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, they must provide written notice to the affected county, the county delegation members of the General Assembly, and the Governor not less than 10 days before the expiration of the 45–day extension authorized in paragraph (2) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The written notice required by subsubparagraph 1 of this subparagraph shall include all additional review time requested by the Department, including the reasons for failing to complete the review within the time periods provided in this section.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>If the Department does not disapprove, in whole or in part, a proposed county plan or a proposed revision or amendment of a county plan within the review period provided in subsection (c) of this section, the proposal is approved.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department shall provide written notice of approval to the county in the event that a local plan, revision, or amendment receives approval in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Before the Department takes any action under subsection (a) of this section, a county may use its proposed county plan or proposed revision or amendment of its county plan at the county’s own risk, if the county governing body has adopted the proposed county plan, revision, or amendment.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>After the county governing body adopts the proposed county plan, a person shall follow the provisions of that plan except to the extent that the Department modifies or disapproves that plan.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-508" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="County Water and Sewerage Plans"> <level label="a"> <text>If the Department disapproves, in whole or in part, a proposed county plan or a proposed revision or amendment of a county plan, the Department shall give the county a written notice of disapproval that states the reasons for disapproval.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>At any time up to 6 months after a county receives the notice of disapproval, the county governing body may ask the Secretary to reconsider the disapproval in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Department.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-509" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="County Water and Sewerage Plans"> <text>As provided in § 9-218 of this title, a county may finance in part the cost of preparing its county plan or any revision or amendment of its county plan.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-510" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="County Water and Sewerage Plans"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to the powers set forth elsewhere in this subtitle, the Department may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Conduct surveys and research to carry out the provisions of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Specify the location for any sewage treatment facility discharge point that is included in any county plan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In addition to the duties set forth elsewhere in this subtitle, the Department shall adopt rules and regulations:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To carry out the provisions of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To control, limit, or prohibit the installation and use of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Water supply systems; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Sewerage systems;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>To require that, before installation of individual water supply systems or individual sewerage systems, consideration be given to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Present and future population density;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Size of parcels;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Contour of the land;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Porosity and absorbency of the soil;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Ground water conditions;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Availability of water from unpolluted aquifers;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Type of construction of community water supply systems;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>Type of construction of community sewerage systems;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>Size of the proposed development; and</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>Any other pertinent factors;</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>To require that, giving consideration to the factors in item (3) of this subsection, areas be served by community facilities if the Department finds them to be reasonably necessary:</text> <level label="i"> <text>By installation of the community water supply system, community sewerage system, or solid waste disposal system; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>By connection of all premises to or service to all premises by the community water supply system, community sewerage system, or solid waste disposal system;</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>To require that community water supply systems, community sewerage systems, and solid waste disposal systems be constructed to allow the connection of those systems to a larger system, if that larger system becomes available;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>To allow a person to install an individual water supply system or an individual sewerage system in any area where a community water supply system or a community sewerage system is not available or required to be installed in the area if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Department finds that the individual system is adequate and safe for use before a community system is scheduled to be available in the area; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The individual system is constructed in the most economical and convenient way to permit connection to a community system in the area, and the person guarantees the connection to a community system:</text> <level label="1"> <text>When the county governing body where the area is located sets a time; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In accordance with this subtitle, any rules and regulations adopted under this subtitle, and any other State law or county requirement by:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>Posting a bond to secure actual construction and installation of the systems with satisfactory surety for the benefit of the county governing body; or</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Making any other arrangement that the Department considers necessary and adequate to carry out the provisions of this subtitle;</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>If a solid waste disposal system is not available or required to be installed in any area as provided in item (4) of this subsection, to allow a person to provide a solid waste acceptance facility in the area without a systematic collection and transportation system;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>To require that, before issuance of a permit for construction of a community or multiuse sewerage system, a financial management plan sufficient to ensure the dependable and safe operation of the system has been adopted within the county plan and approved by the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>To require that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Before issuance of a permit for construction of a privately owned community water supply system that will serve 4 or more residential lots or 2 or more other lots, the applicant has proposed a financial management plan sufficient to ensure the dependable and safe operation of the system, and the plan has been approved by the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The applicant shall comply with the plan as approved by the Department.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-511" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="County Water and Sewerage Plans"> <text>Unless they conform to the county plan or revision or amendment of the county plan, the following systems and facilities may not be installed or extended:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A water supply system;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A sewerage system;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A solid waste disposal system; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A solid waste acceptance facility.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-511.1" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="County Water and Sewerage Plans"> <level label="a"> <text>A county may remove a proposed solid waste acceptance facility from the county plan if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The owner of the proposed solid waste acceptance facility fails to apply to the Department for a new permit within 1 year of inclusion in the plan;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The owner of the proposed solid waste acceptance facility fails to apply to the Department for a renewal in accordance with § 10-226(b) of the State Government Article;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department denies a permit for the proposed solid waste acceptance facility in its final decision; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The proposed solid waste acceptance facility is not constructed within 10 years after receiving a permit.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>For the purposes of subsection (a)(1) of this section, a new permit does not include a permit application for expansion or major modification of an existing facility.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>This section may not be construed to allow the county to remove a proposed solid waste acceptance facility if the solid waste acceptance facility is necessary to provide adequate capacity for the disposal of solid waste generated within the county in accordance with § 9-505 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-512" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="County Water and Sewerage Plans"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “building permit” means any permit that allows any building construction and is issued by any State or local authority.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A State or local authority may not issue a building permit unless:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The water supply system, sewerage system, or solid waste acceptance facility is adequate to serve the proposed construction, taking into account all existing and approved developments in the service area;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any water supply system, sewerage system, or solid waste acceptance facility described in the application will not overload any present facility for conveying, pumping, storing, or treating water, sewage, or solid waste;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Except for essential public services, after January 1, 1992, the county in which the proposed construction is located has an approved recycling plan under § 9–505 of this subtitle and § 9–1703 of this title; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Except for essential public services, after January 1, 1994, the county in which the proposed construction is located has met the recycling reductions submitted in an approved recycling plan under § 9–505 of this subtitle and § 9–1703 of this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A water supply system, sewerage system, or solid waste acceptance facility referenced in a subdivision plat shall conform to the applicable county plan.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If an allocation of water or wastewater is needed, and before a State or local authority may issue a building permit, the State shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Have an allocation of water and wastewater from the county whose facilities are affected by the proposed building construction; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Show evidence of being able to provide an acceptable on–site sewage disposal system or well system until an allocation becomes available, or on a permanent basis if the State elects.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The county shall timely review any State request for an allocation of water or wastewater, and report its findings to the State within 45 days from the date of such request.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The Department may grant a waiver from the sanctions of subsection (b)(1)(iii) and (iv) of this section if the county demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that it cannot achieve the recycling goal due to unforseen or emergency circumstances beyond the county’s control.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <level label="i"> <text>In the event that sanctions are imposed under this subsection, and the county submits an application for removing the sanctions, the Secretary shall promptly approve or deny the application.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In the event that the Secretary has neither approved nor denied the application within 30 days of its submission, the application shall be deemed approved and the sanctions shall be removed.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>To apply for a building permit, an applicant shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Submit an application to a State or local authority on the form that the authority requires; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provide any information that the authority reasonably requires to comply with subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A State or local authority may not record or approve a subdivision plat unless any approved facility for conveying, pumping, storing, or treating water, sewage, or solid waste to serve the proposed development would be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Completed in time to serve the proposed development; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Adequate to serve the proposed development, once completed, without overloading any water supply system, sewerage system, or solid waste acceptance facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each water supply system, sewerage system, and solid waste acceptance facility in a subdivision shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Conform to the applicable county plan; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Take into consideration all present and approved subdivision plats and building permits in the service area.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If an allocation of water or wastewater is needed, and before a State or local authority may record or approve a subdivision plat, the State shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Have an allocation of water and wastewater from the county whose facilities are affected by the proposed development; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Show evidence of being able to provide an acceptable on–site sewage disposal system or well system until an allocation becomes available, or on a permanent basis if the State elects.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The county shall timely review any State request for an allocation of water or wastewater, and report its findings to the State within 45 days from the date of such request.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>To apply for approval of a subdivision plat, an applicant shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Submit an application to the appropriate State or local authority on the form that the authority requires; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provide any information that the authority reasonably requires to comply with subsection (d) of this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-513" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="County Water and Sewerage Plans"> <text>In Baltimore County or Carroll County, the county approving authority may grant an exception to the county plan that allows a person to install an individual water supply system or an individual sewerage system for an individual residence if the Secretary or a designee of the Secretary:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Finds that this exception to the county plan is justified and necessary to alleviate extreme hardship; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Approves the exception to the county plan.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-514" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="County Water and Sewerage Plans"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>If the Harford County governing body does not approve and incorporate in its county plan all or part of the subsidiary plans of each town, municipal corporation, and sanitary district in Harford County, the Harford County governing body shall send to the Department a written notice of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>This action; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The specific reasons for this action.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Harford County governing body or the governing body of a town, municipal corporation, or sanitary district in Harford County requests, the Department may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Arbitrate the dispute; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Decide whether to approve and incorporate all or part of this subsidiary plan in the Harford County plan.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In Harford County, except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a building permit or a zoning permit may not be issued for a new subdivision in an area where a community water supply system or a community sewerage system is scheduled to be built within 10 years under the county plan, unless there is a county approved water supply system and a county approved sewerage system for the subdivision.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On their unanimous consent, the Harford County Health Officer, the Director of Planning and Zoning for Harford County, and the Director of Public Works for Harford County may recommend a waiver to the County Executive for his approval from the provisions of subsection (b) of this section if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any lot created is a residential lot with a minimum size of 60,000 square feet;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A septic reserve area with a minimum size of 20,000 square feet is established and recorded on the final plan;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The subdivision site is shown in the comprehensive water and sewer plan for the 5-year to 10-year construction category;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The responsible agencies conclude that the failure to install an approved sewerage collection system at the subject time on the subject property is not detrimental to the overall county water and sewer system; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The subdivision site and all the lots in the subdivision site meet other local guidelines to include applicable health, environmental, and physical characteristics including, but not limited to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Minimum lot width at building line of 150 feet;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Maximum slope in septic reserve area of 15 percent;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Percolation rate between 2 and 20 minutes; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Soils within septic reserve areas with slight to moderate limitations for homes with septic systems.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Before adopting any amendment or revision to the county water and sewer plan, the Harford County governing body shall determine whether a subdivision site or lot that has been granted a waiver under subsection (c) of this section shall be included in the amended or revised county plan.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>In the planning for water supply systems, sewerage systems, and solid waste disposal systems in its county plan, the Harford County governing body shall consider estimates of population density for Harford County.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-515" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="County Water and Sewerage Plans"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies only in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The county council of each county shall at least once every 3 years:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Prepare a county plan;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Prepare, review, and revise, as the county council considers necessary, a separate statement of objectives and policies to be achieved and implemented by the county plan in the county; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Consider the following in the statements of objectives and policies of the county plans:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Planning;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Zoning;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Population estimates;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Engineering;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Economics; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>State, regional, municipal, local, and area plans.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>To achieve the objectives and policies set by the county council, the county executive of each county shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Prepare a preliminary draft of the county plan;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>From time to time review and, as the county executive or county council considers necessary, prepare amendments to the county plan including revisions to service area category designations; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Submit to the county council for the county council’s consideration, revision, modification, comment, and approval:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The draft; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any revision or amendment to the draft.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The county executive of each county shall prepare and submit to the county council:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A final draft of the county plan to conform to the action of the county council in approving the draft; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A final revision or amendment to the county plan that takes into consideration any significant change in the intervening planning or development in the county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>At least 30 days before the date set for a public hearing under subsection (f) of this section, the county council of each county shall submit its final draft or the final draft of any revision or amendment of the county plan for recommendation to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The county council of each county shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Hold a public hearing on:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Its final draft of the county plan; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The final draft of any revision or amendment to the county plan; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Publish a notice of the time and place of the public hearing at least 10 days before the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>After the public hearing in each county, the county council shall review, may amend as the county council considers necessary, and shall adopt the county plan or the revision or amendment to the county plan.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The adoption of the county plan or a revision or amendment of the county plan by the county council of the county is not final until 10 days after the action adopting it.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>During the 10-day period provided by paragraph (2) of this subsection, the county executive may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Review the county plan or any revision or amendment to the county plan; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Recommend for the consideration of the county council whatever change to the county plan or any revision or amendment to the county plan that the county executive considers necessary or desirable.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>After the time periods required for adoption under this section, the county council of each county shall submit to the Department, as required by § 9-506(b) and (c) of this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The county plan; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any revision or amendment to the county plan.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-516" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="County Water and Sewerage Plans"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies only in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission shall provide any information and assistance requested by the county council or the county executive for preparing, reviewing, adopting, revising, or amending a county plan.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The county council and county executive of each county, the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission shall adopt procedures for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Requesting information or assistance under this section;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Responding to the request; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Setting a reasonable timetable for response to a request.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission shall provide any requested information about the comprehensive plan for water supply systems and sewerage systems in each county as to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Engineering;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Design;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Present and future capacities;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Available service projections;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Fiscal elements; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Annual revisions of this information.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission shall provide any requested information to each county as to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Population;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Growth projections;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Planning factors; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Other developmental standards.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-517" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="County Water and Sewerage Plans"> <text>In Montgomery County or Prince George’s County, the comprehensive plan for water supply systems and sewerage systems may allow the installation and use of an individual sewerage system for an interim period until the necessary sewerage transmission and treatment capacity in the area is available to provide adequate community sewerage service if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A community sewerage system otherwise is required in the area; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Access to a community sewerage system is prohibited by an order of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Department;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Montgomery County;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Prince George’s County; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-518" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="County Water and Sewerage Plans"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Commission” means the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Health officer” means the health officer for Prince George’s County.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Issuing authority” means any one of the following authorities that is authorized to issue or approve a permit:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Department;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The health officer;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Montgomery County department designated by the Montgomery County government; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The Prince George’s County Health Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Permit” means a permit issued or approved by the issuing authority for Montgomery County or Prince George’s County to install, connect to, or use an individual septic system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section applies only in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In each county, a person shall have a permit from an issuing authority before the person may install, connect to, or use an individual septic system.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>An applicant for a permit shall submit an application to the issuing authority on the form that the issuing authority requires.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The health officer and the Montgomery County department designated by the Montgomery County government shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Submit each application for a permit to the Commission; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Notify the Commission if there is more than one application for a permit in an area or subdivision of each county when:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The original permit application is submitted to the Commission; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This fact reasonably becomes known to the health officer.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This subsection does not apply to an area of each county in which a community sewerage system is not planned within 10 years under the county’s comprehensive plan for sewerage systems.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Within 30 days after the Commission receives an application under subsection (e)(1) of this section, the Commission shall review the application and comment to the health officer, in writing, on the application.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If there is more than one application for a permit in an area or subdivision of each county, the Commission may group these applications together for purposes of review and comment.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In its review and comments under this subsection, the Commission shall include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A determination of the location of the nearest collection line of a community sewerage system;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The capacity, feasibility, cost, and engineering conditions or requirements for an extension of this collection line; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>If available, an estimate of the time required for this extension.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>The issuing authority shall issue a permit to any applicant who meets the requirements of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Commission does not respond as required by subsection (f) of this section, and if the permit otherwise complies with this section, the local health officer may issue the permit.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>The issuing authority shall include on each permit that the issuing authority issues a requirement that the holder of a permit shall notify, in writing, any buyer or lessee of the permitted property:</text> <level label="i"> <text>That the permitted property is served by an individual septic system;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Of the conditions, estimate of time, and other factors that concern the subsequent extension of a community sewerage system to the permitted property; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>If applicable, that the Commission did not review and comment on the application for a permit because the permitted property was in an area of the county in which at the time of the application a community sewerage system was not planned within 10 years under the county’s comprehensive plan for sewerage systems.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The health officer and the Montgomery County department designated by the Montgomery County government:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Shall adopt rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May require the holder of a permit to record the information required by paragraph (1) of this subsection in the land records of the county in which the permitted property is located.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-521" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="County Water and Sewerage Plans"> <level label="a"> <text>A State or local authority that violates any provisions of § 9-512(b) or (d) of this subtitle is liable for a civil penalty not exceeding $100 to be collected in a civil action brought by the Department in the circuit court for any county. Each day a violation continues is a separate violation under this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A civil penalty imposed under this section does not bar any other applicable relief or penalty.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>An applicant who violates § 9-510(b)(9) of this subtitle, or who violates any regulation adopted under § 9-510(b)(9) of this subtitle, is liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $500 per violation to be collected in a civil action filed by the Department in the circuit court for any county.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each day a violation continues under this subsection constitutes a separate violation of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-601" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Bond” means any bond, note, or other evidence of indebtedness or obligation that a district is authorized to issue under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>“Cost”, as applied to any project, includes the cost of and all expenses incident to the construction, acquisition, improvement, or placement in operation of a project, including the cost and expenses of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The purchase price of a project;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The cost of acquiring all the capital stock of a corporation that owned a project;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Amounts paid to discharge obligations of the owner of a project, if paid to vest title to a project in the district;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Any interest in real or personal property acquired in connection with it;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Financial, technical, professional, engineering, and legal services;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Plans, specifications, surveys, estimates of costs and revenues, feasibility or practicability reports, machinery, equipment, administrative expenses, and other expenses that are necessary and incident to the financing authorized for the construction, acquisition, improvement, or placement in operation of a project; and</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Financing the project, including finance charges and interest before, during, and for 1 year after completion of construction.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Cost”, as to any obligation or expense that is incurred before the bonds are issued, also includes the cost and expense of engineering services, estimates of costs and revenues, and any other technical or professional services that may be used in the construction, acquisition, or improvement of a project.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“District” means an entity that is created under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“District” includes a board, body, or commission that assumes the principal functions of a district that is created under this subtitle and later abolished.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Governing body” means the body or board that is authorized to enact ordinances or resolutions for a county.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Improvement” means any construction, repair, replacement, extension, or betterment of a project.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Independent system” means a water system, sewerage system, or solid waste disposal system that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is not operated by a sanitary commission or a municipality; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Serves territory not served by a project.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Member county” means a county that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Has formed or joined a district under this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Has not withdrawn from the district.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Municipal system” means a water system, sewerage system, or solid waste disposal system that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is operated by a municipality; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Serves territory not served by a project.</text> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Project” means a water system, sewerage system, solid waste disposal system, or solid waste acceptance facility or any part of these that a district owns, constructs, or operates.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Sanitary commission” means a sanitary commission created under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <text>“Service area” means a defined geographical area that is established as a service area by a sanitary commission under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="m"> <text>“Sewage” means any water-carried waste created in and carried or to be carried away from a residence, hotel, school, hospital, industrial establishment, commercial establishment, or any other building, including any household and industrial wastes that are present.</text> </level> <level label="n"> <level label="1"> <text>“Sewerage system” means a plant, system, facility, or property that can:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Carry sewage away;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Collect sewage;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Neutralize sewage;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Stabilize sewage; or</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Treat sewage.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Sewerage system” includes the following parts of a sewerage system:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A disposal field.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A drainage ditch.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A force main.</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>An intercepting ditch.</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>An intercepting sewer.</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>A lateral sewer.</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>An outfall sewer.</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>A pumping station.</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>A sewage conduit.</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>Sewage equipment.</text> </level> <level label="xi"> <text>A sewage lagoon.</text> </level> <level label="xii"> <text>A sewage pipe.</text> </level> <level label="xiii"> <text>A sewage pipe line.</text> </level> <level label="xiv"> <text>A sewage treatment plant.</text> </level> <level label="xv"> <text>A trunk sewer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Sewerage system” includes any property or property right used in the operation of the sewerage system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="o"> <text>“Solid waste acceptance facility” means a facility whose primary purpose is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Disposing of solid waste;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Processing solid waste; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Treating solid waste.</text> </level> </level> <level label="p"> <level label="1"> <text>“Solid waste disposal system” means a system that systematically or on a schedule collects solid waste and transports it to a solid waste acceptance facility for treatment or disposal.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Solid waste disposal system” includes a solid waste acceptance facility that is used with the system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="q"> <level label="1"> <text>“Water system” means a plant, system, facility, or property that can supply water or distribute water.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Water system” includes the following parts of a water system:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A dam.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A filtration plant.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A hydrant.</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A lateral.</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>A reservoir.</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>A standpipe.</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>A valve.</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>A water distribution system.</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>Water equipment.</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>A water intake.</text> </level> <level label="xi"> <text>A water main.</text> </level> <level label="xii"> <text>A water meter.</text> </level> <level label="xiii"> <text>A water pumping station.</text> </level> <level label="xiv"> <text>A water purification plant.</text> </level> <level label="xv"> <text>A water supply system.</text> </level> <level label="xvi"> <text>A well.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Water system” includes any property or property right used in the operation of the water system.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-602" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Anne Arundel County;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Carroll County;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Harford County;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Montgomery County;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Prince George’s County; or</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>St. Mary’s County.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-603" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <text>Each sanitary commission may adopt rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-604" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this section, this subtitle shall be interpreted liberally to allow a district to carry out the purposes of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This subtitle does not limit the powers of the Department of Natural Resources or the Department of the Environment.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-605" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>This subtitle does not impair the validity of actions taken by a district before June 1, 1961.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This subtitle ratifies the actions taken by any district before June 1, 1961.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This subtitle ratifies the issuance and sale of all bonds issued or sold by a district before June 1, 1961.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-606" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>At any reasonable time, a representative of a sanitary commission may enter any public or private building or place under the jurisdiction of the district to inspect any pertinent equipment or part of the building or place.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On entering any building or place under this section, the representative of the sanitary commission shall present to the owner, operator, or agent in charge appropriate credentials from the sanitary commission.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-607" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>Each district is a public corporate body that exercises public and essential government functions, for the public health and welfare.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>As to any project, each district may do any of the following:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Acquire the project.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Construct the project.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Hold the project.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Improve the project.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Lease the project as a lessee or lessor.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Maintain the project.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Operate the project.</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Own the project.</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Reconstruct the project.</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Repair the project.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-608" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>Each district, its income, its property, and its incorporation are exempt from any State or local taxation or assessments.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The bonds issued under this subtitle, their transfer, the interest payable on them, and any income derived from them, including any profit realized in their sale or exchange, shall be exempt at all times from every kind and nature of taxation by this State or by any of its political subdivisions, municipal corporations, or public agencies of any kind.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>When making required filings of corporate documents, each district may be required to pay the usual:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Filing fees;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Recording fees; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Service charges.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-611" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <text>By ordinance or resolution, the governing body of a county or the governing bodies of 2 or more counties may create a district under this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-612" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>The ordinance or resolution that creates a district shall include articles of incorporation that comply with this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The articles of incorporation shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The name of the district, using the word “district”;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A statement that the district is formed under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The name of each member county;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The name, address, and term of office of each of the first sanitary commissioners of the district;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The purposes for which the district is created; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>If the district is to exercise jurisdiction over a geographical area smaller than the maximum jurisdiction allowable to the district under this subtitle, a description of the geographical jurisdiction of the district.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-613" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <text>The appropriate officials of each member county shall sign the articles of incorporation and file the articles with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-614" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “amendment” means an amendment to the articles of incorporation of a district.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In accordance with this section, a district may adopt amendments that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Can be included lawfully in original articles of incorporation; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Change the district’s:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Name;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Powers; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Purposes.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>To adopt amendments, the sanitary commission shall adopt a resolution that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Directs that the proposed amendment be submitted to each member county; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Discloses the text of the proposed amendment by printing:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The text of the entire articles of organization as the articles of organization would read after adoption of the proposed amendment;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The text of a provision in the articles of incorporation as that provision would read after adoption of the proposed amendment; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The material whose addition to or removal from the articles of incorporation is proposed.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>By ordinance or resolution, the governing body of each member county shall adopt or reject the proposed amendment.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>If the governing body of each member county adopts the proposed articles of amendment, two authorized officers of the district shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Verify the facts set forth in the articles of amendment;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Put the district’s seal on the articles of amendment; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Sign the articles of amendment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The articles of amendment shall include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The name and address of the principal office of the district;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A statement that the amendment was proposed by the sanitary commissioners;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A statement that each member county adopted the amendment; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The text of the amendment.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The district shall file the articles of amendment with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-615" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>A county that is not a member county may join a district in accordance with this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>To join a district, the governing body of the incoming county shall adopt an ordinance or resolution that asks the district to admit the incoming county.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the sanitary commission of the district adopts a resolution that approves the admission of the incoming county and if the governing body of each member county adopts an ordinance or resolution that approves the admission of the incoming county, the sanitary commission and the governing body of the incoming county shall adopt and sign articles of joinder.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Immediately on the admission of the county, the governing body of the new member county shall appoint a sanitary commissioner.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The articles of joinder shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The name, address, and term of office of the first sanitary commissioner from the incoming county; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>All information about the incoming county that would be required in original articles of incorporation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The district and incoming county shall file the articles of joinder with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-616" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>If the district has not incurred any obligation, a member county may withdraw from a multiple county district in accordance with this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The governing body of the county seeking to withdraw shall adopt an ordinance or resolution that asks the district to allow that county to withdraw from the district.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the sanitary commission adopts a resolution that approves the withdrawal of the petitioning county and if the governing body of each member county adopts an ordinance or resolution that approves the withdrawal of the petitioning county, the sanitary district and the governing body of the withdrawing county shall adopt and sign articles of withdrawal.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The district and the withdrawing county shall file the articles of withdrawal with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-617" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “corporate document” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Articles of incorporation;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Articles of amendment;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Articles of joinder; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Articles of withdrawal.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>When a corporate document is filed with it, the State Department of Assessments and Taxation shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Endorse on the corporate document the time and date the corporate document was received; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Examine the corporate document.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If, after examination, the State Department of Assessments and Taxation determines that the corporate document is proper, the State Department of Assessments and Taxation shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Issue a certificate of approval;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Include with the certificate of approval a copy of the corporate document; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Record a copy of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The corporate document; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The certificate of approval.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>When the State Department of Assessments and Taxation issues a certificate of approval under this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The corporate document is effective;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The district exists as provided in the corporate document; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The corporate document is conclusively presumed to have been adopted lawfully.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-618" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>Promptly after it is created and its officers are elected, each district shall notify the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The principal office of the district; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The name and address of each officer of the district.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Within 10 days after the district makes any change in the location of the district’s principal office, the district shall notify the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of the change.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-621" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <text>Except as provided in § 9-629 of this subtitle, the sanitary commission is the body that governs a district.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-622" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The sanitary commission of each single county district consists of the following numbers of sanitary commissioners, each appointed by the governing body of the member county:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Allegany County – 7;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Dorchester County – 6;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Somerset County, except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection – 5;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Worcester County – 5; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Other counties – 3.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In a single county district in Somerset County, if there are more than 5 service areas in the single county district, the sanitary commission consists of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>One sanitary commissioner from each service area; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If there is an even number of service areas, one additional sanitary commissioner.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>In a single county district in Somerset County, the sanitary commission consists of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A sanitary commissioner from each service area who is a resident of that service area; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If there is an even number of service areas, one additional sanitary commissioner who is a resident of the county at large.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In other counties, each sanitary commissioner shall be a resident of the county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of a sanitary commissioner in a single county district is as follows:</text> <level label="i"> <text>In Dorchester County, 6 years expiring on July 1 of the appropriate year.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In Allegany County, 6 years expiring on June 1 of the appropriate year.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>In Somerset County, 6 years expiring, as required by the terms of the sanitary commissioners on July 1, 1982, on June 1 or January 1 of the appropriate year.</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>In any other county, 6 years expiring on January 1 of the appropriate year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The terms of sanitary commissioners in a single county district are staggered as required by the terms provided for sanitary commissioners on July 1, 1989.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The terms of the first sanitary commissioners appointed in a single county district created after June 30, 1982 are as follows:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For one sanitary commissioner, 2 years expiring on the second January 1 after the single county district is created.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For one sanitary commissioner, 4 years expiring on the fourth January 1 after the single county district is created.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>For one sanitary commissioner, 6 years expiring on the sixth January 1 after the single county district is created.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>At the end of a term, a sanitary commissioner in a single county district continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A sanitary commissioner in a single county district who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>At least 1 month before the term of a sanitary commissioner in a single county district expires, the governing body of the member county shall appoint a successor.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-623" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The sanitary commission of a district with 2 member counties consists of at least:</text> <level label="i"> <text>One sanitary commissioner from each member county appointed as the articles of incorporation of the district provide; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>One sanitary commissioner from either member county as the articles of incorporation of the district provide.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The sanitary commission of a multiple county district with at least 3 member counties consists of a number of sanitary commissioners equal to at least the number of member counties.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The sanitary commission of a district that adds an incoming member county consists of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The sanitary commissioners in office before the admission of the incoming county; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>At least one sanitary commissioner from the incoming county.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A sanitary commissioner of a multiple county district shall be a resident of the member county from which the sanitary commissioner is appointed.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If a member county withdraws from a district, the term of each sanitary commissioner who was appointed from that county ends when the withdrawal is effective.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Except for the term of the first sanitary commissioner who represents each incoming county admitted to a district, the term of a sanitary commissioner in a multiple county district is the lesser of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>6 years; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The term provided in the articles of incorporation of the district.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The term of the first sanitary commissioner from an incoming county admitted to a district is 6 years.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The terms of sanitary commissioners in a multiple county district are staggered as required by the articles of incorporation of the district.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>At the end of a term, a sanitary commissioner in a multiple county district continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A sanitary commissioner in a multiple county district who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and as required by the articles of incorporation of the district.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-624" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>From among its sanitary commissioners, each sanitary commission shall elect a chairman who is the chief executive officer of the district.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In Somerset County, from among the sanitary commissioners, the commission shall elect a vice chairman.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Each sanitary commission shall appoint a secretary-treasurer.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>In a single county district, a sanitary commissioner may not hold any other office of the county.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-625" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>Unless the bylaws of the district require a larger number, a majority of the full authorized membership of the sanitary commission is a quorum.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each sanitary commissioner is entitled to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Compensation as approved and paid by the governing body of the member county from which appointed; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Reimbursement for expenses as provided in the district’s budget.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-626" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>The secretary–treasurer of the sanitary commission shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Collect all charges and assessments made by the district;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Receive all money payable to the district; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Account to the sanitary commission for all money received.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>To protect the funds of the district, the secretary–treasurer shall give bond to this State in accordance with this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The amount of and surety on the bond shall be approved by the sanitary commissioners.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The bond shall include the following condition:</text> <text>“That if .........., secretary–treasurer of the .......... District, shall well and faithfully execute the office of secretary–treasurer and shall account to the sanitary commission of the .......... District for all moneys which the secretary–treasurer receives for the sanitary commission of the .......... District, or is answerable for by law, then the obligation of this bond is void, otherwise to be in full force.”</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>After the bond has been approved by the sanitary commissioners, the secretary–treasurer shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Take, before the clerk of the circuit court for a member county, the oath of office required by Article I, § 9 of the Maryland Constitution; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>File the bond with the State Comptroller.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The sanitary commission may pay the premium on a bond given under this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-627" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to the powers set forth elsewhere in this subtitle, a sanitary commission may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Determine the number of other officers, agents, and employees of the district; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Determine the powers, duties, and compensation of other officers, agents, and employees of the district.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A sanitary commission may appoint a sanitary commissioner to any office of the district, set the compensation for that office, and require that the compensation be paid by the member county represented by that sanitary commissioner.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-628" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to the other powers to make advances set forth in this subtitle, the governing body of a member county may make advances to a district in accordance with this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The advances shall be for the purpose of meeting the necessary operating and overhead expenses of the district from the time the district is created until it can receive funds that may be used to pay these expenses.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The advances shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Paid from the general funds of the member county; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In the amount that the governing body of the member county considers necessary.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The district shall repay the advances to the member county in accordance with the terms imposed by the governing body of the member county making the advances.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The governing body of the member county may not require the district to repay the advances before the time the district is allowed to impose minimum charges and usage charges under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The district may repay the advances to the member county before the time required under paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The district may repay the advances to the member county out of any funds whose use is not restricted but that are available to the district.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-629" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>The County Commissioners of Allegany County may exercise jurisdiction over the county sanitary commission, as created under this Part III.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The County Commissioners of Garrett County shall govern the district in Garrett County.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-632" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>For the purposes of carrying out this subtitle, each district has, in addition to the powers provided elsewhere in this subtitle, the powers set forth in Part IV of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, a district has all of the powers, privileges, and immunities granted to Maryland corporations under the Maryland General Corporation Law.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-633" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to the provisions of this section, a district may acquire rights in land or water rights by exercise of the right of eminent domain as set forth in Title 12 of the Real Property Article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A district’s power of eminent domain does not extend to an interest in real property that is owned by a county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision unless the governing body of that county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision consents.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A district’s power of eminent domain does not extend to a privately owned and operated water system, sewerage system, or solid waste acceptance facility unless:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The owners and operators of the system or facility consent;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The system of a facility is not being operated or maintained as required by law; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The system is needed as an integral part of a service area.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>After complying with this subsection and no sooner than 10 days after judgment has been entered in the condemnation proceedings, the district may take any property that has been condemned under this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Before taking the property, the district shall pay to the court the amount of the award and costs taxed to date.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-634" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <text>A district may combine the operations or finances of any combination of projects.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-635" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>“Contracting party” means the other party to a contract made by a district under this section.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Contracting party” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A person;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A county of this State or any other state;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A municipal corporation of this State or any other state;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>This State or any other state;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The United States;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Any instrumentality of this State, any other state, or the United States; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Another district of this State or any other state.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Contracting party’s system” means any of the following systems owned or operated by a contracting party:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A sewerage system.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A solid waste acceptance facility.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A solid waste disposal system.</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A water system.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If its sanitary commission approves, a district may make a contract with a contracting party:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To buy services from the contracting party’s system;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To use the facilities of the contracting party’s system; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>To allow a contracting party or its customers to use the services or facilities of the district.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Any contract made under this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall require that the fees, rates, or charges collected under the contract be sufficient to pay the obligations of the contracting party; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May allow a contracting party to collect from its customers the fees, rates, or charges due under the contract.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A contract made under this section is for the benefit of holders of the district’s bonds.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-636" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <text>On the terms that the sanitary commission approves, a district may contract with any person, county, municipal corporation, adjoining state, or public authority or district of this State or an adjoining state, for the construction or operation of a water system, sewerage system, solid waste disposal system, or solid waste acceptance facility in this State or the adjoining state.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-637" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “public way” means any public street, public road, public alley, or public highway.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In accordance with this section, a district may enter or excavate on any public way to install, maintain, or operate a project.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The district is not required to obtain a permit or to pay a fee for an entry or excavation under this section.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Before beginning work under this section, the district shall notify the public authority responsible for the public way.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>After completing the work under this section, the district, at its own expense, shall restore the public way to a condition at least as good as the condition that existed immediately before the work began.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-638" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <text>In accordance with this subtitle and the terms of the grant or gift, a district may accept a grant or gift to carry out the purposes of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-639" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this section, the powers of a district continue as to any territory of the district that is annexed by a municipality or by a county that is not a member county.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The continuation of powers under this section expires when each contract, obligation, bond, and indebtedness of the district, for which the district was liable at the time of annexation, is extinguished.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-640" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “governmental agency” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The federal government;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This State; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An agency or instrumentality of the federal government or this State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A district may borrow from a governmental agency the amount of money that the sanitary commission considers necessary to pay the organization and planning costs for a project or a service area, including costs for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Engineering services;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Legal services;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Estimates of costs;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Estimates of revenue;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Plans or specifications; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Surveys.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A district may not pay interest on money borrowed from a governmental agency under this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a district borrows from a governmental agency under this section, the district shall repay the lending governmental agency:</text> <level label="i"> <text>When work begins on the water system or sewerage system for which the borrowing was made; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Only from funds or bond revenues that, under this subtitle, relate to the project.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-641" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>If the governing body of each member county that has territory in the service area of the project approves, a district may borrow money and pay interest to provide interim financing for a project.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Borrowing under this section may not be for a period of more than 5 years.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Each member county that approves a borrowing under this subsection shall guarantee payment of the principal and interest in the same way that a county makes guarantees under Part VIII of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-642" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>Each district shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Keep complete and accurate records of its receipts, expenses, and expenditures; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Employ a certified public accountant to conduct a detailed audit of these records.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Each district shall make available for public inspection the district’s financial statement and the detailed audit.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At the district’s principal office and during normal business hours, any person may inspect the financial statement and the detailed audit.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Each year, each district shall give the governing body of each member county a certified copy of the financial statement and the detailed audit.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The governing body of any member county, at any time, may examine the books and records of the district.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The examination by the governing body of a member county under this subsection shall be without cost to the district.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-643" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <text>A district may not construct, improve, operate, or extend any project that would duplicate or compete with any utility that is similar to a project and serves substantially the same purposes, unless:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The utility is a privately owned water system or sewerage system; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The sanitary commission finds that the utility is unfit for incorporation into the district’s system.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-644" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>A county that has created a district may not create a new district that would serve territory served by an existing district.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Unless, by ordinance or resolution, every other member county of each district of which the member county is already a member approves, a member county may not join or create another district.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-647" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>As provided in this part, the sanitary commission and the governing bodies of the member counties of a district may create or change service areas in the district.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, in considering a proposed service area, the sanitary commission and the governing bodies of the member counties may not create or change a service area unless they find that the creation or change:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is necessary for the existing and future health, safety, and welfare of the public in general; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is feasible financially and from an engineering standpoint.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The governing bodies of the member counties of a district:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May authorize the district to retain expert engineering services to develop a plan for the creation of service areas in the district; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall pay from the general funds of the member counties the cost of all engineering services obtained under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>In Allegany County, the boundaries of an existing service area may be changed to reduce the area included in the service area if the Sanitary Commission and the governing body of Allegany County make the findings specified in subsection (b) of this section and also find that the change in the boundaries of the service area would:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Exclude only properties which are not served by any project benefiting the service area or which the Sanitary Commission finds and determines will not be served within 2 years after the latter of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The date on which the construction is completed for any project then under construction for the service area; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The date on which the Sanitary Commission adopts a resolution to change the boundaries of the service area; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Not cause the outstanding principal balance of bonds issued for the service area to exceed 25 percent of the total value of property, as assessed for county taxation, in the service area, as proposed to be reduced, on the date on which the Sanitary Commission adopts the resolution to change the boundaries of the service area.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>In Worcester County, in considering a proposed service area, the Sanitary Commission and the governing body of Worcester County may not create or change a service area unless they find that the creation or change:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is necessary for the existing or future health, safety, and welfare of the public in general; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is feasible financially and from an engineering standpoint.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-648" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>Each sanitary commission may adopt a resolution that proposes to create a service area or to change the boundaries of an existing service area. The resolution shall refer to a plat of the member counties that clearly shows the boundary lines of the proposed service area.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The governing body of each member county shall hold a public hearing to consider the proposed service area or boundary change.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At least 10 days before the hearing required under this subsection, notice of the hearing shall be published in each member county in at least 1 newspaper of general circulation in the member county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If the governing body of each member county approves the proposed creation of a service area or the proposed boundary change, a copy of the plat and the resolution required under subsection (a) of this section shall be recorded among the land records of each member county.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The sanitary commission shall give each service area to be created under this section a distinctive name.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A service area is created when the requirements of this section have been met.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Each service area created under this section is a separate taxing district.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>A change in the boundaries of an existing service area does not affect any outstanding bond issued with respect to the existing service area.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-649" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not authorize the creation of a service area that includes territory in another service area.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the required number of property owners sign a petition that requests the creation of a service area in a district, the sanitary commission shall review the petition.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The required number of petitioning property owners is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>In Dorchester County, the lesser of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>25 percent of the property owners in the proposed service area; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>25 property owners in the proposed service area; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In any other member county, 25 property owners in the proposed service area.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The petition:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall include a definite statement of the boundaries of the proposed service area;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May request that the proposed service area be designated as a new service area; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the proposed service area is contiguous to an existing service area, may request that the existing service area be extended to include the proposed service area.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>If the sanitary commission approves the petition, the sanitary commission may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Obtain a preliminary engineering survey that describes the feasibility and probable costs of providing to the service area the services that a district can provide under this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Submit the approved petition to the governing body of each member county of the proposed service area for consideration by that governing body.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>If the sanitary commission disapproves the petition or does not obtain an engineering survey, the sanitary commission shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Notify each petitioner by mail of the sanitary commission’s action; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Include in the notice an estimate of the cost of obtaining the engineering survey.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>If the sanitary commission does not get an engineering survey, the sanitary commission may not take further action on the petition unless the petitioners pay to the district the estimated cost of the engineering survey.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>If the petitioners pay the estimated cost of the engineering survey, the sanitary commission shall obtain the engineering survey in accordance with this section.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>If the petitioners pay the cost of a survey under this section and if a service area later is created or changed under this section, the sanitary commission shall repay to the petitioners the survey costs incurred by the petitioners.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>When the preliminary engineering survey is complete and after giving notice in accordance with this section, the sanitary commission shall hold a public hearing to consider the petition.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <level label="1"> <text>For at least 3 weeks before the hearing, notice of the hearing shall be published in each member county once a week in at least 1 newspaper of general circulation in the county.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The notice shall include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A description of the proposed service area; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The time and place of the hearing.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="l"> <text>At the hearing, the sanitary commission shall provide a report of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The latest estimate of the cost of creating the proposed service area;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The latest estimate of the cost of providing facilities in the proposed service area; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>How much of the cost will be funded by issuing bonds under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="m"> <text>In deciding on a petition presented under this section, the sanitary commission shall consider:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The standards required under § 9-647 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Whether granting the petition would require a bond issuance that is excessive under subsection (n) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="n"> <text>A bond issuance is excessive if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The bond issuance is for funding a proposed service area; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>After the bond issuance, the unamortized balance of bonds issued for the proposed service area would exceed 25 percent of the total value of property in the service area, as assessed for county taxation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="o"> <text>The sanitary commission shall deny the petition if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Granting the petition would violate the standards of § 9-647 of this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Granting the petition would require a bond issuance that is excessive under subsection (n) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="p"> <text>The sanitary commission shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Issue an order that denies, grants, or modifies the petition; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Publish its order in each member county where the proposed service area is located in at least 1 newspaper of general circulation in the county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="q"> <level label="1"> <text>The governing bodies of the member counties in the proposed service area shall review the order of the sanitary commission, if at least 10 individuals who own property in and reside in the proposed service area request a review of the order within 10 days after notice of the sanitary commission’s order is published.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>After due notice, the governing bodies of the member counties at a hearing shall consider de novo the factors that the sanitary commission was required to consider.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>After the hearing, the governing bodies of the member counties may affirm or reverse the order of the sanitary commission.</text> </level> </level> <level label="r"> <level label="1"> <text>When a proposed service area is approved finally under this section, the sanitary commission shall file plats of the service area:</text> <level label="i"> <text>In the office of the sanitary commission;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>With the governing body of each county in which any part of the service area lies; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>With the clerk of the circuit court for each county in which any part of the service area lies for filing in a plat book among the land records.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The plats required under this subsection shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Be made under the supervision of the sanitary commission’s engineers;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Show the boundaries of the service area; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>In the case of the plat filed among the land records, be indexed in the records in the names of the district and the service area.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="s"> <text>If a service area created under this section is a new service area, the sanitary commission shall give the service area a distinctive name.</text> </level> <level label="t"> <text>A service area is created when the requirements of this section have been met.</text> </level> <level label="u"> <text>Each service area created under this section is a separate taxing district.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-650" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to the power to make any other advances under this subtitle, the governing body of a member county may advance to a district the funds necessary to organize and to meet the preliminary expenses of a service area or a proposed service area.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The district shall repay advances made under this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If a bond issue is made for the service area for which advances were made under this section, the district shall repay any outstanding advances to the member county from the proceeds of the first bond issue.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-651" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>If consolidating administrative matters of service areas will not impair any bond obligation incurred by a district under this subtitle, the district may consolidate the administrative matters of service areas in accordance with this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the action promotes efficient operation of the service areas, a district may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Consolidate the operational, engineering, and financial functions of service areas;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Allocate costs among service areas; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If this subtitle does not commit the funds for a specific purpose, combine funds of service areas.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-652" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>After a service area has been created under § 9-648 or § 9-649 of this subtitle, the sanitary commission may obtain further surveys, plans, specifications, and estimates that relate to possible projects in a service area.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The sanitary commission may create, within a service area:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Water service subareas;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Sewerage service subareas; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Solid waste disposal subareas.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In creating a service subarea under this subsection, the sanitary commission shall consider whether that creation:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Best serves the needs of the communities in the whole service area; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Promotes convenience and economy of installation and operation of projects in the whole service area.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>When a plan for a proposed project is complete or when the sanitary commission proposes to create service subareas, the sanitary commission shall give notice and hold a public hearing at which time any individual will be given an opportunity to be heard in accordance with this section.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The hearing shall be held within 5 days of the last date that notice of the hearing is published under subsection (f) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>For 3 consecutive weeks before the hearing, the sanitary commission shall publish notice of the hearing in at least 1 newspaper of general circulation in each member county in which the proposed project or service subarea is to be located.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The notice shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The probable cost, based on the latest available estimates, of the proposed project or subarea;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A statement that the plans for the proposed project or subarea may be inspected at the office of the sanitary commission; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A statement that any individual interested in the proposed project or subarea will be heard at the hearing.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>A statement of probable cost included in a notice under this section does not require that the actual cost be the same.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>After the hearing, the sanitary commission shall issue a decision on the proposal.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>On receipt of a proper petition that protests the proposal, the sanitary commission shall hold a second hearing and give notice of that hearing.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>A petition for a second hearing by the sanitary commission shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be signed by at least 25 resident landowners who would be served by the proposed project or who reside in the proposed service subarea;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Be filed with the sanitary commission within 10 days after the sanitary commission issues a decision under subsection (i) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>State the objections of the petitioners.</text> </level> </level> <level label="l"> <text>If a proper petition for a second hearing is filed with the sanitary commission, the sanitary commission shall hold a second hearing, if any, within 15 days after the petition is filed.</text> </level> <level label="m"> <text>The sanitary commission shall give notice of the second hearing, if any, by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Mailing the notice to at least 1 petitioner; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Publishing a notice of the time and place of the hearing, at least 5 days before the second hearing, in at least 1 newspaper of general circulation in each county where the proposed project or service subarea is to be located.</text> </level> </level> <level label="n"> <text>After the second hearing, if any, the sanitary commission shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>By majority vote of the sanitary commissioners, determine whether the petitioner’s objections are reasonable; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Issue a written order that decides the issue.</text> </level> </level> <level label="o"> <text>The sanitary commission shall give notice of its order after any second hearing under this section by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Mailing the order to at least 1 petitioner; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Publishing the order in at least 1 newspaper of general circulation in each member county where the proposed project or service subarea is to be located.</text> </level> </level> <level label="p"> <text>Persons aggrieved by the decision of the sanitary commission following a second hearing under this section may appeal to the member counties in accordance with this section.</text> </level> <level label="q"> <text>An appeal to the member counties may be made under this section if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The appeal is signed by at least 20 of the petitioners for a second hearing before the sanitary commission; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Within 10 days after notice of the sanitary commission’s decision after the second hearing is published under this section, the appeal is filed with the governing body of each member county where the proposed project or service subarea is to be located.</text> </level> </level> <level label="r"> <text>The governing body of each member county of the proposed project or service subarea shall hear the appeal from the second hearing.</text> </level> <level label="s"> <text>After an appeal under this section, the proposed project or service subarea may not be established unless the governing body of each member county affirms the proposed project or service subarea.</text> </level> <level label="t"> <text>The decision of the governing bodies of the member counties is final.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-655" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>After the hearing processes required in § 9-648 or § 9-649 of this subtitle are complete, a sanitary district may begin construction on a project that has been approved under either of those sections.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The sanitary commission shall follow the bid solicitation procedure of this section for any construction work on the project, unless the cost will be $5,000 or less.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The sanitary commission may solicit bids for all or part of the project for which bids are sought.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Whenever the sanitary commission solicits bids under this section for construction contracts, the sanitary commission shall advertise the solicitation in each member county in at least 1 newspaper of general circulation in the county.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>In addition to the advertising required by subsection (d) of this section, the sanitary commission may advertise the solicitation in other newspapers or technical journals.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>If the sanitary commission awards a contract in response to bids received under this section, the sanitary commission shall award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>If the sanitary commission determines that the prices quoted in any bid are unreasonable or unbalanced, it may reject the bid.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>If the sanitary commission rejects all the bids, the sanitary commission may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Readvertise; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Do the project or any part of it with its own temporary or permanent employees.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>The sanitary commission may include in the contract additional conditions and requirements for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Performance bonds;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Penalties; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Liquidated damages.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-656" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>To pay the principal and interest on bonds issued under this subtitle, a sanitary commission may set reasonable benefit assessments and reasonable connection charges.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In Allegany County, a sanitary commission may also set reasonable benefit assessments to pay the cost of capital improvements to a water or sewerage system.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Sanitary Commission of Worcester County may also set reasonable benefit assessments and reasonable connection charges to pay other costs on bonds issued under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>In Dorchester County, a sanitary commission may also set reasonable benefit assessments to pay the cost of capital improvements and repairs to a water or sewerage system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Except for Worcester County, a connection charge made under this section shall be equal at least to the cost of making the connection between a water system or sewerage system and the property served by that system.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In Worcester County, a connection charge shall be equal at least to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The actual cost of making the connection between a water system or sewerage system and the property served by the system; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The average cost of making a connection based on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The diameter and the length of the connector; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The diameter of the connector and the width of the way in which the water pipe or sewer pipe is laid.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In the case of connectors constructed under § 9-661 of this subtitle during construction of the water line or sewer line, the Sanitary Commission of Worcester County shall determine a connection charge under paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection that is the same on each side of the way in which the line is laid.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Sanitary Commission may set benefit assessments on all property, improved or unimproved, that abuts a way in which a water main or sewer has been built.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-657" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>The sanitary commission shall classify each parcel of property on which it may make a benefit assessment as:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Agricultural;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Business or industrial;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Small acreage;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Subdivision; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A subclass of any of those classes.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The sanitary commission may change the classification of a parcel of property when the use of that parcel justifies its classification in another class or subclass.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, the sanitary commission shall assess property:</text> <level label="1"> <text>On a front-foot basis; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Under uniform rules and regulations adopted for the district and approved by the member counties.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this section, the sanitary commission shall make front-foot assessments that, each year, are as uniform as is reasonable and practical for each class or subclass of property in each service area.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Unless the parcel has an irregular shape, the sanitary commission shall determine the front-foot assessment for each parcel on the basis of the length of the parcel along the way in which the water pipe or sewer pipe is laid.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If a parcel has an irregular shape, the sanitary commission shall determine the front-foot assessment in a fair and reasonable manner.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>As to a parcel classified as agricultural:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The sanitary commission may not make a front-foot assessment until a water or sewer connection is made to the parcel; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>When the water or sewer connection is made, the sanitary commission may not compute a front-foot assessment on the parcel for more than 300 feet of frontage.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>As to a parcel classified as subdivision:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Even if the water pipe or sewer pipe does not extend along the entire frontage of the parcel, the sanitary commission may make a front-foot assessment;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Unless the parcel abuts parallel streets, the sanitary commission may not make a front-foot assessment for more than 1 side of the parcel; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the parcel is on a corner, the sanitary commission may average the frontage of the parcel and determine the front-foot assessment for the parcel in a fair and reasonable manner.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The sanitary commission may make for a parcel a front-foot assessment that is less than the assessment levied on other parcels in the service area, if the parcel is served by a system:</text> <level label="1"> <text>That is acquired by the sanitary commission;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>That was not a municipal system; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Whose cost to the sanitary commission was affected by the fact that the construction costs of the system were any part of the purchase price of the parcels serviced by the system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>To acquire revenues needed to carry out the purposes of this section, the sanitary commission may change the front-foot assessment for each class and subclass of property.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection “Bonnie Brook Service Area” includes the Bonnie Brook Sanitary District.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In the Bonnie Brook Service Area, in order to make capital improvements and repairs or to establish a reserve for capital improvements and repairs, the Dorchester County Sanitary Commission may make a uniform assessment on each lot that abuts on a way in which a water main is laid.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An assessment under this subsection is in addition to any charges made under § 9-662 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>An assessment under this section shall be based on a flat fee for each lot under uniform rules and regulations approved by the Dorchester County Commissioners.</text> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “service area number 1” includes sanitary district number one.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In service area number 1, the Dorchester County Sanitary Commission shall impose, on each parcel that abuts any way in which a sewer is built, a benefit assessment of at least $50.</text> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <text>The sanitary commission shall give to the owner of each parcel of property written notice of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The class and subclass of the parcel;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a front-foot assessment method is used, the number of feet assessed and the assessment for each foot;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If a method other than front-foot assessment is used, the assessment made on the parcel; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The time and place of the hearing to which the owner is entitled under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="l"> <text>The sanitary commission shall serve the owner with the notice by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Mailing the notice to the last known address of the owner;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Leaving the notice with an adult who occupies the parcel; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Posting a copy of the notice on the parcel, if the parcel is vacant or unimproved.</text> </level> </level> <level label="m"> <text>Subject to a hearing under subsection (n) of this section, a decision of the sanitary commission as to a classification or a benefit assessment is final.</text> </level> <level label="n"> <text>The sanitary commission:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall give each property owner an opportunity for a hearing before the sanitary commission;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall hold the hearing in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>After the hearing, may adjust a classification or benefit assessment as appropriate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="o"> <text>A benefit assessment shall be paid each year for a period of years that is coextensive with the maturity date of the bonds that financed the construction that was the subject of the benefit assessment.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-658" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>When the sanitary commission has determined a benefit assessment, and except as otherwise provided in this section, the sanitary commission shall levy a benefit assessment, so that the levy will be effective on the July 1 that next follows the first March 31 that occurs on or before which the construction is completed on the project for which the benefit assessment is made.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Allegany County Sanitary Commission may make the levy of a benefit assessment effective on the date on which the construction is completed on the project for which the benefit assessment is made.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Allegany County Sanitary Commission makes a levy on the date on which the construction is completed, it shall prorate the levy on the basis of the benefit assessment for an entire year and the time remaining until July 1.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Dorchester County Sanitary Commission may make the levy of a benefit assessment effective on the date on which:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The construction is substantially completed; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The system is in use for the project for which the benefit assessment is made.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Dorchester County Sanitary Commission makes a levy on the date on which the construction is substantially completed or when the system is in use, it shall prorate the levy on the basis of the benefit assessment for an entire year and the time remaining until July 1.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>While unpaid, benefit assessments and other charges are a lien on the parcel for which made.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The lien granted by this section is subordinate only to State taxes and municipal taxes.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>As to each lien that arises against a parcel in the district, the sanitary commission shall keep a public record that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Identifies the owners of the parcel;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Describes the parcel and gives any lot number of record that applies to the parcel; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Shows the amount of the lien.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The sanitary commission shall file the record of liens among the land records of the county where the parcel is located.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The record of liens shall be legal notice of all existing liens in the district.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>To enforce the collection of unpaid benefit assessments or other charges that are at least 60 days overdue, the sanitary commission, at any time, may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Sue any person who was an owner of record of the parcel at any time since the benefit assessment was last paid; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>File a bill in equity to enforce a lien through a decree of sale of property against any person who was an owner of record of the parcel at any time since the benefit assessment was last paid.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In addition to the actions that the sanitary commission may take under paragraph (1) of this subsection, in Allegany County, Dorchester County, Garrett County, and Somerset County, the sanitary commission may disconnect the service.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>When recorded, the lien is legal notice to any person who has any interest in a parcel.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>The governing body of Kent County may authorize by local law the sale of real property to enforce a lien based on unpaid benefit assessments or other charges under this subtitle. The procedures for establishment, notification, and enforcement of a lien authorized by the governing body in accordance with this subsection shall conform to the provisions of Chapter 152 of the Code of Kent County, governing collection of real property taxes in arrears.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the sale of real property is authorized under paragraph (1) of this subsection, in addition to any remedy under subsection (g) of this section, the sanitary commission may request that the county tax collector conduct a sale of real property to enforce a lien at a county tax sale in accordance with the same procedures governing the sale of property for delinquent property taxes and the county tax collector may conduct the sale.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>In addition to any remedy under subsection (g) of this section, in Allegany County, Dorchester County, and Somerset County, the sanitary commission may request the county tax collector to conduct a sale of real property to enforce a lien representing any unpaid benefit assessment or other charges under this subtitle at a county tax sale in accordance with the same procedures governing the sale of property for delinquent property taxes.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In Allegany County, the tax collector in Allegany County may conduct a county tax sale for the purpose of enforcing a lien as specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In Dorchester County, the tax collector in Dorchester County may conduct a county tax sale for the purpose of enforcing a lien as specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>In Somerset County, the tax collector in Somerset County may conduct a county tax sale for the purpose of enforcing a lien as specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-659" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The sanitary commission shall connect the water system or sewerage system to any parcel:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Whose owner requests the connection;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>That does not abut a way in which a water pipe or sewer pipe is laid; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>That is not the subject of a benefit assessment levied under § 9–657 or § 9–658 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>However, the Sanitary Commission of Worcester County may also construct or permit the construction of a connector to any parcel described under paragraph (1) at a time and in a manner that it determines to be appropriate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The sanitary commission shall classify the parcel and determine a front–foot charge on the parcel as if the parcel abutted on a way in which a water pipe or sewer pipe is laid.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>When a connection is made under this section, the owner of the parcel has the same rights and duties and the district has the same remedies as to the benefit assessment that apply to benefit assessments under §§ 9–657 and 9–658 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Payment of a benefit assessment made under this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is due when levied by the sanitary commission;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is in default 60 days after the payment is due; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>When in default, bears interest from the date of default:</text> <level label="i"> <text>In Allegany and Somerset counties, at the rate set by the respective Sanitary Commission; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In all other counties, at the rate of 0.5 percent a month.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-660" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “district account” means the account maintained by a sanitary commission in accordance with this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A sanitary commission shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Maintain a district account; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Credit to the district account all proceeds from the benefit assessments levied under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The sanitary commission shall use funds in the district account to pay the principal and interest on the bonds for which the benefit assessment was levied.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-661" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>During construction of a water line or a sewer line, the sanitary commission, at its own expense, shall construct a connector to the property line of each parcel that abuts the way in which the water line or sewer line is laid.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>However, the Sanitary Commission of Worcester County may determine not to construct a connector to any parcel that lacks a plumbing system at the time of construction of the line. At a time and in a manner that it determines to be appropriate, the Sanitary Commission of Worcester County shall construct or permit the construction of a connector to any parcel:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Whose owner requests the connection subsequent to the construction of the water line or sewer line; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>That abuts the way in which the line is laid.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>When construction on the water line or sewer line is complete, the sanitary commission shall notify each abutting property owner of the completion.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On receipt of the notice of completion, and by a time set by the sanitary commission, each owner of abutting property shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Pay the connection charge determined under this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Make appropriate connections of the plumbing system on the property to the connector constructed by the sanitary commission.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Any plumbing system of each parcel of abutting property that is to be served shall include at least:</text> <level label="1"> <text>1 toilet that the sanitary commission approves; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>1 washbasin that the sanitary commission approves.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>When the plumbing system of the property has been connected to the connector constructed by the sanitary commission, the owner of the property shall disconnect, as appropriate, each cesspool, sink drain, and privy on the property so that the disconnected component is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Closed;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Abandoned; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In a sanitary condition so that no odor or nuisance can arise from it.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Except for the Sanitary Commission of Worcester County, a sanitary commission shall determine a connection charge that is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>At least equal to the actual cost to the district of constructing the connector;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Based on the length of the connector and width of the way in which the water pipe or sewer pipe is laid; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The same on each side of the way.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Sanitary Commission of Worcester County shall determine connection charges as provided under § 9-656(b)(2)(ii) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>Except for the Sanitary Commission of Worcester County, if the connection charges collected under this section are more than the cost of the connections made, a sanitary commission shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Keep the excess revenues in a special fund; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Use the fund only for repairs, replacement, and extraordinary expenses of the water system or sewer system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In Worcester County, if the connection charges are more than the cost of the connections made, the Sanitary Commission shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Keep the excess revenues in a special fund;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Use the fund for repairs, replacement, and extraordinary expenses of the water system or sewer system; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Use the fund for any other purpose relating to the operation of the service area to which the fund relates.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-662" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>For each project that it operates, a district may charge the owners of parcels serviced by or connected to the project:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A minimum charge; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A usage charge that is based on the use of the project by the owner of the parcel.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The district shall use funds received from charges made under this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To operate, maintain, and repair the project;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To maintain proper depreciation allowances;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>To pay operation expenses of the district;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>To repay advances made by member counties under § 9–628 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>To pay the principal and interest on bonds issued under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>For water service, the sanitary commission:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall make a minimum charge:</text> <level label="i"> <text>That is based on the size of the meter serving the property and is uniform throughout the service area for each size of meter; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>That, for properties to which no meter is connected, is reasonable and uniform throughout the service area; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to the meter size and uniformity requirements of this subsection, may change the minimum charge as necessary.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>For sewerage service, the sanitary commission shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Make a minimum charge that is reasonable and uniform throughout the service area; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Collect, each year, the minimum charge in the same manner as the sanitary commission collects benefit assessments.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>If a minimum charge for sewerage service is unpaid, the minimum charge has the same status as an unpaid benefit assessment.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>For solid waste disposal systems, the sanitary commission shall make a minimum charge that is reasonable and uniform throughout the service area.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>If the sanitary commission uses a water meter, the sanitary commission shall connect the water meter at the sanitary commission’s expense.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>For water usage, the sanitary commission shall make a charge that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is based on meter readings; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If no water meter is connected to the property, is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Based on the estimated water usage; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Uniform among unmetered properties in the service area.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>For sewerage systems and solid waste disposal systems, the sanitary commission shall make a reasonable usage charge.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>Except for bills for minimum charges for sewerage services, the sanitary commission:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall send to each property owner:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For water service, a bill for minimum charges and usage charges for water once each 3 or 6 months; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For other charges, a bill once each 3, 6, or 12 months; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May stagger the frequency and dates of bills sent under this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <text>The property owner promptly shall pay any bill sent under this section.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <text>If a water bill is unpaid for 30 days after being sent, and after written notice is left on the premises or mailed to the last known address of the owner, the sanitary commission may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Disconnect water service to the property; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Require, before reconnecting water service, payment of the entire water bill plus a reconnection charge reasonably related to the cost of reconnection, as established by ordinance of the governing body of the county or municipal corporation in which the water service is provided.</text> </level> </level> <level label="m"> <level label="1"> <text>If a charge for which a bill sent under this section is in default 60 days after the bill is sent, the charge is in default.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>When a charge is in default, it is a lien on the property and the sanitary commission may collect the charge in the same manner as benefit assessments.</text> </level> </level> <level label="n"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection applies only in Dorchester County and Somerset County.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provisions of law:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A district may charge an owner of a parcel serviced by or connected to a project that the district operates a late fee for any unpaid usage charge that is based on the use of the project by the owner of the parcel;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A sanitary commission may require, before reconnecting water service, payment of any applicable late fees in addition to any other charge authorized by this section; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A charge that is in default shall accrue interest from the date of default at a rate set by the sanitary commission.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="o"> <text>In Garrett County, notwithstanding any other provisions of law:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The district may charge an owner of a parcel serviced by or connected to a project that the district operates a late fee for any unpaid usage charge that is based on the use of the project by the owner of the parcel;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The County Commissioners of Garrett County may require, before reconnecting water service, payment of any applicable late fees in addition to any other charge authorized by this section; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A charge that is in default shall accrue interest from the date of default at a rate set by the County Commissioners.</text> </level> </level> <level label="p"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection applies only to property subject to a condominium regime established under Title 11 of the Real Property Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Notwithstanding any other law, if the sanitary commission directly bills the governing body of a condominium or a person designated by the governing body of a condominium for water or sewer usage charges for all or a portion of the units in a condominium property, and a charge is in default for at least 60 days, the sanitary commission shall post notice conspicuously at or near the entry to the common area of the condominium.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The sanitary commission may enter onto the common area of a condominium property at a reasonable time to post the notice required under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-663" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>A sanitary commission:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall control the use of water in its district; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Has jurisdiction over each fire hydrant connected to a system operated by the district.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If a sanitary commission determines that there is a shortage of water or that the supply of water should be conserved, the sanitary commission may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Issue an order that requires the conservation of water; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Include in the order specific requirements for conserving water use.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The sanitary commission shall publish the order in a newspaper published in each member county covered by the order.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Each water user shall obey the order of the sanitary commission, effective with the earlier of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The first publication of the order; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Receipt of the order from the sanitary commission.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Without notice, the sanitary commission may disconnect the water supply of any person who violates the order.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>To prevent waste of water, a representative of a sanitary commission at any reasonable time may enter any property connected to a system operated by the district and inspect the plumbing system on the property.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On entering any property, the representative of the sanitary commission shall present appropriate credentials to the owner, operator, or agent in charge.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>After the inspection, the representative of the sanitary commission may order necessary changes to the plumbing system:</text> <level label="i"> <text>To eliminate leaks;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>To prevent water loss; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>To prevent unnecessary or improper use of sewers.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-664" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>An independent system may be constructed in accordance with this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>By a member county at its own expense; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>By and at the expense of the owners of property that will be served by the independent system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person or member county may construct an independent system only if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The independent system will serve an area that is not served by a project or a municipal system; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The sanitary commission approves.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The person or member county that proposes to construct the independent system shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Submit to the sanitary commission plans and specifications for construction of the independent system; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the sanitary commission approves the plans and specifications, construct the independent system in accordance with the approved plans and specifications.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Each independent system shall be operated:</text> <level label="1"> <text>At the expense of the person or county that constructs it; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Under the general supervision of the sanitary commission.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The person or county that constructs an independent system shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Keep accurate records of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The construction of the independent system;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The operation of the independent system; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The cost of building and operating the independent system; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>File copies of the records with the sanitary commission.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-665" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In accordance with this section, a district may buy an existing municipal system or independent system.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The purchase may be on any terms that are:</text> <level label="i"> <text>In accordance with this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Agreed on by the sanitary commission and the owner of the municipal system or independent system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>In Worcester County, notwithstanding any other provision of this article or any regulation adopted under this article, an agreement to purchase an independent system may include long-term commitments by the Sanitary Commission of Worcester County or the County Commissioners of Worcester County to provide water and sewer service to, and maintain appropriate zoning, development, permits, and other land use regulations for, land within the previous franchise area of the independent system at any terms and conditions that the Sanitary Commission or the County Commissioners determines to be appropriate.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For the purposes of this paragraph (3) of this subsection, the County Commissioners of Worcester County may make long-term commitments concerning zoning, development, permits, or other land use regulations. Also, the Sanitary Commission of Worcester County may make long-term commitments to provide for water or sewer service.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except for a nominal amount to bind the agreement, before the district pays any part of the purchase price, the seller of the municipal system or independent system shall provide the sanitary commission with a verified written statement that gives the name and address of each person who has any interest in, or claim against, any property of the municipal system or independent system.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>By personal delivery or by certified mail, return receipt requested, bearing a postmark from the United States Postal Service, the sanitary commission shall give notice of its intention to buy the system to each person named in the verified statement provided under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At least 3 weeks before a purchase is made under this section, the sanitary commission shall publish, in each member county where the system to be bought is located, a notice of its intention to buy a system. The notice shall be published in each member county in at least 1 newspaper of general circulation in the county.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In each notice delivered, mailed, or published under this subsection, the sanitary commission shall include a date on which the sanitary commission will hear persons who have an interest in or claim against any property of the municipal system or independent system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>On or before the date specified in the notice, each person who has a claim against any property of a municipal system or independent system shall file with the sanitary commission notice of that claim.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>On the date specified in the notice, the sanitary commission shall hold a hearing to determine the claim of any person who has filed a notice of claim with the sanitary commission.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The sanitary commission’s decision on the claim is final.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>By exercise of the power of eminent domain as provided in Title 12 of the Real Property Article, the district may acquire rights in an independent system if the owner of the independent system:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Has rejected an offer made under this section; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Has not accepted, within 90 days of the offer, an offer made under this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The district may not acquire a municipal system under the power of eminent domain.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>When the district has paid the purchase price or condemnation award:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The rights of the district with respect to the acquired system are the same as if the district had itself built that system; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, all parcels of property served by the acquired system are subject to the provisions of this subtitle as if the district had itself built the system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person whose parcel was connected properly to a municipal system or independent system at the time the district acquired that system is not required to pay a connection charge to the district for connection to that parcel.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>A municipality may use funds received from the district under this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To redeem, buy, or pay the principal and interest on bonds issued for the municipal system; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To pay any other debt outstanding against the municipal system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>This section does not authorize the acquisition of any part of a municipal system or independent system that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is constructed improperly;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Does not have sufficient capacity; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Was constructed without the authority from the Department that was required when that system was constructed.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-666" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>On the request of property owners whose property is not in any service area but is in an area that is contiguous to a service area, the sanitary commission may extend a project to include the properties that are the subject of the request.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The sanitary commission may require that the property owners agree:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To pay benefit assessments;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To pay connection charges; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>To any other condition that the sanitary commission makes.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-666.1" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>The provisions of this section are applicable in Dorchester County.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On the request of property owners whose property is not in a service area and is not in an area that is contiguous to a service area, the sanitary commission may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Extend a project to include the properties that are the subject of the request; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provide other services to the properties.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The sanitary commission may require that the property owners agree to the terms and conditions authorized under § 9-666(b) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Property covered under this section and owners of property covered under this section shall be subject to the provisions of § 9-658(d) through (g), inclusive.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-667" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <text>If the sanitary commission determines that any part of an independent system is unfit for incorporation into a project, the sanitary commission may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Disregard the unfit parts of the independent system; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Extend its project into the area served by the unfit parts of the independent system.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-668" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>For the construction, maintenance, or operation of any part of a project, the district may acquire any interest in real property by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Purchase; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Exercise of the power of eminent domain as provided in Title 12 of the Real Property Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the district may condemn a property right in a cemetery only to install a sewer line or a water line.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The district may not condemn any property rights in and may not disturb:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Any existing grave;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any grave marker or monument;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any grave site whose title has been transferred through a sale or exchange made in good faith; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Any grave site as to which burial rights have vested or been transferred through a sale or agreement made in good faith.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Before the district condemns a property right in a cemetery, the sanitary commission shall adopt a resolution that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is approved by a majority of the sanitary commissioners appointed from the member county in which the cemetery is located;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Includes a declaration that the condemnation is necessary for the public health and safety; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Includes a declaration that immediate acquisition of the property right in the cemetery is necessary.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The sanitary commission shall bury every water line and sewer line that it builds in cemetery land.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-669" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>A person who owns any structure or obstruction that is on, over, or under a way shall promptly move that structure or obstruction, if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The structure or obstruction impedes the building or operation of a project; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The sanitary commission gives reasonable notice of the need to move the object or obstruction.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The person shall move the object as necessary to allow the orderly building or operation of the project.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The district shall pay the cost of moving the structure or obstruction.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-670" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>A sanitary commission may disconnect service to a property on a finding or notification from the governing body of the political subdivision in which the property is located that the property is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A vacant lot; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Cited as vacant and unfit for habitation on a housing or building violation notice.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to subsection (c) of this section, on request by the owner of the property, the sanitary commission shall restore service to a property where service was disconnected in accordance with subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A sanitary commission may require proof that all housing and building violation notices for a property have been resolved prior to restoring service under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Prior to restoring service under subsection (b) of this section, a sanitary commission may require the owner of the property to pay:</text> <level label="i"> <text>All unpaid fees, charges, or assessments for service at the property; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any reconnection fees for service at the property.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-672" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>In Part VII of this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Shared facility” means a water system or sewerage system that serves:</text> <level label="1"> <text>More than 1 lot;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>More than 1 single family residence or its equivalent; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A series of water systems or sewerage systems that each serve 1 lot.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Shared facility area” means the territory served by a shared facility.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-673" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <text>Part VII of this subtitle applies only to Dorchester County.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-674" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>The Dorchester County Sanitary District, Inc., may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Construct, buy, own, hold, lease, repair, maintain, improve, and operate a shared facility; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Contract with any person, any agency of the federal government or this State, or any municipality for services that relate to the facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The shared facility may be built only:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Outside an incorporated area of Dorchester County; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Outside a service area; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If inside a service area, to serve territory that the Sanitary Commission determines is not feasible to serve with an existing project.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The shared facility may not serve more than 14 single family residences or their equivalent.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-675" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>The owners of property in territory that may be served by a shared facility may file a written petition with the Sanitary Commission that requests the Sanitary Commission:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To build a shared facility; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To designate a shared facility area.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The petition shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Plans for the proposed shared facility that will enable the Sanitary Commission to determine the cost and feasibility of the proposed shared facility; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A map of the proposed shared facility area.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The petitioners shall provide, at their own expense, the map and plans required by this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-676" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>Within 90 days from the date the complete petition is filed, the Sanitary Commission shall decide on the petition.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In deciding on a petition, the Sanitary Commission may designate a shared facility area if the Sanitary Commission finds that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The proposed shared facility is necessary for the public health, safety, and welfare of the residents of Dorchester County who would be affected by the proposed shared facility; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>It is feasible:</text> <level label="i"> <text>To construct the proposed shared facility; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>To establish the proposed shared facility area.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>If the Sanitary Commission denies the petition, the petitioners, within 30 days after the denial, may appeal to the Dorchester County Commissioners.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Dorchester County Commissioners:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Shall determine whether the proposed shared facility meets the applicable standards of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May affirm, modify, or reverse the decision of the Sanitary Commission.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>When a petition is approved by the Sanitary Commission or the Dorchester County Commissioners, the Sanitary Commission shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Adopt a resolution that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Provides for construction of the shared facility; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Designates the boundaries of the shared facility area; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>File the resolution among the Dorchester County land records.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-677" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>The Sanitary Commission shall propose and, with the approval of the Dorchester County Commissioners given after a public hearing, adopt rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle that relate to shared facilities.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>These rules and regulations shall include provisions for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Classification of properties in the shared facilities area; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Levy of benefit assessments in accordance with this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-678" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>The Dorchester County Commissioners may advance funds to the Dorchester County Sanitary District, Inc., to meet the organizational and preliminary costs of establishing and constructing the shared facility.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>From the first revenues received from benefit assessments made for the shared facility, the Sanitary Commission shall repay advances made under this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-679" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>In accordance with the rules and regulations that the Dorchester County Commissioners approve:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Sanitary Commission shall make benefit assessments on the property in a shared facility area in an amount that is enough to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Pay the principal and interest on each bond issued and any other obligation incurred by the Sanitary Commission in constructing the shared facility; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Pay any other costs incurred in building the shared facility; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Sanitary Commission may establish reasonable charges on each parcel in the shared facility area.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Sanitary Commission shall give to the owner of each parcel in the shared facility area written notice of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The class and subclass of the parcel;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The benefit assessment for the parcel; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The time and place of the hearing to which the owner is entitled under this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Sanitary Commission shall mail the notice to the owner at the last known address of the owner on the Dorchester County tax assessment records.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Sanitary Commission shall give each property owner an opportunity for a hearing before the Sanitary Commission.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>After the hearing, the Sanitary Commission may adjust the classification or benefit assessment as appropriate.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Sanitary Commission shall make the levy of each benefit assessment the Sanitary Commission determines under this section so that the levy is effective for the July 1 that follows the first March 31 that occurs on or after the date:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Construction is completed on the shared facility; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The shared facility is acquired.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>While unpaid, benefit assessments and other charges are a lien on the parcel for which made.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The lien granted by this subsection is subordinate only to State taxes and municipal taxes.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>As to each lien that arises against a parcel in the shared facility area, the Sanitary Commission shall keep a public record that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Identifies the owners of the parcel;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Describes the parcel and gives any lot number of record that applies to the parcel; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Shows the amount of the lien.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Sanitary Commission shall file the record of liens with the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Dorchester County, for filing among the land records for Dorchester County.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The record of liens shall be legal notice of all existing liens in the shared facility area.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>To enforce the collection of unpaid benefit assessments or other charges that are at least 60 days overdue, the Sanitary Commission, at any time, may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Sue any person who was an owner of record of the parcel at any time since the benefit assessment was last paid; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>File a bill in equity to enforce a lien through a decree of sale of property against any person who was an owner of record of the parcel at any time since the benefit assessment was last paid.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>When recorded, the lien shall be legal notice to any person who has any interest in a parcel.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-682" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to the limitations and requirements of this subtitle, the sanitary commission and the member counties of the district may pledge the full faith and credit of the district and its members and issue bonds in the name of the district to pay the cost of a project in the amount estimated when the resolution authorizing the bond issue was adopted.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The issuance of bonds under this subtitle is not subject to any condition or limitation of law that is not in this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-683" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <text>A district may not issue for a service area any bonds that, when added to the outstanding and unpaid bonds already issued for that service area, would result in a total bond issuance that exceeds 25 percent of the total value of property in the service area, as assessed for county taxation.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-684" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>Before a district issues any bonds, the sanitary commission shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Adopt a resolution that proposes the issuance of the bonds; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Submit the resolution to the governing body of each member county of the district.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the governing body of each member county approves the resolution, the district may issue the bonds in accordance with this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-685" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>Before a district issues any bonds:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The sanitary commission shall make the determinations required by this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>After the sanitary commission makes the determinations, the district shall issue the bonds in accordance with the determinations.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The sanitary commission:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall determine the form of the bonds;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall determine the manner of execution of the bonds;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Shall determine the denominations of the bonds;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Shall determine the place, which may be any bank or trust company, where the principal and interest of the bonds will be paid;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Shall determine whether interest coupons will be attached to the bonds and, if so, the form of the coupons;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>May determine whether the bonds will be issued in:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Coupon form;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Registered form; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Coupon form and registered form;</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>May determine whether coupon form bonds will be registered as to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Principal; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Principal and interest;</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <text>May determine a method for reconverting into coupon form bonds any bonds that are registered as to principal and interest;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>May determine whether the district will redeem bonds before maturity, and if so, shall specify:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The terms and conditions the sanitary commission will impose as to redemption before maturity; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The method the sanitary commission will use in determining the prices the district will pay to redeem bonds before maturity;</text> </level> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Shall determine any other condition, term, or provision as to the bonds that the sanitary commission is required to make under this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>May determine any other condition, term, or provision as to the bonds that the sanitary commission is allowed to make under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-686" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <text>Bonds issued under this subtitle shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be dated;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Bear interest at the rate or rates that the sanitary commission determines;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Bear the seal of the district;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Be signed for the district;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Bear maturity dates that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Are determined by the sanitary commission; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Are not more than 40 years from the date of issue; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Subject to the limitation on liability of each member county of a multiple county district under § 9-696 of this subtitle, be endorsed by each member county as follows: “The payment of interest when due and the principal at maturity is guaranteed by .......... (name of member county), Maryland”.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-687" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>An officer of the district shall sign the bonds for the district.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Within 10 days after the sanitary commission submits the bonds to a member county for endorsement, the endorsement of the member county guaranteeing the bond shall be signed by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The clerk or secretary of the governing body of the member county; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The chief executive officer of the member county; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Another officer of the member county authorized by a resolution of the governing body of the member county to sign the endorsement.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The validity of a signature or facsimile of a signature made under this section is not affected by the fact that the individual whose signature is on the bond no longer holds the office that authorized the individual to sign the bond, even if the bond is delivered after that individual leaves the office.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-688" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>In the manner that the sanitary commission determines to be in the best interest of the district and the member counties, a district may sell bonds issued under this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>At public or private sale; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At a price that meets the requirements of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The district may not sell bonds at a price so low that the effective rate of interest is greater than the rate of interest that the sanitary commission has determined for the bonds.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The effective interest rate of the bonds shall be computed:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Without regard to any premium that might be paid to redeem the bonds before maturity; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Otherwise in accordance with standard tables of bond values.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-689" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <text>Bonds issued under this subtitle are:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Fully negotiable within the meaning of and for all the purposes of Title 8 of the Commercial Law Article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Exempt from all State, county, and city taxation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-690" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>Before the definitive bonds are available for delivery to bond holders, the district may issue:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Interim receipts for payment for the bonds; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Temporary bonds with or without coupons.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The interim receipts or temporary bonds may be exchanged for definitive bonds when the definitive bonds are available.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-691" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <text>A sanitary commission may provide for the replacement of bonds that are mutilated, destroyed, or lost.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-692" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>A district may use the proceeds from bonds issued under this subtitle only:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To pay costs incurred for the projects for which the bonds were issued; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In accordance with this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The district shall disburse the proceeds as the sanitary commission provided in its authorizing resolution.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>If the proceeds from bonds issued under this subtitle are insufficient to pay the costs incurred for the projects for which the bonds were issued, the district may issue additional bonds to make up the deficit.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Unless the sanitary commission provided otherwise in its authorizing resolution, bonds issued under this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Are deemed to be from the same series that originally was issued for the project; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shall be repaid without preference to or priority for the bonds that already were issued for the project.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If the proceeds from bonds issued under this subtitle exceed the costs incurred for the projects for which the bonds were issued and if the authorizing resolution so requires, the district shall use the surplus to retire bonds of the same series.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>If the proceeds from bonds issued under this subtitle exceed the costs incurred for the projects for which the bonds were issued and if the authorizing resolution does not otherwise require:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The district shall use the surplus to pay the next payment of principal on the bonds;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The sanitary commission shall adopt a resolution that authorizes the use of the surplus to pay for other projects that are in the same service areas as the projects for which the bonds were issued and then use the surplus in accordance with the resolution; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The district shall use the surplus to cancel bonds of the same series by buying the bonds on the open market at a price that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Does not include a premium of more than 5 percent of the par value; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The sanitary commission determines to be in the best interests of the district and the member counties served by the projects for which the bonds having excess proceeds were issued.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-693" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <text>In accordance with the provisions of this subtitle that generally govern the issuance of bonds, any district may issue refunding bonds to refund, pay, or discharge the principal or interest of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any other bond issued under this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any other indebtedness incurred to acquire or construct a project.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-694" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>To retire bonds issued under this subtitle, each year, the sanitary commission, as to each series of outstanding bonds, shall determine or estimate:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The principal and interest that will be due on that series through the end of the next full taxable year for property taxes in the member counties; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The amount of benefit assessments that will be collected on projects for which that series was issued and the amount of any other funds that will be available to that series through the end of the next full taxable year for property taxes in the member counties.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>At least 60 days before the taxable year for property taxes, the governing body of each member county shall certify to the sanitary commission the total valuation of all taxable property in each service area in that member county.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If, after making the estimate of necessary funds under this section, the sanitary commission determines that there will be insufficient benefit assessments or other funds available to pay the principal and interest referred to in subsection (a) of this section, the sanitary commission shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Compute the deficiency as to each service area in the district; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On the basis of the tax base information supplied by the member county under this section, certify to each member county the tax rate that will be required in each service area in that member county to meet the deficiency.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The governing body of each member county shall impose on all real property in each service area in that member county, and may impose on personal property in the service area, a property tax that is sufficient to pay a deficiency specified in subsection (c) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If, after the imposition made under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the deficiency is still unpaid, the governing body of each member county shall impose on all real and personal property in that member county a property tax that is sufficient to pay the remaining deficiency.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In Allegany County:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The governing body of the county shall levy a property tax on all real property within a sanitary district that is abutted or served by a sanitary sewer or water line; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Sanitary Commission shall certify to the governing body of the county a complete list of all real property within a district that is abutted or served by the sanitary sewer or water line.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>If property tax collections made under this section in a fiscal year are insufficient to meet a deficiency under subsection (c) of this section, the governing body of each member county, in accordance with subsection (d)(1) of this section, shall impose, for the next fiscal year, property taxes sufficient to make up the insufficient collections.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>All property taxes levied under this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Have the status of county taxes; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall be collected as county taxes.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>At least every 60 days, the tax collecting authorities for each member county shall pay to the district the property taxes collected under this section.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>The district shall pay, when due, the principal and interest on bonds:</text> <level label="1"> <text>First, from all other funds available, under this subtitle, for that purpose; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Then, if necessary, from tax revenues received under this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>The district shall deposit the excess tax revenues in a bank in a member county where the service area from which the tax revenues were received is located.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The deposit shall be to the joint credit of the member county and the district.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-695" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <text>From the proceeds of the sale of bonds under this subtitle, the district may pay, on those bonds, interest that does not exceed 1 year’s interest.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-696" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <text>If bonds issued under this subtitle are guaranteed by more than 1 member county, the liability of each member county on its guarantee is in proportion to the assessable base of that part of the property of the county that is in the service areas for which the bonds were issued as that proportion relates to the assessable base of all property in all the service areas for which the bonds were issued.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-697" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>Each person who has a duty to act in the payment of principal and interest on bonds issued under this subtitle shall perform promptly the act that is required.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Before a series of bonds is issued under this subtitle, the governing body of each member county that will be affected by the series shall advance to the district not more than $25,000.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>From the first proceeds available from the sale of the bonds, the district shall repay the advances made by the member counties.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Unless the approval is required under this subtitle, a district is not required to obtain the approval of any entity before it issues bonds.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The provisions of §§ 19–205 and 19–206 of the Local Government Article do not apply to bonds issued under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-698" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>Before a person may dig in or do any other construction on any way in a service area, the person shall obtain from the sanitary commission approval of the digging or construction.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To obtain approval, the person shall file with the sanitary commission a plan for the digging or construction that shows the depth and location of each:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Conduit;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Main;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Pipe;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Pole; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Other structure.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If approval of the plans has been obtained from the sanitary commission, before a person may do any digging or construction different from the approved plans, the person shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Submit a new plan that shows the changes in the information required for the original plan; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Obtain approval from the sanitary commission to do the digging or construction according to the new plan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If any obstruction has been constructed in, on, or under a way in violation of this section and if the sanitary commission is required to move that obstruction to build or operate a project:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The district may move the obstruction and charge the cost of moving the obstruction to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The person who constructed or installed the obstruction; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any successor in interest to that person;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The owner of the obstruction is not entitled to compensation under this subtitle for moving the obstruction; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The district is not liable for damage done to the obstruction.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Before beginning work on the plumbing system on any property in a service area, a person shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Obtain from the district a permit to do the plumbing work;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Pay to the district the permit fee that the sanitary commission requires; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Allow the sanitary commission to inspect the plumbing work.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Before connecting the plumbing system of any property to a water pipe or sewer pipe operated by the district, a person shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Obtain from the district a permit to make the connection; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Comply with any additional conditions that the sanitary commission requires.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-699" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Sanitary Commissions"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Interfere with an inspection made under authority of § 9-606 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Violate § 9-661 of this subtitle by failing:</text> <level label="i"> <text>To maintain at least 1 sanitary toilet and wash basin as a part of any plumbing system that is used on any parcel after it is connected to a connector; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>To disconnect and close each cesspool, sink, drain, and privy on a parcel after it is connected to a connector;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Violate a water conservation order;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Construct or operate an independent system in violation of § 9-664 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Fail to move an obstruction in violation of § 9-669 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Fail, in violation of § 9-697(a) of this subtitle, to perform any act required of that person in paying principal or interest on bonds issued under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Use, for any purpose other than repaying in accordance with this subtitle, any funds that, under this subtitle, are required to be used to pay principal and interest on bonds;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Violate § 9-698 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Operate, or make any connection to a fire hydrant, unless the act is done:</text> <level label="i"> <text>With written permission of the sanitary commission; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>By a fire department in discharge of its duties; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Deface, damage, or obstruct a fire hydrant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $100 or imprisonment in jail not exceeding 30 days or both.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-701" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation by Municipalities and Political Subdivisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Municipal authority” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The mayor and council of a municipality;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The town commissioners of a municipality; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any other governing body of a municipality.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“System” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A water supply system;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A sewerage system;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A drainage system; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A refuse disposal system.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-704" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation by Municipalities and Political Subdivisions"> <level label="a"> <text>Except for Subtitles 2, 5, and 9 of this title, any act or part of an act that is inconsistent with the provisions of Part II of this subtitle is repealed to the extent of the inconsistency.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The provisions of Part II of this subtitle do not affect any power or duty of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Anne Arundel County Sanitary Commission;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Baltimore County Metropolitan District; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Baltimore City.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-705" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation by Municipalities and Political Subdivisions"> <text>A municipal authority may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Construct a system in a municipality;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Extend or alter an existing system;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Maintain and operate a system constructed, extended, altered, or acquired under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Make a contract or an agreement with another municipal authority, or with any sanitary commission, sanitary district, county, State, or federal authority about the construction, alteration, maintenance, or operation of a system;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>In order to exercise any power set out in this subtitle with regard to any part of any system, acquire by purchase, in fee or as an easement, from any owner, or if the owner objects, by condemnation, any property inside or outside the municipality, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Land;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Structures;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Buildings;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Watercourses;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Water rights; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Any privately owned system;</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Do any work necessary to carry out any activity under item (1), (2), or (3) of this section, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Preliminary work;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Setting compensation for and appointing a workforce; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Entering a highway to work on a system, water main, sewer, drain, or related equipment, if the municipal authority:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Has a permit to do the work;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Leaves the highway in a condition at least as good as that existing before entry; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Pays all costs for cleanup and repair;</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Establish street lines and grades, or grant approval to any person to establish street lines and grades, for the proper construction, establishment, or extension of any water, sewerage, or drainage system under the control of the municipal authority; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Withhold water, sewerage, or drainage service from any property that abuts on any street for which a person establishes lines and grades without the approval of the municipal authority.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-706" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation by Municipalities and Political Subdivisions"> <level label="a"> <text>Whenever a municipal authority acquires any property by condemnation under this subtitle, the proceedings shall be in accordance with this section and Title 12 of the Real Property Article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Notwithstanding any appeal or other proceeding by a defendant, the municipal authority may enter and take possession of the condemned property at any time at least 10 days after the return and recordation of the judgment if the municipal authority pays to the clerk of court:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The amount of the award;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>All costs to date; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>All taxes to date.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-707" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation by Municipalities and Political Subdivisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to the requirements of § 9-706 of this subtitle, whenever a municipal authority acquires a privately owned system under this subtitle, the provisions of this section apply.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If a municipal authority takes possession of a privately owned system, the municipal authority:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May extend, alter, maintain, or operate the acquired system together with the municipal system;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall subject the property served by the acquired system to the same benefit assessment as property served by the municipal system;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>May compensate any owner of property served by the acquired system for any payment by the property owner toward the construction of the acquired system; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Shall subject an owner or the agent of the owner of property served by the acquired system to the same rules, regulations, and penalties as any owner or the agent of the owner of property served by the municipal system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If a municipal authority considers any part of the privately owned system unfit for incorporation into the municipal system, the municipal authority may disregard the unfit part of the privately owned system and extend the municipal system to serve the property served by the unfit part of the privately owned system.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The provisions of Part II of this subtitle that apply to a system constructed by the municipal authority apply to the system acquired or extended by the municipal authority under this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-708" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation by Municipalities and Political Subdivisions"> <level label="a"> <text>A municipal authority shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Construct and provide at its own expense for any water main or sanitary sewer constructed or established under Part II of this subtitle, a water service pipe or sewer connection that extends from the water main or sewer to the property line of each lot that abuts on a street or right-of-way in which the water main or sewer is laid; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>When the municipal authority declares that a water main or sewer is complete and ready for use, notify each owner of abutting property that the owner shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Connect all spigots or hydrants, toilets, and waste drains with the water main or sewer, within a reasonable time as determined by the municipal authority; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Install adequate spigots or hydrants, toilets and waste drains if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>There are no fixtures or drains; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The municipal authority believes that the existing fixtures or drains are improper or inadequate.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To prevent any use of or any injury to the public health, each owner of property that is connected with a sewer shall abandon, close, and leave, in the manner that the municipal authority directs, any:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Cesspool;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Drain;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Privy; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Well that is determined by the municipal authority to be polluted or a menace to health.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>After notice from the municipal authority, if a property owner in Frederick County fails to comply with the provisions of this section, the municipal authority may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Have any necessary connections made;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Cause any cesspool, drains, or privy to be closed and abandoned; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Charge the property owner with the cost of the connection or closing or both.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For purposes of this subsection, the costs:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Are a lien against the affected property until paid; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May be collected in the same manner as county or municipal taxes.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-709" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation by Municipalities and Political Subdivisions"> <level label="a"> <text>If any structure in, over, or under a public street, road, or alley in any county or municipality obstructs any work on a system, the municipal authority shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Give the person in control of the structure notice of the obstruction; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Order the person in control of the structure to take any action necessary, within a time specified in the order, to enable the work to continue.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>After the time specified in the order for abating the violation, a person who is served with an order under this section may not violate that order.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If any pipe or conduit laid under a public highway by a person in accordance with the terms of any permit issued or any plan approved under § 9-710 of this subtitle obstructs construction of any water main, sewer, or drain, the municipal authority shall remove or readjust the obstructing structure.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The municipality shall pay the cost of any necessary changes made under this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-710" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation by Municipalities and Political Subdivisions"> <level label="a"> <text>A person shall hold a permit issued by the municipal authority before the person may lay any pipe or conduit under any public highway in a municipality.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The municipal authority shall issue a permit to lay any pipe or conduit under a public highway in the municipality if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The person intending to lay the pipe or conduit submits to the municipal authority an adequate plan for the installation, including the size, type, and location of any pipe or conduit to be laid; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The municipal authority approves the plan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person shall obtain the approval of the municipal authority for any proposed deviation from the approved plan before the person may deviate from the plan.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If a person lays a new pipe or conduit without a permit, or not in accordance with the approved plan or an approved deviation from the plan, the municipal authority shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Give the person reasonable notice of the violation; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Order the person to remove or readjust any pipe or conduit within a time specified in the order.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>After the time specified in the order for abating the violation, a person who is served with an order under this section may not violate that order.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-711" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation by Municipalities and Political Subdivisions"> <level label="a"> <text>A municipal authority may issue bonds when and in the amounts needed to provide funds for all or part of a system’s:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Design;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Construction;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Extension;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Alteration;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Purchase; or</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Condemnation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The bonds issued under this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May be issued without previous legislative authority;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May be outstanding in addition to the total indebtedness otherwise permitted by law;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>May be of any type and denomination determined by the municipal authority, so long as no bonds mature later than 50 years from the date of issue;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Shall be exempt forever from any State, county, or municipal taxation; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Shall be a lien on all property within the municipality that issues them.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Before issuing bonds under Part II of this subtitle, a municipal authority shall submit to a referendum of the voters of the municipality the question of whether to issue the bonds.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The referendum shall be held at:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Any regular municipal election; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A special municipal election, provided that the voters are given at least 20 days’ notice of the election.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The referendum ballot shall include the words “for ... bonds” and “against ... bonds”.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If a majority of the votes cast are “for ... bonds”, the municipal authority may issue the bonds.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>If a majority of the votes cast are “against ... bonds”, the municipal authority:</text> <level label="i"> <text>May not issue the bonds; but</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May submit the question at any later regular or special municipal election as provided under this section, until a majority of the votes cast is “for ... bonds”.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-712" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation by Municipalities and Political Subdivisions"> <level label="a"> <text>While any bonds issued under Part II of this subtitle are outstanding, the municipal authority annually shall levy a tax against all of the assessable property served within the municipality to pay the principal and interest on the bonds.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The tax shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Sufficient to pay:</text> <level label="i"> <text>When due, the principal and interest on the bonds; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The part of the principal or interest on the bonds that is not paid for by the levy of the annual front-foot assessment under § 9-713 of this subtitle or by the service charges collected under § 9-714 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Treated the same as any other municipal tax in every respect, including as to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Priority rights;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Interest;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Penalties; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Manner of determination, levy, and collection.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Each person involved in the levy or collection of the taxes shall perform the duties promptly and properly.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person may not use any funds collected under this section for any purpose other than the payment of principal and interest on the bonds.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-713" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation by Municipalities and Political Subdivisions"> <level label="a"> <text>To pay all or any part of the principal or interest on or to retire any outstanding bonds issued under Part II of this subtitle, the municipal authority may levy an annual front–foot assessment against any property that abuts on any street, road, alley, or right–of–way in which a water pipe, sewer, or drain is laid, or from which refuse is collected.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To set front–foot assessment rates, the municipal authority may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Classify any property according to its use;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Determine a fair and reasonable frontage length for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Any corner lot fronting on more than one street;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any irregular shaped lot fronting on more than one street;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any shallow lot fronting on more than one street;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Any agricultural property; or</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Any small acreage; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Change the classifications or the front–foot assessment rates from year to year, but the rate for all property assessed in the municipality for any year shall be uniform within each classification.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The municipal authority shall notify each owner of assessed property in writing as to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The classification of the property;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The amount of the assessment; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The time and place for a hearing on the classification of the property and the benefit charges assessed against the property.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The classification of the property and the benefit charges assessed against the property shall be final, subject only to modification at the hearing.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The benefit charges are in default if not paid within 60 days after the date of levy.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The levy bears interest at the rate of 1 percent a month for each month after the time the benefit charges are in default.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The front–foot assessment charges are a first lien on the assessed property, subject only to prior State and county charges.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The municipal authority may enforce the lien by filing in an appropriate court a complaint for a judgment against the property owner and for execution on the judgment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The municipal authority may provide terms for the extinguishment by property owners of annual front–foot benefit charges, if the extinguishment arrangement provides for the necessary payments on the outstanding bonds.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-714" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation by Municipalities and Political Subdivisions"> <level label="a"> <text>A municipal authority may set, collect, and, if necessary, modify service rates to provide funds:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To pay all or part of the principal and interest on bonds issued under Part II of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To pay for the cost of maintenance, repair, and operation, including overhead expenses and depreciation allowance, of systems constructed under Part II of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The service rates shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Chargeable against all property served by any system under the ownership of the municipal authority; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Collectible against the owner of the property served, in the same manner as other debts are collectible at law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The municipal authority may set:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The time for payment; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The penalties for nonpayment.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-715" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation by Municipalities and Political Subdivisions"> <level label="a"> <text>To carry out any official duty under Part II of this subtitle, a representative of a municipal authority, at any reasonable time, may enter on any private property or into any building that is within the jurisdiction of the municipality.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An owner, tenant, or agent of the owner or tenant may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Refuse to grant entry to any representative of the municipal authority who asks to enter on private property or into a building under this section; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Interfere with the carrying out of any official duty of any representative of any municipal authority under this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-716" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation by Municipalities and Political Subdivisions"> <text>A municipal authority may adopt rules and regulations:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To provide for the maintenance and operation of any system under its control; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To govern the installation and alteration of all water supply, plumbing, and drainage arrangements on private property, including requirements for obtaining a permit and paying a reasonable charge before doing any work on any water supply, plumbing, or drainage system.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-717" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation by Municipalities and Political Subdivisions"> <text>A person who violates any provision of or fails to perform any duty imposed by Part II of this subtitle, or who violates any provision of or fails to perform any duty imposed by a rule, regulation, order, or permit adopted or issued under Part II of this subtitle, is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $100 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days in the county jail, or both.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-720" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation by Municipalities and Political Subdivisions"> <text>In Part III of this subtitle, “political subdivision”:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Means any public body of this State that owns or operates any water or sewerage system, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A county;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A commission;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A district; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A municipal corporation; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Does not include the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-721" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation by Municipalities and Political Subdivisions"> <level label="a"> <text>The powers granted to political subdivisions by Part III of this subtitle are supplementary to any other powers of the political subdivisions.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section does not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Invalidate any procedures initiated or completed by any political subdivision before June 1, 1972; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Limit or modify any provision of any general or local law effective before June 1, 1972.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-722" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation by Municipalities and Political Subdivisions"> <level label="a"> <text>To provide funds for the payment of principal and interest on indebtedness that is incurred to finance any water or sewerage system, a political subdivision may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Establish a reasonable charge that is not less than the actual cost, payable to the political subdivision, for connection with a water or sewerage system; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Set an annual assessment, payable to the political subdivision, on all property, improved or unimproved, that abuts on any street, road, lane, alley, or right-of-way in which there is a water main or sewer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except for special provisions that apply only in certain political subdivisions, the provisions of §§ 9-655 through 9-658 of this title govern the imposition of assessments under this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-723" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation by Municipalities and Political Subdivisions"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to any charter provisions of a chartered county or municipal corporation, any political subdivision may establish reasonable rates for water service, and reasonable charges for sewer upkeep and sewer service to provide funds for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Maintenance, repair, and operation of any water or sewerage system; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Payment of all or part of the principal and interest on any indebtedness that is incurred to finance any water or sewerage system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The rates and charges are chargeable against all property that is connected to any water or sewer pipe that the political subdivision owns or supervises.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Subject to any necessary modification and to the provisions of this section, the rates and charges shall be uniform throughout each water or sewerage district.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-724" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation by Municipalities and Political Subdivisions"> <level label="a"> <text>The rates for water service shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be based on estimates of the amount of water used by the types of users specified in the rates; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Consist of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A minimum charge based on the size of the meter on the water connection leading to the property; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A charge for water used, based on the amount of water passing through the meter during the period between the last 2 readings.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>At its own expense, the political subdivision shall place a meter on each water connection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the political subdivision does not have meters available to install in all property that is connected to the system in a locality, the political subdivision shall charge a flat rate to all property in which meters are not installed.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The political subdivision shall send bills for water service to the property, the property owner, or the property owner’s designee for each property served on a monthly, every other month, quarterly, or semiannual basis.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The bills are payable at the office of the political subdivision on receipt.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If any bill remains unpaid after 30 days from the date the bill is sent, the political subdivision shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Notify the owner of the property served, in writing, that the bill is in arrears and that water service will be discontinued;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Leave the notice on the owner’s property or mail the notice to the last known address of the owner; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Discontinue water service to the property until the owner pays the bill and a reconnection charge reasonably related to the cost of reconnection, as established by ordinance of the governing body of the county or municipal corporation in which the water service is provided.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If any bill remains unpaid after 60 days from the date of sending the notice:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The bill and the penalty imposed under paragraph (3)(iii) of this subsection shall be collectible from the property owner in the same manner and subject to the same interest as taxes are collectible in the county in which the water or sewerage system lies; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The water service charges and all penalties shall be a first lien on the property.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection applies only to property subject to a condominium regime established under Title 11 of the Real Property Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Notwithstanding any other law, if the political subdivision directly bills the governing body of a condominium or a person designated by the governing body of a condominium for water or sewer usage charges for all or a portion of the units in a condominium property, and a charge is in default for at least 60 days, the political subdivision shall post notice conspicuously at or near the entry to the common area of the condominium.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The political subdivision may enter onto the common area of a condominium property at a reasonable time to post the notice required under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-725" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation by Municipalities and Political Subdivisions"> <text>The charge for the upkeep on sewers shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Collected annually; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A first lien on any property connected to any sewer pipe the political subdivision owns or supervises.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-726" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation by Municipalities and Political Subdivisions"> <level label="a"> <text>The political subdivision shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Select a reasonable basis for imposing the sewer service charge; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Collect the sewer service charge once, twice, or four times a year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If any bill for sewer service remains unpaid after 60 days from the date the bill was sent:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The bill shall be collectible from the owner of the property served in the same manner and subject to the same interest as taxes are collectible in the county in which the water or sewerage system lies; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The sewer service charges shall be a first lien on the property.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-726.1" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation by Municipalities and Political Subdivisions"> <level label="a"> <text>If a bill for sewerage service is unpaid for 45 days after being sent, a political subdivision may disconnect water service to the property.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Before disconnecting water service under this section, the political subdivision shall provide notice:</text> <level label="1"> <text>By mail sent to the last known address of the owner of the property; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>By posting the notice on the premises of the property served.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection applies if a political subdivision:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Provides sewerage service to a property; but</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Does not provide water service to the property and water service is provided to the property by another political subdivision or by a private water company.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a political subdivision advises another political subdivision or a private water company that a bill for sewerage service is unpaid for 45 days after being sent, subject to the notice provisions under subsection (b) of this section, the political subdivision or private water company informed of the unpaid bill may disconnect water service to the property.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Before reconnecting water service, a political subdivision may require full payment of the sewerage bill plus a reconnection charge reasonably related to the cost of reconnection, as established by regulation of the political subdivision.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A private water company may apply a reasonable reconnection charge, in accordance with the ratemaking requirements of Title 4 of the Public Utilities Article, when it reconnects water service.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>This subsection does not preclude the use of any other procedure available to a political subdivision to collect unpaid sewerage charges.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection applies only to property subject to a condominium regime established under Title 11 of the Real Property Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Notwithstanding any other law, if the political subdivision directly bills the governing body of a condominium or a person designated by the governing body of a condominium for water or sewer usage charges for all or a portion of the units in a condominium property, and a charge is in default for at least 60 days, the political subdivision or private water company informed of the unpaid bill shall post notice conspicuously at or near the entry to the common area of the condominium.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The political subdivision may enter onto the common area of a condominium property at a reasonable time to post the notice required under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-727" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation by Municipalities and Political Subdivisions"> <text>Before setting or modifying a rate, charge, or assessment under this section, for any water or sewerage system it constructs or acquires, the political subdivision shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Give prompt notice of the proposed rate, charge, or assessment in at least 1 newspaper of general circulation in the area of the water or sewerage system; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Conduct a public hearing on the necessity or advisability of the proposed rates, charges, or assessments.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-728" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation by Municipalities and Political Subdivisions"> <level label="a"> <text>A political subdivision may disconnect service to a property on a finding or notification from the governing body of the political subdivision in which the property is located that the property is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A vacant lot; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Cited as vacant and unfit for habitation on a housing or building violation notice.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to subsection (c) of this section, on request by the owner of the property, the political subdivision shall restore service to a property where service was disconnected in accordance with subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A political subdivision may require proof that all housing and building violation notices on a property have been resolved prior to restoring service under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Prior to restoring service under subsection (b) of this section, a political subdivision may require the owner of the property to pay:</text> <level label="i"> <text>All unpaid fees, charges, or assessments for service at the property; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any reconnection fees for service at the property.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-801" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Sewerage Facilities Bond Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle, the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Development” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Planning;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Acquisition by gift, purchase, lease, or eminent domain;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Construction;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Reconstruction;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Improvement; or</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Extension.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Governing body” includes any body or board that is in charge of the finances of a municipality.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Municipality” means any municipal corporation of this State.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Resolution” means any resolution or ordinance adopted by any governing body.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Revenue” includes, unless the context requires otherwise:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The revenue currently derived from any existing sewerage facility that is being developed; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The revenue to be derived from any subsequent developments to the sewerage facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Sewerage facility” means all or any part of any plant, property, works, system, or facility that is used or useful in connection with the collection, treatment, or disposal of sewage, waste, garbage, or stormwater.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-802" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Sewerage Facilities Bond Act"> <level label="a"> <text>The powers granted by this subtitle are:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Supplemental to the powers granted by any general, special, or local law; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Not restricted by any debt or tax rate limitation in any general law, local law, or municipal charter.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any municipality may engage in the development of any sewerage facility under this subtitle regardless of any general, special, or local law that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Provides for the development of similar facilities;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Requires approval by the voters of any municipality for the development of the sewerage facility; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Contains any other requirements, restrictions, limitations, or provisions regarding the development of the sewerage facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Any municipality may issue bonds under this subtitle to finance the development of any sewerage facility regardless of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any general, special, or local law that provides for the issuance of bonds for similar purposes;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any general, special, or local law that requires approval by the voters of the municipality for the issuance of bonds;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An unfavorable vote by the voters of the municipality if the Department or a court of competent jurisdiction has ordered the development of the sanitary facility; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any other requirements, restrictions, limitations, or other provisions contained in any general, special, or local law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If any provision of this subtitle is inconsistent with any general, special, or local law, the provision of this subtitle controls.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-803" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Sewerage Facilities Bond Act"> <text>It is the policy of this State that each municipality that engages in the development of any sewerage facility under this subtitle shall manage the sewerage facility as economically and efficiently as possible:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To promote the health and welfare of the inhabitants of the municipality and of this State by preventing, reducing, or eliminating the pollution of the waters of this State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To provide the services of the sewerage facility to consumers at the lowest possible cost.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-804" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Sewerage Facilities Bond Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to the powers granted to the municipality by any general, special, or local law, and independent of any control by the Public Service Commission of Maryland, a municipality may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to subsection (c)(1) of this section, engage in the development of a sewerage facility:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Wholly inside the corporate boundary line;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Wholly outside the corporate boundary line; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Partly inside and partly outside the corporate boundary line;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Acquire by gift, purchase, lease, or eminent domain, in connection with the development of a sewerage facility:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Land;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Land rights; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Water rights;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Accept from any federal agency loans or grants for the development of sewerage facilities and make agreements with that agency about the loans or grants;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Operate and maintain any sewerage facility for the use and benefit of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The municipality;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The residents of the municipality; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Residences or places of business that are outside the corporate boundary line of the municipality, but are:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Inside this State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Inside a radius of 10 miles from the corporate boundary line of the municipality;</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Set rates and collect fees, benefit assessments, and other charges for the services, facilities, and commodities provided by each sewerage facility;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Designate an agency of the municipality:</text> <level label="i"> <text>To provide the sewerage facility services, facilities, and commodities; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>To collect the fees, benefit assessments, and other charges; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Make and perform any contract with any industrial establishment:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For the municipality to provide, operate, and maintain sewerage facilities to reduce or eliminate water pollution caused by any discharge of industrial waste by the industrial establishment; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For the industrial establishment periodically to pay to the municipality amounts determined by the governing body of the municipality to be at least sufficient to compensate the municipality for the cost of providing, operating, and maintaining the sewerage facility or the part of the sewerage facility that serves the industrial establishment.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Through their governing bodies, any 2 or more municipalities may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Make and perform contracts and agreements with each other about sewerage facility:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Development;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Financing; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Operation; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Agree or contract with each other:</text> <level label="i"> <text>To provide for a board, commission, or other body to supervise, operate, and generally manage the sewerage facility;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>To specify the powers and duties of the board, commission, or body; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>To set the compensation of the members of the board, commission, or body.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A municipality may not construct a sewerage facility wholly or partly inside the corporate boundary line of another municipality except with the consent of the governing body of the other municipality.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A municipality may not operate a sewerage facility:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For gain or profit; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Primarily as a source of revenue to the municipality.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-805" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Sewerage Facilities Bond Act"> <level label="a"> <text>By resolution, the governing body of any municipality may authorize the issuance of bonds under this subtitle to finance, wholly or partly, the cost of the development of any sewerage facility. In the determination of the cost, the governing body may include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Actual and estimated costs of issuing the bonds;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Engineering expenses;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Inspection expenses;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Fiscal expenses;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Legal expenses; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Interest estimated to accrue, during construction and for 6 months after construction, on money borrowed or expected to be borrowed under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The resolution:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May be adopted at the meeting at which the resolution is introduced;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May be adopted by a majority of all members of the governing body who are in office when the resolution is introduced; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Is effective immediately on adoption.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-806" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Sewerage Facilities Bond Act"> <level label="a"> <text>The authorizing resolution may provide that the bonds shall contain a recital that they are issued under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The authorizing resolution shall state that the interest on bonds issued under this subtitle shall be payable twice a year.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The authorizing resolution or any subsequent resolution may provide that the bonds issued under this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be in 1 or more series;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Bear a certain date or dates;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Be executed in a certain manner;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Contain certain terms, covenants, and conditions;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Be in coupon or registered form, or both;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>May mature at a certain time or times, but not later than 40 years from their respective dates of issuance;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Be payable in a certain medium of payment;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Be payable at a certain place or places;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Carry certain registration privileges; and</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Be subject to certain terms of redemption.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-807" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Sewerage Facilities Bond Act"> <level label="a"> <text>The provisions of this subtitle and any resolution that authorizes the issuance of bonds under this subtitle are a contract between the municipality and the bondholder.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The authorizing resolution may contain covenants as to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The disposition of the proceeds of sale of the bonds;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The disposition of the revenue of the sewerage facility for which the bonds are issued, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The pledging to the punctual payment of the bonds issued under this subtitle and of the interest on those bonds as they become due an amount sufficient to pay the bonds and interest on an equal or priority basis from all or part of the revenue of all or part of the existing or planned sewerage facility; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The creation and maintenance of reasonable reserves, from all or part of the revenue, for the payment of the bonds issued under this subtitle and of the interest on those bonds;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The issuance of additional bonds payable from the revenue of the sewerage facility;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The transfer from the general funds of the municipality to the account of the sewerage facility of an amount equal to the cost of providing the municipality or any of its departments, boards, or agencies with the services, facilities, and commodities of the sewerage facility;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The insurance to be carried on the sewerage facility and the disposition of insurance money;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The operation and maintenance of the sewerage facility;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The books of account of the sewerage facility and the inspection and audit of the books; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The terms and conditions on which the bondholders or any trustee for the bondholders may petition the circuit court for the appointment of a receiver for the sewerage facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>On petition of the bondholders or a trustee for the bondholders, the circuit court may appoint for a sewerage facility a receiver who may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Enter and take possession of the sewerage facility;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Operate and maintain the sewerage facility;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Set sewerage facility rates, fees, or charges; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Collect, receive, and apply all revenue of the sewerage facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>By mandamus or other appropriate suit, action, or proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction, any bondholder may enforce:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The duties under this subtitle of the municipality and its governing body and officers; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The resolutions adopted under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-808" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Sewerage Facilities Bond Act"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except for bonds issued under this subtitle and sold to the United States or to any agency, instrumentality, or corporation of the federal government, any bond issued under this subtitle shall be sold:</text> <level label="i"> <text>At public sale;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>After advertisement; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>At a price that is not less than par.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any bond issued under this subtitle may be sold, at a price that is not less than par, to the United States or to any agency, instrumentality, or corporation of the federal government at private sale.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The governing body of the municipality that issues the bonds may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Issue, to any purchaser of a bond, an interim receipt or certificate pending preparation of the definitive bond; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Determine the form and provisions of the interim receipt or certificate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Any bond and interim receipt or certificate issued under this subtitle is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Fully negotiable within the meaning of and for all the purposes of Title 8 of the Commercial Law Article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Forever exempt from State, county, or municipal taxation.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-809" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Sewerage Facilities Bond Act"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Any bond issued under this subtitle that bears the signatures of the officers in office on the date the bond is signed is a valid and binding obligation notwithstanding that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>At the time of delivery of or payment for the bond, any or all of the signers are no longer officers of the municipality; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any proceeding that relates to the development of the sewerage facility for which the bond is issued is invalid or irregular.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A signature may be by facsimile as provided in § 2-303 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A recital in the bond that the bond is issued under this subtitle is conclusive evidence of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The validity of the bond; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The regularity of the issuance of the bond.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-810" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Sewerage Facilities Bond Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the general credit and taxing powers of any municipality are pledged to the payment of any bonds issued by the municipality under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A holder of a bond issued under this subtitle may not compel the exercise of the taxing power of the municipality to pay the bond or the interest on the bond, if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A covenant in the authorizing resolution so limits the liability of the municipality; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The bond recites in substance that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The bond and the interest on the bond are payable from the revenue pledged to the payment of the bond; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The bond does not constitute a debt of the municipality within the meaning of any constitutional or statutory limitation.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In accordance with the provisions of this subtitle and the authorizing resolution, all bonds of the same issue:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to the prior and superior rights of outstanding bonds, claims, or obligations, may have a prior and paramount lien on the revenue of the sewerage facility, over and ahead of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>All bonds of any subsequent issue payable from the revenue;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any claims of any nature subsequently arising against the revenue; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any obligations of any nature subsequently incurred against the revenue;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May be equally and ratably secured by a lien on the revenue, without priority because of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Number;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Date of bonds;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Date of sale;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Date of execution; or</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Date of delivery; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In the manner and to the extent set forth in the authorizing resolution, including a provision for the subordination of fewer than all the bonds, may be subordinated and junior in standing, with respect to the payment of principal and interest and the security for the payment, to any other bonds that the authorizing resolution designates.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-811" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Sewerage Facilities Bond Act"> <level label="a"> <text>To assure that each sewerage facility always remains self-supporting, the governing body of a municipality that issues bonds under this subtitle shall set, collect, and whenever necessary revise reasonable rates, fees, benefit assessments, or charges for the services, facilities, and commodities of the sewerage facility.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The rates, fees, benefit assessments, or charges shall be set so as to produce revenue and reserves that are at least sufficient:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To pay, when due, all bonds and the interest on the bonds, for the payment of which the revenue is pledged, charged, or otherwise encumbered; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To provide for all expenses of operation and maintenance of the sewerage facility.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-812" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Sewerage Facilities Bond Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Any municipality that issues bonds under this subtitle for the development of any sewerage facility may appropriate or expend the revenue from the sewerage facility for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Paying, when due, all bonds and the interest on the bonds, for the payment of which the revenue is pledged, charged, or otherwise encumbered;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Providing for all expenses of operation and maintenance of the sewerage facility;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Paying and discharging the principal and interest on any notes, bonds, or other obligations:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Not issued under this subtitle, but for payment of which the revenue of the sewerage facility is pledged, charged, or encumbered; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Issued to finance the development of the sewerage facility, but which do not constitute a lien, charge, or encumbrance on the revenue of the sewerage facility; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Providing a reserve for improvements to the sewerage facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any municipality may transfer the revenue of any sewerage facility to the general funds of the municipality only after the municipality has made adequate provision for the purposes set out in subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-813" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Sewerage Facilities Bond Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Any municipality may issue refunding bonds to refund, pay, or discharge the principal and interest on all or any part of the outstanding bonds:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Issued by the municipality to finance the development of all or part of the sewerage facility; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In arrears or about to become due.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The provisions of this subtitle that concern authorization and issuance of bonds apply to authorization and issuance of refunding bonds.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-814" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Sewerage Facilities Bond Act"> <text>This subtitle may be cited as “The Sewerage Facilities Bond Act”.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-901" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Authority” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A body politic and corporate that is created under this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If that body is abolished, the unit that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Succeeds to the principal functions of that body; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is given by law the powers under this subtitle of the former body.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Board” means the governing body of an authority.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“Bond” means any note, bond, or other evidence of indebtedness or obligation that an authority may issue under § 9-932 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Bond” includes refunding bonds and joint cost and refunding bonds.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>“Cost” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The purchase price of a project; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any expense necessary or incident to financing, acquiring, improving, or constructing a project, or to placing a project in operation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Cost” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Any obligation or expense that an authority incurs, before the authority issues a bond under this subtitle, to acquire, improve, or construct a project, including an obligation or expense for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An engineering study;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An estimate of cost;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An estimate of revenue; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any other technical or professional service; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The cost of a project, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Acquiring all of the stock of a corporation that owns the project;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Discharging the obligations of the corporation to vest title to all or part of the project in the authority;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Acquiring any real property, right, easement, franchise, permit, machinery, or equipment;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any improvement;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Any finance charge;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Any interest charge before, during, or for 1 year after completion of construction of the project;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Any engineering or legal service, plan, specification, survey, estimate of cost, estimate of revenue, or other item necessary to determine the feasibility or practicability of acquiring, improving, or constructing the project; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Any administrative expense.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Federal agency” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The United States government; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any agency of the United States government.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Governing body” means the unit of a political subdivision that is authorized by law to enact laws for the political subdivision.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Improvement” means the construction, repair, replacement, or betterment of, or additions to, a project:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To place or maintain the project in proper condition for safe, efficient, and economic operation; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To meet requirements for service in areas that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>May be served by the authority; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Are not currently being served.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Law” includes any enactment, order, resolution, or ordinance of a political subdivision.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Political subdivision” means any county, municipal corporation under Article XI-E of the Maryland Constitution, sanitary district, or other political subdivision of this State.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Project” means all or part of any water system or sewerage system, or any combination of all or parts of water systems or sewerage systems, that is owned, constructed, or operated by an authority under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <text>“Sewage” means water-carried waste that is created in and carried away or to be carried away from any private or public building.</text> </level> <level label="m"> <level label="1"> <text>“Sewerage system” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Any plant, system, facility, or property that can:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Carry sewage away;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Collect sewage;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Dispose of sewage;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Neutralize sewage; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Prepare sewage for discharge; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any integral part of the plant, system, facility, or property.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Sewerage system” includes the following parts of a sewerage system:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An appurtenance.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A conduit.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A disposal field.</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A drainage ditch.</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Any equipment.</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>A force main.</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>An intercepting sewer.</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>A lagoon.</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>A lateral sewer.</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>An outfall sewer.</text> </level> <level label="xi"> <text>A pipeline.</text> </level> <level label="xii"> <text>A pumping station.</text> </level> <level label="xiii"> <text>A sewage treatment plant.</text> </level> <level label="xiv"> <text>A sewer pipe.</text> </level> <level label="xv"> <text>A surface water intercepting ditch.</text> </level> <level label="xvi"> <text>A trunk sewer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Sewerage system” includes any related property, property right, or franchise.</text> </level> </level> <level label="n"> <level label="1"> <text>“Water system” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Any plant, system, facility, or property that can supply or distribute water; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any integral part of the plant, system, facility, or property.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Water system” includes the following parts of a water system:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An appurtenance.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A dam.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any equipment.</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A filtration plant.</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>An intake.</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>A lateral.</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>A pumping station.</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>A purification plant.</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>A reservoir.</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>A standpipe.</text> </level> <level label="xi"> <text>A valve.</text> </level> <level label="xii"> <text>A water distribution system.</text> </level> <level label="xiii"> <text>A water hydrant.</text> </level> <level label="xiv"> <text>A water main.</text> </level> <level label="xv"> <text>A water meter.</text> </level> <level label="xvi"> <text>A water source.</text> </level> <level label="xvii"> <text>A water supply system.</text> </level> <level label="xviii"> <text>A well.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Water system” includes any related property, property right, or franchise.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-902" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <text>To accomplish the purposes of this subtitle, the provisions of this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Are full and complete authority without regard to the provisions of any other law; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall be liberally construed.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>However, this subtitle does not restrict the control that the Department of the Environment and the Department of Natural Resources may exercise over an authority.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>This subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Provides an additional and alternative method to accomplish the purposes of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is supplemental and additional to powers contained in other laws; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Does not derogate any existing power.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-903" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Montgomery County; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Prince George’s County.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-905" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <text>An authority:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is an instrumentality that exercises public and essential government functions;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provides for the public health and welfare; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>May acquire, hold, construct, extend, repair, improve, operate, or lease as a lessor or lessee 1 or more projects that are wholly or partly within 1 or more of the member political subdivisions.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-906" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <text>By law, the governing bodies of 1 or more political subdivisions may create an authority as provided in this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-907" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <text>Each incorporating political subdivision shall include in the law that creates an authority the articles of incorporation for the authority.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The articles of incorporation shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An appropriate name for the authority, which includes the word “authority”;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A statement that the authority is formed under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The name of each incorporating political subdivision;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The name, address, and term of office for each member of the 1st board of directors of the authority;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>If the governing body of any incorporating political subdivision determines that its members are the board of directors of the authority, a statement to this effect; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The purpose of the authority.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The officers of each incorporating political subdivision shall sign, acknowledge, and file the articles of incorporation for record with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Department of Assessments and Taxation shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Receive the articles of incorporation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Mark the date and time of receipt to the articles; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Issue a certificate of approval for any articles that comply with this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>When the State Department of Assessments and Taxation issues a certificate of approval, the authority:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Begins to exist as a public body politic and corporate;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is conclusively considered to be lawfully and properly created;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>May exercise its powers under this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Has the right to exist as a corporation for a term of 50 years.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-908" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section, “articles of amendment” means a document that proposes or adopts an amendment to the articles of incorporation of an authority.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Articles of amendment” includes a document that restates the articles of incorporation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An authority may amend its articles of incorporation in accordance with this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To adopt a new name; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To change, enlarge, or diminish its powers, duties, and purposes.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>To amend its articles of incorporation, the board of directors of an authority shall adopt a resolution that proposes the amendments.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the articles of incorporation are to be replaced, the resolution shall contain the language of the new articles of incorporation.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If any provision in the articles of incorporation is to be added, deleted, or amended, the resolution shall contain the language of the entire amended provision.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The resolution shall direct submission of the amendment to the governing body of each member political subdivision.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>After the board of directors submits the amendment to the governing body of each member political subdivision, the governing body shall adopt or reject the amendment by law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Articles of amendment under this section shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The name and location of the principal office of the authority;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The complete amendment; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A statement that the amendment:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Was proposed by the board of directors of the authority; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Was adopted by the governing body of each member political subdivision.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>If the governing body of each member political subdivision adopts the amendment:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Two authorized officers of the authority shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Sign and acknowledge articles of amendment under the seal of the authority; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Verify under oath the matters and facts set forth in the articles of amendment; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The authority shall file the articles of amendment for record with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Department of Assessments and Taxation shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Receive the articles of amendment;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Mark the date and time of receipt to the articles of amendment; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Issue a certificate of approval for any articles of amendment that comply with this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>When the State Department of Assessments and Taxation issues a certificate of approval, the articles of amendment:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Are in full force and effect; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Are conclusively deemed to be lawfully and properly adopted.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-909" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <text>When an authority is organized and elects its initial officers, the secretary of the authority shall file for record with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The name and address of each officer of the authority; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The location of the principal office of the authority.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Within 10 days after any change in location of the principal office of the authority, the secretary of the authority shall file notice of the new location with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-910" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in this section, if an authority has 2 or more members, any of the member political subdivisions may withdraw from the authority.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any political subdivision may join the authority.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>After an authority that has 2 or more member political subdivisions incurs an obligation, the member political subdivisions may not withdraw from the authority.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>By law, the governing body of a political subdivision shall show its intention to withdraw from or join an existing authority.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If, by resolution, the board of directors of an authority consents to the withdrawal of a political subdivision from the authority, the following persons shall sign and acknowledge articles of withdrawal:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The authorized officers of the withdrawing political subdivision; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The authorized officers of the authority.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If, by resolution, the board of directors of an authority consents to the addition of a political subdivision as a member of the authority, the following persons shall sign and acknowledge articles of joinder:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The authorized officers of the joining political subdivision;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The authorized officers of the authority; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>After they are authorized by law of the governing bodies of their respective political subdivisions, the authorized officers of the political subdivisions that are then members of the authority.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Articles of joinder under this section shall include, for the joining political subdivision, all of the information required under § 9-907(b) of this subtitle, including the name, address, and term of office of the 1st member of the board of directors of the authority from the joining political subdivision.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The officers of the authority shall file articles of withdrawal or articles of joinder under this section for record with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Department of Assessments and Taxation shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Receive the articles of withdrawal or articles of joinder;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Mark the date and time of receipt to the articles; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Issue a certificate of approval for any articles that comply with this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>When the State Department of Assessments and Taxation issues a certificate of approval, the articles of withdrawal or articles of joinder:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Are in full force and effect; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Are conclusively considered to be lawfully and properly adopted.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-911" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <text>An authority may terminate its existence after the authority:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Pays or provides for payment of the principal of and interest on each bond that the authority issued;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Settles any other claim against the authority; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Has the approval by law of the governing body of each member political subdivision.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To terminate its existence, an authority shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Comply with the provisions of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>File articles of dissolution for record with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The articles of dissolution shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A statement that requests the termination of the existence of the authority;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A statement that the authority has:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Paid or provided for payment of the principal of and interest on each bond that the authority issued; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Settled each other claim against the authority; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The signatures of the authorized officers of the authority.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>If the articles of dissolution comply with this subtitle, the State Department of Assessments and Taxation shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Note the termination of existence of the authority on the records of the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Issue a certificate of approval to the board of directors of the authority.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On approval of the articles of dissolution by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, the existence of the authority ends.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-914" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies to any authority that is incorporated or continued by only 1 political subdivision.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>At the election of the governing body of the political subdivision, the board of directors of the authority consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The members of the governing body of the political subdivision; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Five citizens of the political subdivision who are appointed by the governing body of the political subdivision.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of a director who is also a member of the governing body of the political subdivision is the same as the term of office for the member on the governing body of the political subdivision.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The term of a citizen director:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Begins on the date of appointment; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is 5 years, except that the respective terms of the directors serving on the initial board are 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, and 5 years from the January 1 after the incorporation of the authority.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The terms of citizen directors are staggered as required by the terms provided for the 1st directors in paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>At the end of a term:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A citizen director continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A director who is a member of the governing body of the political subdivision ceases to be a director.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A citizen director who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>At a meeting held at least 1 month before the end of a term of a citizen director, the governing body of the political subdivision that is represented by the citizen director shall designate a successor, who shall be deemed to be appointed at the end of the term.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If a political subdivision joins the authority, the governing body of the joining political subdivision immediately shall appoint 1 director for a term that is the same as the terms of the other directors.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-915" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies to an authority that has two or more member political subdivisions.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (g) of this section, the number of directors of the authority is the greater of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Five; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The number of member political subdivisions.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (g) of this section, the articles of incorporation for the authority shall provide for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The appointment of directors;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The staggering of their terms; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Where the number of member political subdivisions is less than five, the apportioning of the directors between or among the member political subdivisions.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of a director may not be more than 5 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a vacancy occurs during the term of a director, the governing body of the political subdivision that is represented by the director shall fill the vacancy.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>If a political subdivision joins the authority, the governing body of the joining political subdivision immediately shall appoint one director for a term that is the same as the terms of the other directors.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>If a political subdivision withdraws from the authority, any director who was appointed to represent the withdrawing political subdivision immediately ceases to be a director.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>In Harford County:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The number of directors of the authority is the greater of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Seven; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The number of member political subdivisions.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The articles of incorporation for the authority shall provide for the apportioning of the directors between or among the member subdivisions if the number of political subdivisions is less than seven.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-916" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A majority of the full authorized membership of the board of directors of an authority is a quorum to do business.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Unless the bylaws require a larger number, the board may take any action by a majority vote of the directors present at a validly called meeting.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The board shall determine the times and places of its meetings.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A citizen director is entitled to the compensation set by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The governing body of the single political subdivision that incorporated or continues the authority; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The governing bodies of the member political subdivisions.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>However, the compensation for a citizen director may not be increased or decreased during the term of the director.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A director who is also a member of the governing body of a political subdivision may not receive compensation for service as a director.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The board may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Set the number of officers, agents, and employees that the board considers proper;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Set the powers, duties, and compensation for these employees; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Elect or appoint any director as an officer, agent, or employee.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-917" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <text>In addition to the powers set forth elsewhere in this subtitle, an authority may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Do anything necessary or convenient to carry out the purposes of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Adopt bylaws to regulate the affairs of the authority and conduct the business of the authority;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Have, use, alter, or abandon a corporate seal;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Sue, be sued, complain, and defend in all courts;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Maintain an office at any place that the authority determines; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Manage the properties and business of the authority.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-918" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <text>An authority may not use any of its powers under this subtitle to construct, improve, maintain, or operate a project that in any way duplicates or competes with an existing public or private utility that serves substantially the same purposes.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>By law, the governing bodies of the member political subdivisions may limit the projects that the authority may begin. If a limitation is made, the authority may not begin a project that is not authorized.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the governing bodies of the member political subdivisions do not limit the projects that the authority may begin, the authority has all of the powers granted by this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The governing body of a political subdivision that has created an authority under this subtitle may not create any other authority to serve any part of the same area.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Unless the governing body of every other member political subdivision consents by law, a member political subdivision may not create or join in the creation of any other authority.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-919" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <text>For the purposes of operation and financing, an authority may combine any water system and sewerage system into a single project.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-920" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <text>The board of directors of an authority may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Acquire, lease as a lessee, hold, and use any interest in any property or franchise that is necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of the authority;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Sell, lease as a lessor, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any interest in any property or franchise of the authority; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Acquire any right in land or water right in connection with land by gift, purchase, or eminent domain.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To condemn an interest in property that is owned by a political subdivision, an authority must obtain the consent of the governing body of the political subdivision.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-921" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <text>Subject to reasonable local police regulation that is established by the governing body of any political subdivision that has jurisdiction in the area, an authority may enter on, use, occupy, or dig up any street, road, highway, or public or private land that is necessary to acquire, construct, or maintain a project.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-922" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <text>When the owner of any property connects the property with a project operated by an authority, the authority may charge a reasonable tapping fee.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The tapping fee is in addition to any charges that the authority makes for rental or use of its projects.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-923" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <text>An authority may accept:</text> <level label="1"> <text>From a federal agency, any grant to aid in the construction, acquisition, or operation of a project; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>From any source, aid or a contribution of money, property, labor, or any other thing of value for any stated purpose.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-924" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <text>If a political subdivision that is not a member of an authority annexes real property that is served by the authority, the authority may continue to do business on and exercise jurisdiction over its properties and facilities over its annexed real property as long as:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any bond or indebtedness of the authority in effect at the time of the annexation remains outstanding or unpaid; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any contract or other obligation of the authority in effect at the time of the annexation continues in force.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-925" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <text>Each authority shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Keep a complete record of its receipts and expenditures;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Employ a certified public accountant to audit its books and accounts;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Keep a detailed audit and financial statement of its accounts available and open for public inspection at its principal office during business hours; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>File annually a certified copy of the detailed audit and financial statement with the governing body of each member political subdivision.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>In person or by authorized agents, the governing body of any member political subdivision may examine and audit the books and records of the authority.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An examination or audit under this subsection is without cost to the authority.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-928" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <text>An authority may issue its bonds to pay any part of the cost of a project of the authority.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-929" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <text>The issuance of a bond under this subtitle is not subject to conditions or limitations in any other law of this State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Sections 8-201, 8-206, and 8-208 of the State Finance and Procurement Article do not apply to any refunding bond issued under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-930" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <text>A bond issued under this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is not a pledge of the faith and credit of this State or any of its political subdivisions; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall say on its face that neither the faith and credit of this State nor the faith and credit of any of its political subdivisions is pledged to the payment of the principal of or interest on the bond.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The issuance of a bond under this subtitle does not obligate this State or any of its political subdivisions directly, indirectly, or contingently:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To levy any tax; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To make any appropriation for payment of the bonds, except from funds pledged in accordance with this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-931" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <text>A bond issued under this subtitle is a security:</text> <level label="1"> <text>In which any person who conducts a banking business, investment business, or insurance business, any fiduciary, any other person, or any public officer or agency of this State or of any political subdivision may invest funds, including capital that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is in the control of the person, officer, or agency; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Belongs to the person, officer, or agency; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>That may be deposited with and received by any officer or agency of this State, or any political subdivision, or any officer of a political subdivision, for any purpose for which the deposit of bonds or other obligations of this State is authorized by law.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-932" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <text>By resolution of its board of directors, an authority may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Issue bonds of the authority;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Secure the payment of the bonds by pledge or deed of trust of all or any part of the revenue of the authority;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Either before or after the issuance of bonds, make any agreement that the authority considers advisable with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A purchaser or holder of the bonds; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any other person in connection with the bonds; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Provide generally for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The security for the bonds; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The rights of the holders of the bonds.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-933" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <text>An authority may issue bonds under this subtitle without:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Obtaining the approval or consent of any unit of the State government; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Doing anything not specifically required by this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An authority may sell bonds under this subtitle at public or private sale and at a price the authority determines is in the best interests of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The authority; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The political subdivision that is to be served.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-934" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies only in Allegany County, Dorchester County, and the town of Middletown in Frederick County.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>An authority may not issue bonds unless the question of issuance of the bonds is submitted to the registered voters who reside within the geographical area served by the authority.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The governing body and the board of election supervisors in each political subdivision shall do whatever is necessary and proper to submit the question to a referendum of the qualified voters of the political subdivision.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A qualified voter at a referendum under this section is an individual who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Lives within the geographic area served by the authority; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is qualified and registered to vote in State and county elections in the area.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The board of directors of the authority shall set the date for the referendum.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, the Election Law Article governs the conduct of the referendum.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The appropriate board of election supervisors shall print the words “For the bond issue” and “Against the bond issue” on each ballot at a referendum under this section.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>If a majority of the qualified voters who vote on the question vote “For the bond issue”, the authority may issue the bonds.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a majority of the qualified voters who vote on the question vote “Against the bond issue”, the authority may not issue the bonds.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>A referendum under this section does not prevent an authority from submitting the same or a similar question at another referendum that is held at a later time.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-935" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Before the preparation of definitive bonds, an authority may issue interim receipts or temporary bonds with or without coupons.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Issuance of interim receipts or temporary bonds is subject to the restrictions that govern the issuance of definitive bonds.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Interim receipts or temporary bonds are exchangeable for definitive bonds when the definitive bonds are executed and available for delivery.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An authority may provide for the replacement of any bond that is lost, destroyed, or mutilated.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-936" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <text>If an authority considers it necessary, the authority may include any limitation or restriction on the issuance of additional bonds:</text> <level label="1"> <text>In the resolution that provides for the issuance of bonds of the authority; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In any trust agreement that secures the bonds.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If a resolution or trust agreement places any limitation or restriction on the issuance of additional bonds, the authority shall honor the limitation or restriction when the authority issues additional bonds.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-937" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <text>By resolution of its board of directors, an authority may provide for the issuance of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Refunding bonds to refund any bonds of the authority that were issued under this subtitle and are outstanding; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A single issue of bonds to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Pay the cost of a project or of the improvement, extension, or reconstruction of or additions to a project; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Refund bonds that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Were issued under this subtitle and are outstanding; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Have matured, are subject to redemption, or can be retired.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-938" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <text>To secure any bond issued under this subtitle, an authority may enter into a trust agreement with a corporate trustee, which may be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A trust company; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A bank that has the powers of a trust company.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In the resolution or trust agreement that authorizes the authority to issue bonds, the authority:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May pledge or assign the revenues to be received from the operation of any project for which the bonds are issued;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In the case of bonds that finance a sewerage system, and to the extent allowed under § 9-946 of this subtitle, may pledge or assign as security for the bonds the revenues to be received from the water system of the authority;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>May not convey or mortgage any part of a project;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>May include reasonable, proper, and lawful provisions for protecting and enforcing the rights and remedies of bondholders, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Covenants stating the duties of the authority to acquire, construct, improve, maintain, operate, repair, and insure any project for which the bonds are issued;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Provisions for the custody, protection, and use of the funds of the authority; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Provisions for the employment of consulting engineers in connection with the construction or maintenance of any project for which the bonds are issued;</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>May state the rights and remedies of bondholders and, in the case of a trust agreement, of trustees;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>May restrict the individual right of action of a bondholder in any way that is customary in a trust agreement or trust indenture that secures bonds or debentures of a corporation; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>May include any other provision that the authority considers to be reasonable and proper for the security of bondholders.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, an authority may provide for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Payment of the proceeds of the sale of its bonds and payment of any revenue of the authority to any officer, board, or depositary that the authority designates as custodian of the proceeds and revenues; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Disbursement of the proceeds and revenues with any safeguards and restrictions that the authority determines.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>An authority may treat any expense that is incurred in carrying out the provisions of a resolution or trust agreement under this section as a part of the cost of operation of the project.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-939" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <text>A resolution or trust agreement that provides for the issuance of or secures bonds under this subtitle may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Include any of the provisions in subsections (c) through (f) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Require the authority to adopt resolutions or take any other lawful action that is necessary to enforce those provisions.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If a resolution or trust agreement includes any of the provisions of subsections (c) through (f) of this section, the authority may adopt resolutions and take any other lawful action that is necessary to enforce those provisions.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If the owner, tenant, or occupant of a parcel of land is obligated to pay rates, fees, or charges for the use of or services furnished by any project of an authority, the authority may require the owner, tenant, or occupant to deposit with the authority, before the use is made or the services are furnished, a reasonable amount:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To insure payment of the rates, fees, or charges; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To be applied to payment of any delinquent rates, fees, or charges.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If the owner, tenant, or occupant of a parcel of land does not pay any rate, fee, or charge for the use of or services furnished by any project of an authority within 30 days after the rate, fee, or charge becomes due and payable, the authority, at the end of the 30-day period, may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Disconnect the parcel of land from the water system or sewerage system of the authority or otherwise suspend services; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Recover the amount of the rate, fee, or charge that is delinquent, plus interest:</text> <level label="i"> <text>In a civil action; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>By foreclosure of the lien for the rate, fee, or charge.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>If any rate, fee, or charge for the use of or services furnished to a lot or parcel of land by a sewerage system that is owned, constructed, or operated by an authority under this subtitle is not paid within 30 days after the rate, fee, or charge becomes due and payable, the owner, tenant, or occupant of the parcel of land shall stop disposing of sewage or industrial wastes from the parcel of land directly or indirectly into the sewerage system until the rate, fee, or charge, plus interest, is paid.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>If the owner, tenant, or occupant of a parcel of land does not stop disposing of sewage or industrial wastes as required by subsection (e) of this section, any political subdivision or person who supplies or sells water for use on the parcel of land shall stop supplying or selling the water within 5 days after receiving notice of the delinquency from the authority.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a political subdivision or person does not stop supplying or selling water for use on a parcel of land as required by paragraph (1) of this subsection, the authority may shut off the supply of water to the parcel of land.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-940" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <text>Subject to any restriction in the resolution or trust agreement that provides for the issuance of or secures the bonds of an authority, any holder of the bonds, any holder of any coupons from the bonds, or any trustee under a trust agreement that secures the bonds may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Enforce in any civil action any right granted by the resolution or trust agreement or by any law of this State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Compel the performance of any duty imposed on the authority or an officer of the authority by this subtitle or by the resolution or trust agreement, including setting, charging, and collecting rates, fees, and charges for the use of or services furnished by any project.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-941" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <text>An authority shall pay the principal of and interest on its bonds only from the funds from which this subtitle authorizes payment.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>For any bond that an authority issues, the authority:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall place the date of issue on the bond;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall set the maturity date for the bond, which shall be any time up to 40 years from the date of issue; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>May provide for the redemption of the bond before maturity:</text> <level label="i"> <text>At the option of the authority; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>At a price and on terms and conditions that the authority fixes before it issues the bond.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A bond or certificate that otherwise conforms to this section is valid and sufficient for all purposes whether or not the officer whose signature or a facsimile of whose signature is on the bond or certificate is still an officer when the bond or certificate is delivered.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>An authority:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall determine the form of its bonds; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May issue its bonds in coupon or registered form or both.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>An authority shall determine:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The manner of execution of its bonds;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The denominations of its bonds; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The places for payment of the principal of and interest on its bonds, which may be any bank or trust company.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A bond issued under this subtitle is fully negotiable as provided in Title 8 of the Commercial Law Article.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>An authority may provide for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The registration of any coupon bond as to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Principal only; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Both principal and interest; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The reconversion into a coupon bond of any bond that is registered as to both principal and interest.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-942" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <text>An authority shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Use the proceeds of any bond that it issues only to pay for the project for which the bond was issued; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Disburse the proceeds of any bond in the manner and under any restrictions that the authority provides in the resolution or trust agreement that authorizes the issuance of or secures the bond.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>If, for any reason, the proceeds of an issue of bonds are less than the cost of the project for which the authority issued the bonds, the authority may issue additional bonds, in a manner similar to that followed in issuing the original bonds, to provide the amount of the deficit.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Unless otherwise provided in the resolution or trust agreement that authorizes the issuance of or secures the original bonds, additional bonds issued under this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Are of the same issue as the original bonds; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Are entitled to payment from the same fund, without any preference or priority being given to the original bonds.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If the proceeds of an issue of bonds exceed the cost of the project for which the authority issued the bonds, the authority shall deposit the surplus to the credit of the reserve account or sinking fund for the bonds.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-945" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <text>An authority may enter into any contract that the authority determines is necessary or incidental to the exercise of its powers or the performance of its duties under this subtitle, including a contract with:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any federal agency, this State, any agency of this State, any political subdivision, or any person:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Providing for or relating to furnishing the services and facilities of a project of the authority; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In connection with the services and facilities of a water system or sewerage system that is owned or controlled by the federal agency, this State, the agency of this State, the political subdivision, or the person;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any person, political subdivision, or public authority of this or any adjoining state for the construction and operation of a project that is located partly in this State and partly in the adjoining state; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any federal agency or political subdivision relating to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The use by the authority of the services or facilities of any water system or sewerage system that is not owned or operated by the authority; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The use by the federal agency, political subdivision, or residents of the political subdivision of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any project acquired or constructed by the authority under this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The services or facilities of the project.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A contract under this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is subject to any provision, limitation, or condition that is contained in:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A resolution of the authority that authorizes the authority to issue bonds; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A trust agreement that secures bonds of the authority;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May provide for the collection of fees, rates, or charges for the services and facilities furnished to a political subdivision or any of its residents, and may provide that the collection be done:</text> <level label="i"> <text>By a political subdivision or any agent of a political subdivision; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>By any agent of an authority; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>May provide for the enforcement of any delinquent charge.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Any law that is enacted by a political subdivision under a contract under this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is not repealable if any bond to which the contract relates is outstanding and unpaid; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is for the benefit of the bondholders.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A contract under this section and any law of a political subdivision that is enacted under the contract shall provide that the total of any rates, fees, and charges is sufficient to pay all of the obligations that are assumed by the other party to the contract.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-946" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <text>An authority may set, charge, and collect rates, fees, and charges in connection with each of its projects to provide funds that, with any other available funds, are sufficient at all times:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To pay:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The expenses of the authority;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The cost of construction, extension, repair, improvement, maintenance, and operation of each facility and property of the authority;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The cost of maintenance, repair, and operation of each project for which the authority issued bonds under this subtitle, including the creation of reserves for the maintenance, repair, operation, replacement, depreciation, and necessary extensions of the project; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The principal of and interest on all bonds of the authority whenever due and payable, including the creation of reserves to provide a margin of safety; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To fulfill the terms of any agreement that is made with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A purchaser or holder of any bond of the authority;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A political subdivision that is incorporated or is a member of the authority; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A political subdivision that is or will be served by the authority.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An authority may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Set rates, fees, and charges for the services and facilities of its water system that are sufficient to pay:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The cost of maintenance, repair, and operation of its sewerage system; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The principal of and interest on bonds that the authority issues for its sewerage system; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to prior pledges of surplus revenue, pledge any surplus revenue of its water system for the purposes stated in item (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>An authority may base rates, fees, and charges for the services and facilities of its sewerage system on:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The quantity of water used;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The amount of the water bill;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The number and size of sewer connections;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The number and kind of plumbing fixtures in use in the premises that are connected with the sewerage system;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The number or average number of individuals who reside in, work in, or are otherwise connected with the premises that are connected with the sewerage system;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>The type or character of the premises that are connected with the sewerage system;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Any other factor that affects the use of the facilities furnished; or</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>Any combination of these factors.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If any premises obtain all or part of their water from a source other than a public water system, an authority may charge the premises for sewerage services:</text> <level label="i"> <text>By gauging or metering; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In any other manner that the authority approves.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>An authority may base rates, fees, and charges for any of its other services and facilities on any factor that the authority determines to be reasonable and proper.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The rates, fees, and charges of an authority shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Reasonable;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Uniform by class; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Determined solely by the authority.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Any person who questions whether the rates, fees, or charges of an authority are reasonable or uniform may sue the authority:</text> <level label="i"> <text>In the circuit court for the county in which the project is located; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the project is located in 2 or more counties, in the circuit court for the county in which the principal office of the project is located.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The circuit court has exclusive jurisdiction to determine the reasonableness and uniformity of the rates, fees, and other charges of an authority.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-947" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <text>If the sewage or other waste that a manufacturing, commercial, or industrial plant or other building or premises discharges into a sewerage system is, because of its character, an unreasonable burden on the sewerage system, the authority that owns, operates, or maintains the sewerage system may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Impose an additional charge on the owner, tenant, or occupant of the plant, building, or premises; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Require the owner, tenant, or occupant of the plant, building, or premises, before it discharges its sewage or other waste, to treat the sewage or waste in a manner that the authority determines.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-948" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <text>An authority may use data that a political subdivision furnishes under this section to calculate the rates, fees, and charges of the authority for sewer services to a consumer of water.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>By the 15th day of the month after the month in which the political subdivision issues water bills, and at the request of the authority, each member political subdivision shall submit to the authority:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A list of the water meter readings on which the water bills were based; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A statement of the amounts of the water bills.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-949" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <text>An authority has a lien on real estate:</text> <level label="1"> <text>For:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The amount of any fee, rent, or charge, including a tapping fee, imposed on an owner, tenant, or occupant of the real estate for the use and services of a project of the authority; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any accrued interest on the fee, rent, or charge; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>From the time when the fee, rent, or charge is due and payable.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A lien under this section is superior to any interest of an owner, tenant, or occupant of the affected real estate.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A lien under this section binds or affects a subsequent bona fide purchaser of the real estate who purchases for valuable consideration and without actual notice of the lien only after the amount of the lien is entered in a lien register that is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Furnished for this purpose by and at the expense of the authority; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Kept among the land records of the county where the real estate is located.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The clerk of the circuit court in the county where the real estate is located:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall keep and make available for public inspection any lien register that an authority provides to the clerk under this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall record and index in the lien register any entry that the authority certifies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>To discharge a lien under this section, a person shall pay to the authority:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The total amount of the lien; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any interest that has accrued on the lien to the date of payment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>When a person discharges a lien under this subsection, the authority shall deliver to the person a certificate of payment.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>When a person presents a certificate of payment to the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the real estate is located, the clerk, without any fee, shall record the discharge of the lien in the lien register.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-950" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “abutting lot” means a parcel of land:</text> <level label="1"> <text>That abuts on a street or other public way that contains a sanitary sewer that is part of, is served by, or may be served by the sewerage system of an authority; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On which a building has been constructed for residential, commercial, or industrial use.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, when an authority acquires or constructs a sewerage system under this subtitle, the authority, by rule, regulation, or resolution, may require each owner of an abutting lot to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Connect with the sewerage system of the authority each building that is constructed for residential, commercial, or industrial use on the abutting lot; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Stop using any other method for the disposal of sewage or other polluting matter.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The authority may not require the owner of an abutting lot to connect any building on the abutting lot if the abutting lot is served by a facility for the disposal of sewage or other polluting matter that was constructed and is operated in accordance with standards set or approved by the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Whenever this section requires a person to connect a building to the sewerage system of an authority, the person shall make the connection in accordance with the rules and regulations of the authority.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The rules and regulations of an authority may set a reasonable charge for making a connection under this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-951" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <text>A political subdivision that owns or operates a water system may contract with an authority as provided in subsection (b) of this section to shut off the supply of water to any premises that are connected with any sewerage system of the authority.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the owner, tenant, or occupant of any premises described in subsection (a) of this section fails, within the time stated in the contract, to pay any rate, fee, or charge for the use or services of the sewerage system of an authority, the authority may shut off the supply of water to the premises.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>An authority may disconnect service to a property on a finding or notification from the governing body of the political subdivision in which the property is located that the property is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A vacant lot; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Cited as vacant and unfit for habitation on a housing or building violation notice.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, on request by the owner of the property, the authority shall restore service to a property where service was disconnected in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>An authority may require proof that all housing and building violation notices on a property have been resolved prior to restoring service under paragraph (2) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Prior to restoring service under paragraph (2) of this subsection, an authority may require the owner of the property to pay:</text> <level label="1"> <text>All unpaid rates, fees, charges, or assessments for service at the property; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any reconnection fees for service at the property.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-952" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Notwithstanding any other law, the governing body of a political subdivision may transfer jurisdiction over, lease, lend, give, sell, or convey to an authority, on the request of the authority, with or without consideration, any of the following:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Any facility;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any right or interest in a facility;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any property that appertains to a facility;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Any real property; or</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Any right or interest in real property.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The authority shall use property transferred or conveyed under this subsection in connection with the construction, extension, repair, improvement, maintenance, or operation of 1 or more projects of the authority.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The transfer or conveyance shall be on terms and conditions that the governing body of the political subdivision determines to be in the best interests of the political subdivision.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>If the land is necessary or desirable in connection with the construction, extension, repair, improvement, maintenance, or operation of any project, this State consents to the use by an authority of any land that is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Owned or controlled by this State; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>Below the high-water mark of any waters of this State; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In the right-of-way of any State highway.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Highway Administration must approve the use of land that is in any State highway right-of-way.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-953" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <text>After an authority pays or provides for the payment of the principal of and interest on each bond that is secured by a pledge of the revenue of a project, and subject to any agreement that concerns the operation or disposition of the project, the authority may convey the project to its member political subdivisions.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-956" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <text>In addition to the powers set forth elsewhere in this subtitle, a political subdivision may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Contract with an authority:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For the collection, treatment, or disposal of sewage; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>With respect to any matter or thing concerning which the authority may contract with the political subdivision under this subtitle; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Lend money to an authority to pay the organization and preliminary expenses of the authority, on condition that the loan is repaid out of the proceeds of the 1st bond issue of the authority.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-957" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <text>An authority is not required to pay any tax or assessment on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any project; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The income from any project.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This State, any political subdivision, and any other public agency in this State may not tax:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any bond that is issued under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The transfer of the bond; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any income from the bond, including any profit on the sale of the bond.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-958" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Authorities"> <level label="a"> <text>Any money that an authority receives under this subtitle as proceeds from the sale of bonds or as revenues is a trust fund that the authority shall hold and apply only as provided in this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The resolution or trust agreement that provides for the issuance of or secures bonds of an authority shall provide that any officer to whom, or any bank, trust company, or other fiscal agent to which, the authority pays any money received under this subtitle shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Act as trustee of the money; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Hold and apply the money:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For the purposes of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Subject to any provision of the resolution or trust agreement.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1001" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Water Quality Laboratories"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Certification” means certification by the Department under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Person” includes any state, county, municipal corporation, federal agency, or special taxing area.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Public drinking water system” has the meaning stated in the federal Safe Drinking Water Act for “public water system”.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Water quality laboratory” means any person who, by any method, examines a public drinking water system:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To determine whether it complies with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act or State standards for public drinking water; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To produce laboratory information for enforcement of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act or State standards for public drinking water.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1002" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Water Quality Laboratories"> <text>The provisions of this subtitle that require the payment of a fee for certification or renewal of a certification do not apply to any county or municipal corporation in this State.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1003" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Water Quality Laboratories"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Adopt rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Establish a proficiency testing program to test the performance of any water quality laboratory; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Set standards for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Demonstrating satisfactory performance in a proficiency testing program; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Conducting the program.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary shall have each water quality laboratory inspected at least triennially.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1006" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Water Quality Laboratories"> <text>A water quality laboratory shall be certified by the Department before the water quality laboratory may be operated in this State.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1007" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Water Quality Laboratories"> <text>To qualify for certification, a water quality laboratory shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Meet the standards and qualifications the Department sets; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Comply with the rules and regulations that the Department adopts under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1008" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Water Quality Laboratories"> <text>Any person who wishes to operate a water quality laboratory shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Submit to the Department, on the form the Department requires, an application for certification of the water quality laboratory; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Pay to the Department the application fee set by the Department.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1009" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Water Quality Laboratories"> <text>Before certifying any water quality laboratory, the Secretary shall have the water quality laboratory inspected.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1010" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Water Quality Laboratories"> <text>The Department shall certify any water quality laboratory that meets the requirements of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1011" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Water Quality Laboratories"> <text>While it is effective, certification under this subtitle authorizes the certified water quality laboratory to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be operated; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Test well water for State standards.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1012" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Water Quality Laboratories"> <level label="a"> <text>A certification expires on the first anniversary of its effective date unless the certification is renewed for a 1–year term as provided in this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>At least 1 month before a certification expires, the Department shall send to the certified water quality laboratory, by first–class mail to the last known address of the water quality laboratory, a renewal notice that states:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The date on which the current certification expires;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The date by which the renewal application must be received by the Department for the renewal to be issued and mailed before the certification expires; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The amount of the renewal fee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Before the certification expires, the certified water quality laboratory may renew its certification for an additional 1–year term if the water quality laboratory:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Otherwise is entitled to be certified;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Pays to the Department the renewal fee set by the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Submits to the Department a renewal application on the form that the Department requires.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Department shall renew the certification of each water quality laboratory that meets the requirements of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1013" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Water Quality Laboratories"> <text>If the water quality laboratory meets the renewal requirements of this subtitle, the Secretary shall reinstate the certification of a water quality laboratory the certification of which has not been renewed for any reason.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1014" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Water Quality Laboratories"> <level label="a"> <text>A water quality laboratory certification is not transferable.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each certified water quality laboratory shall display its certificate of certification conspicuously in the place of business of the certified water quality laboratory.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1015" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Water Quality Laboratories"> <level label="a"> <text>If a water quality laboratory located outside of this State examines any of the public drinking water of this State, the results of that examination may not be accepted by this State unless the water quality laboratory is certified under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who operates a water quality laboratory in another state and who wishes to have the water quality laboratory certified in this State shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Submit to the Department, on the form that the Department requires, an application for certification of the water quality laboratory;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Show to the satisfaction of the Department that the water quality laboratory meets at least the minimum standards and qualifications adopted by the Department under this subtitle for water quality laboratories in this State; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Pay to the Department the application fee set by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A water quality laboratory that is in another state and is certified under this subtitle may renew its certification in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1016" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Water Quality Laboratories"> <text>Subject to the hearing provisions of § 9-1017 of this subtitle, the Secretary may reprimand or revoke or suspend the certification of any water quality laboratory that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Fraudulently or deceptively obtains or attempts to obtain a certification;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Fraudulently or deceptively uses a certification;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Fails to meet substantially the standards and qualifications adopted by the Department under this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Fails to comply with the rules and regulations adopted by the Department under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1017" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Water Quality Laboratories"> <level label="a"> <text>Before the Secretary takes any action under § 9-1016 of this subtitle, the Secretary shall give the water quality laboratory against which the action is contemplated:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Written notice of the charges filed against it; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An opportunity for a hearing before the Secretary.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary shall give notice and hold the hearing in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1018" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Water Quality Laboratories"> <level label="a"> <text>Any person aggrieved by a final decision of the Secretary in a contested case under this subtitle may take a direct judicial appeal.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The appeal shall be made as provided for judicial review of final decisions in the Administrative Procedure Act.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1021" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Water Quality Laboratories"> <text>A person may not operate or attempt to operate a water quality laboratory in this State unless the water quality laboratory is certified by the Department.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1022" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Water Quality Laboratories"> <text>Unless the water quality laboratory the person operates is certified under this subtitle, a person may not represent to the public by title, by description of services, methods or procedures, or otherwise that the person operates a certified water quality laboratory.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1023" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Water Quality Laboratories"> <text>A person may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Sell or fraudulently obtain, or provide or aid in selling or fraudulently obtaining or providing, a certification issued under this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Operate as a certified laboratory under a certification that is unlawfully or fraudulently obtained or unlawfully issued.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1026" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Water Quality Laboratories"> <text>A person who violates any provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1027" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Water Quality Laboratories"> <text>This subtitle may be cited as the “Maryland Water Quality Laboratory Certification Act”.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1101" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Sanitary Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In Garrett County, before constructing on private property a building that will need a septic tank disposal system, the person who proposes to construct the building shall obtain a septic tank permit from the Garrett County Health Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An applicant for a septic tank permit under this section shall submit to the Garrett County Health Department:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An application on the form that the Garrett County Health Department requires; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A plan for the septic tank system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Before issuing a septic tank permit, the Garrett County Health Department may inspect the site of the proposed septic tank.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If it approves the application, the Garrett County Health Department shall issue a septic tank permit.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A person may not build a septic tank in violation of this section.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A person who violates subsection (e) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $100.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1102" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Sanitary Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies to charges for sewer service or solid waste disposal service provided in Worcester County by any State, county, or municipal agency that does not also provide water services.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If a bill for sewer service or solid waste disposal service remains unpaid for 30 days after being sent, the agency providing that service:</text> <level label="1"> <text>After giving written notice, may stop the service; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Before restoring the service, may require payment of the entire unpaid bill plus $5.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The notice required by this section shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Left on the premises served; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Mailed to the last known address of the owner of the premises served.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Unpaid sewer charges, including any penalty, shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A first lien against the property; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Collectible as taxes.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1103" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Sanitary Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “public agency” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any State, county, or municipal authority;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any public drainage commission;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any public sewerage commission;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any public water commission; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Any sanitary district created under Subtitle 6 of this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A public agency may make a contract or an agreement with the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission:</text> <level label="i"> <text>To connect any drainage, sewerage, or water system of that public agency with facilities of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>To buy water from or sell water to the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>To accept drainage or sewage from the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>To send drainage or sewage to the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A public agency may make any other agreement with the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission to aid in the building or operation of any drainage system, sewerage system, or water system built or operated by the public agency or the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The powers granted in this section are in addition to and not limited by any other powers granted to a public agency.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1104" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Sanitary Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department may establish a privatization program for performing soil percolation tests in one or more counties in the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In order to be eligible to participate in the program established under subsection (a) of this section a person shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be a sanitarian licensed in the State or a qualified professional who meets standards at least as stringent as the State sanitarian licensing requirements;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Have demonstrated experience in working with on-site sewage disposal systems; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Meet any other requirements established by the local health department to ensure the quality of testing performed under the program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The health department for any county seeking to establish a privatization program under this section shall work with the Department to implement the program.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Department may adopt regulations to implement the privatization program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1104.1" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2028 PER CHAPTERS 424 AND 425 OF 2025" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Sanitary Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “delegated approval authority” means the local health department or county agency that has received a well or on–site sewage disposal system delegation of authority by the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section applies only to Dorchester County.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>At the request of a county government and the delegated approval authority, the Department may establish a privatization program for the performance of any activities associated with a well or on–site sewage disposal system delegation of authority by the Department.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Department establishes a privatization program under this section, the Department shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Specify whether the privatization program has a limited duration or is ongoing;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Specify the activities associated with a well or on–site sewage disposal system delegation of authority covered under the privatization program;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Establish reporting and performance monitoring requirements, as determined appropriate by the Department;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Conduct mandatory compliance audits on at least an annual basis;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Consider reasonable consumer protection requirements, including fee caps and dispute resolution mechanisms;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Require that participants in the privatization program carry appropriate insurance and provide financial assurances, including indemnification of the State, and bonds, letters of credit, or similar financial security, the amounts of which shall be determined by the Department;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Ensure that the privatization program complies with applicable procurement laws;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>Establish appropriate ethics policies, including conflict of interest standards, for the privatization program; and</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>Require participants in the privatization program to transfer any records related to the privatization program to the delegated approval authority, at which time the records shall be considered public records subject to Title 4 of the General Provisions Article (the Public Information Act).</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department may suspend or halt a privatization program if the Department determines that the program:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is failing to comply with any requirement established under this section;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is failing to meet reporting or performance monitoring requirements established under this section; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Poses a risk to public health or the environment.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>In order to be eligible to participate in the program established under this section, a person must:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be an environmental health specialist licensed by the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Have demonstrated satisfactory experience in the activities associated with a well or on–site sewage disposal system delegation of authority covered under the privatization program; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Meet any other requirements established by the Department or requested by the delegated approval authority to ensure the quality of the work performed under the privatization program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The delegated approval authority shall review and approve or disapprove any work performed by a person under a privatization program, consistent with the delegation of authority by the Department.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A delegated approval authority seeking to establish a privatization program under this section shall work with the Department and county government to implement the privatization program.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Department may adopt regulations to implement the privatization program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1105" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Sanitary Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies only in Carroll County.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is an On–Site and Small Community Wastewater Disposal Fund in the Carroll County Health Department.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Carroll County Health Department shall use the Fund to provide grants to persons to correct existing or potential public health hazards through innovative or alternative on–site sewage disposal systems and eligible small community self–help projects.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Fund shall consist of 10% of all soil evaluation fees that the Carroll County Health Department has collected and retained and deposited into the Fund as authorized under § 3–202 of the Health – General Article.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, any unexpended moneys in the Fund may not be transferred or revert to the General Fund of the State, but shall remain in the Fund to be used for the purposes specified in subsection (c) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1106" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Sanitary Provisions"> <text>The governing body of Howard County may enact local laws governing the installation and use of multiuse sewerage systems that are not inconsistent with State law.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1107" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Sanitary Provisions"> <text>The Howard County governing body may require the recipient of a permit to install a multiuse sewerage system to post a performance bond before installing the multiuse sewerage system.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1108" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Sanitary Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Nitrogen removal technology” means the best available technology for the removal of nitrogen.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“On–site sewage disposal system” means a sewage treatment unit, collection system, disposal area, and related appurtenances.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Install, or have installed, on property a person owns in the State in the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area, an on–site sewage disposal system to service a newly constructed building, unless the on–site sewage disposal system utilizes nitrogen removal technology; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Replace or have replaced, an existing on–site sewage disposal system on property a person owns in the State in the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area, unless the replacement on–site sewage disposal system utilizes nitrogen removal technology.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection and in accordance with § 9–1605.2(h) of this title, the Department shall assist homeowners in paying the cost difference between a conventional on–site sewage disposal system and a system that utilizes nitrogen removal technology with money from the Bay Restoration Fund, if sufficient funds are available.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In calendar years 2010, 2011, and 2012, the Department shall assist homeowners by paying 100% of the cost difference between a conventional on–site sewage disposal system and a system that utilizes nitrogen removal technology with money from the Bay Restoration Fund, if the homeowner:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is required under subsection (b)(2) of this section to replace an existing on–site sewage disposal system with an on–site sewage disposal system that utilizes nitrogen removal technology; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Has a failing on–site sewage disposal system.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person who violates subsection (b) of this section is subject to the civil and administrative penalties and the enforcement mechanisms provided in §§ 9–334 through 9–342 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The penalties imposed under this section may not exceed $8,000.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations to implement this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The regulations adopted in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include provisions to ensure that appropriate management measures are provided for the operation and maintenance of nitrogen removal technology.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1108.1" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Sanitary Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Nitrogen removal technology” has the meaning stated in § 9–1108 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“On–site sewage disposal system” has the meaning stated in § 9–1108 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Vendor” means a person that sells, offers for sale, or distributes on–site sewage disposal systems that utilize nitrogen removal technology.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>In accordance with subsection (c) of this section, the Department shall evaluate and rank all best available nitrogen removal technologies for on–site sewage disposal systems to advise local governments and residents of the State of approved technologies that qualify for funding under § 9–1605.2(h)(2) of this title.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Make available the evaluation and ranking of all best available nitrogen removal technologies required under this section on the Department’s Web site; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Provide the evaluation and ranking of all best available nitrogen removal technologies to a county, municipality, or resident of the State in any correspondence relating to approved technologies that qualify for funding under § 9–1605.2(h)(2) of this title.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department shall evaluate and rank all best available nitrogen removal technologies for on–site sewage disposal systems based on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The total amount of nitrogen reduction the technology can achieve;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The total cost of the technology, including the estimated annual cost of operation and maintenance, including electricity costs;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The cost per pound of the nitrogen reduction; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any other information the Department determines is necessary.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Beginning June 1, 2011, and every 2 years thereafter, the Department shall request information from vendors necessary to carry out the requirements of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1108.2" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Sanitary Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “watershed implementation plan” has the meaning stated in § 8–2A–01 of the Natural Resources Article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The following may count toward a nitrogen load reduction identified in the State’s or a local jurisdiction’s watershed implementation plan:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A reduction in nitrogen from upgrading an on–site sewage disposal system to the best available technology for the removal of nitrogen if the operation and maintenance for the on–site sewage disposal system is current; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A reduction in nitrogen from pumping out an on–site sewage disposal system that is subject to a local jurisdiction’s septic stewardship plan if the local jurisdiction’s septic stewardship plan meets the requirements under § 9–1605.2(h)(8)(iii)2 of this title.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1109" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Sanitary Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “individual sewerage system” means a privately owned system of sewers, piping and treatment tanks or other facilities that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Serves only a single lot for the disposal of sewage; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Discharges to the surface waters of the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a person may not install an individual sewerage system in the State.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Subject to the Department’s approval, a person may install an individual sewerage system in the State for residential use if an existing on–site sewage disposal system fails and cannot be repaired or replaced by any means.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1110" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Sanitary Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Community sewerage system” means a publicly or privately owned sewerage system that serves at least two lots.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Controlling authority” means a unit of government, a body public and corporate, or an intercounty agency authorized by the State, a county, or a municipal corporation to provide for the management, operation, and maintenance of a community sewerage system, shared facility, or multiuse sewerage system.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Shared facility” means a sewerage system that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Serves more than one:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Lot and is owned in common by the users;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Condominium unit and is owned in common by the users or by a condominium association;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>User and is located on individual lots owned by the users; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>User on one lot and is owned in common by the users;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is located wholly or partly on any of the common elements of a condominium; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Serves a housing cooperative or other multiple ownership cooperative.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section may not be construed as requiring a local jurisdiction to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be a controlling authority; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Authorize or allow the use of a shared facility or a community sewerage system within the local jurisdiction.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A shared facility or community sewerage system may be approved only if the system:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is managed, operated, and maintained by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A controlling authority; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A third party under contract with the controlling authority; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Discharges:</text> <level label="i"> <text>To the surface waters of the State in accordance with a permit issued under § 9–323 of this title;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>By way of land application under a nutrient management plan required under § 8–803.1 of the Agriculture Article that assures 100% of the nitrogen and phosphorus in the applied effluent will be taken up by vegetation; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>By way of an on–site sewerage system.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1111" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Sanitary Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “rural zone” means an area of Montgomery County designated as a Rural Zone, Rural Cluster Zone, Rural Density Transfer Zone, Rural Neighborhood Cluster Zone, or Rural Service Zone as described in the Montgomery County Code Zoning Ordinance.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, in Montgomery County, an on–site sewage disposal system or well located in a rural zone may only serve one additional lot or parcel that has been subdivided from a single property on which the on–site sewage disposal system or well is located under an on–site sewage disposal system easement or well easement, respectively, provided that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The property on which the on–site sewage disposal system or well is located does not have an existing on–site sewage disposal system easement or well easement;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The subdivision of the property was made in accordance with a State or county agricultural land conservation program if the property is subject to an agricultural land conservation easement; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Only one on–site sewage disposal system easement may serve only one subdivided lot or parcel.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An easement for an on–site sewage disposal system or well under paragraph (1) of this subsection may be granted from the original parcel to a new lot or parcel being created and the easement must not be granted to any lot or parcel that did not originate from the same original parcel.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An on–site sewage disposal system or well under subsection (b)(1) of this section may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Serve land that is designated by the State or the governing body of Montgomery County as a special protection area; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Decrease the land available for agricultural production by more than 4,000 square feet.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1112" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Sanitary Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>“Graywater” means used, untreated water generated by the use of and collected from:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A shower;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A bathtub; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A lavatory sink; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Graywater” does not include water from:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A toilet;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A kitchen sink; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A dishwashing machine.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, and following the adoption of regulations as required by subsection (c) of this section, a person may use graywater for residential purposes including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Household gardening;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Composting;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Lawn watering;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Landscape irrigation; or</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Flushing of a conventional toilet or urinal.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person may use graywater if the use is permitted under regulations required by subsection (c) of this section, and:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The graywater originates from a residence on the site on which the graywater is to be applied;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The graywater is contained in a storage tank that is located on the site on which the graywater is to be applied;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Human contact with graywater and soil irrigated by graywater is avoided;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Surface application of graywater is not used for irrigation of food plants that have an edible portion that comes in direct contact with graywater;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The graywater does not contain hazardous chemicals derived from any activity, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Cleaning motor vehicle parts;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Washing greasy or oily rags; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Disposing of waste solutions from home photo lab activities or similar hobbyist or home occupational activities;</text> </level> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>The application of graywater is managed to minimize standing water on the surface of the ground;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>The graywater system is constructed to provide for overflow into a sewerage system or an on–site sewage disposal system;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>For a graywater storage tank located outdoors, the graywater storage tank is covered to restrict access and to eliminate habitat for mosquitoes and other vectors;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>The graywater system is located outside the 100–year floodplain;</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>The graywater system is operated to maintain a minimum vertical separation of at least 5 feet from the point of graywater application to the top of the seasonally high groundwater table;</text> </level> <level label="xi"> <text>Any pressure piping used in a graywater system that may be susceptible to cross connection with a potable water system clearly indicates that the piping does not carry potable water;</text> </level> <level label="xii"> <text>Graywater applied by surface irrigation does not contain water used to wash diapers or similarly soiled or infectious garments;</text> </level> <level label="xiii"> <text>Surface irrigation by graywater is conducted only by flood irrigation or drip irrigation if there is adequate irrigation area;</text> </level> <level label="xiv"> <text>The graywater is not sprayed; and</text> </level> <level label="xv"> <text>The graywater does not run off or pond on–site;</text> </level> <level label="xvi"> <text>The graywater does not create nuisance conditions; and</text> </level> <level label="xvii"> <text>The graywater use is in accordance with any applicable State and local laws or regulations, including State and local plumbing codes.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations to implement the provisions of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1113" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Sanitary Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “reusable diverted water” means water that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is generated by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Backwashing an on–site potable water treatment system; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Using an ice maker;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is collected for reuse instead of discharged to a residential on–site sewage disposal system; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Contains no constituents that are detrimental to public health or the environment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person may use reusable diverted water for beneficial purposes, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Gardening;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Composting;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Lawn watering; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Irrigation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person may use reusable diverted water only:</text> <level label="i"> <text>On the site on which the reusable diverted water originates; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In accordance with any applicable State and local laws or regulations, including State and local plumbing codes.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1114" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Sanitary Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Delegated authority” means a local health department or county government to which the Department has delegated authority to administer a well and septic program.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Well and septic program” means a program under which a delegated authority issues permits for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The installation of on–site sewage disposal systems; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The construction of wells.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On or before December 1, 2024, a delegated authority shall submit a schedule of review times for well and septic program permits to the Department for approval.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Beginning 3 months after the schedule submitted in accordance with subsection (b) of this section is approved by the Department, and every 3 months thereafter, a delegated authority shall submit well and septic program permit data to the Department for review.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1115" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Sanitary Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Adequate records” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A copy of all charges that the water service provider imposed on the owner, operator, or manager of an apartment house or a mobile home park in the preceding 2 years;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The total utility cost imposed on all units in the facility each month for the current calendar year and previous calendar year;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The total revenue collected from occupants to pay the charges imposed on the owner, operator, or manager by the water service provider each month for the current calendar year and previous calendar year;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>An explanation of the formula used to allocate the cost of each unit’s water consumption; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Any other information necessary for a tenant to verify a water utility bill.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>“Apartment house” means one or more buildings that each contain more than two dwelling units and in which all the dwelling units are occupied primarily for nontransient use with rent paid at intervals of 1 week or longer.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Apartment house” includes a residential condominium or cooperative, whether the units are rented or owner occupied.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Dwelling unit” means premises that consist of one or more rooms suitable for occupancy as a residence and that contain kitchen and bathroom facilities.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Individual submeter” means equipment used to determine the actual use of water for each residential unit in an apartment house or a mobile home park.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>“Water service provider” means, as applicable:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A political subdivision that provides water and sewerage services under Subtitle 7 of this title;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A water company, as defined in § 1–101 of the Public Utilities Article;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A mobile home park.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to the provisions of this section, and with the approval of the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Board of Public Works or equivalent local authority, a local housing authority established under Division II of the Housing and Community Development Article may install individual submeters for any combination of apartment houses or dwelling units.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An owner, an operator, or a manager of an apartment house or a mobile home park, or a contractor hired by the owner, operator, or manager, may install an individual submeter for each dwelling unit that is not directly metered for water to allocate fairly the cost of each unit’s water consumption.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>An owner, an operator, or a manager of an apartment house or a mobile home park, or a contractor hired by the owner, operator, or manager, who installs individual submeters under this section to provide bulk metered service may not impose on a unit in the facility any water or sewerage cost except the charges that the water service provider actually imposes on the owner, operator, or manager.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The charges imposed under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be allocated among the units in proportion to the actual usage by the unit.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The owner, operator, or manager of an apartment house or a mobile home park, or a contractor hired by the owner, operator, or manager, may not impose on a unit in the facility any costs associated with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Poor maintenance or leaks that the owner, operator, manager, or contractor is responsible for;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Common area usage; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Usage in any part of a building that is not used as a residential unit.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The owner, operator, or manager of an apartment house or a mobile home park, or a contractor hired by the owner, operator, or manager, may collect an additional service charge not exceeding $1 per unit per month to cover administrative costs and billing.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Each individual submeter under this section is subject to the regulations and standards that the Department, in consultation with the Department of Housing and Community Development, adopts for the accuracy, testing, and record keeping of individual submeters.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Regulations adopted under this subsection shall be at least as stringent as the regulations applicable to the water meters that water service providers install.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>In this subsection the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Actual usage” means usage that was measured when a meter was considered accurate.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>“Estimated usage” means the average usage by dwelling units in the same apartment house that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Are of comparable size; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Have a comparable number of occupants.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, if an individual submeter does not provide adequate or accurate data for billing purposes, the owner, operator, or manager of an apartment house may bill the occupant of the unit:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The average cost of the most recent 3 months of actual usage by the occupant of the unit; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If records of the most recent 3 months of actual usage by the occupant of the unit are not available, the average cost of the most recent 3 months of estimated usage.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If an individual submeter has not been repaired or replaced for two consecutive billing cycles, the owner, operator, or manager of an apartment house may not bill the occupant of that unit until the individual submeter is repaired or replaced.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The owner, operator, or manager of the apartment house or mobile home park, or a contractor hired by the owner, operator, or manager, shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Maintain adequate records regarding individual submeters;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Obtain any additional records needed by an occupant of a unit to verify a water bill; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Allow the occupant of the unit to inspect the records during reasonable business hours.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>A complaint by an occupant of a dwelling unit against an owner, operator, or manager of an apartment house or a mobile home park, or a contractor hired by the owner, operator, or manager, under this section may be filed in the county or municipality where the apartment house or mobile home park is located.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A complaint filed under paragraph (1) of this subsection may be handled by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The landlord–tenant commission, if one exists, of the county or municipality;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The consumer protection agency, if one exists, of the county or municipal corporation if there is not a landlord–tenant commission in the county or municipality or if the commission does not have jurisdiction;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Attorney General, if there is not a consumer protection agency in the county or municipality or the agency does not have jurisdiction; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A private cause of action.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as preventing any State agency from exercising its authority regarding the collection of obligations arising from consumer transactions.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-11A-01" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11A" subtitle_name="On–site Wastewater Services"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Board” means the State Board of On–Site Wastewater Professionals.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“License” means any category of professional license issued by the Board to an individual to provide on–site wastewater services in the State.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“On–site wastewater services” means any activity associated with the design, installation, operation and maintenance, pumping, repair, or property transfer inspection of an on–site wastewater system.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“On–site wastewater services” does not include any type of on–site wastewater system inspection other than a property transfer inspection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>“On–site wastewater system” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A wastewater system designed to treat and dispose of effluent on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The same property that produces the wastewater; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An easement; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A holding tank.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, “on–site wastewater system” includes a septic or any other on–site sewage disposal system.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“On–site wastewater system” does not include a wastewater treatment system that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Requires a discharge permit from the Department; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Treats 5,000 or more gallons per day.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-11A-02" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11A" subtitle_name="On–site Wastewater Services"> <level label="a"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to an individual employed by a local, State, or federal agency while performing the duties of that employment.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Nothing in this subtitle prevents or prohibits a local government from imposing requirements, standards, or fees that are more stringent than the requirements, standards, or fees established in this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-11A-03" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11A" subtitle_name="On–site Wastewater Services" /> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-11A-05" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11A" subtitle_name="On–site Wastewater Services"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a State Board of On–Site Wastewater Professionals in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Board is to regulate individuals who provide on–site wastewater services or engage in the business of providing on–site wastewater services in the State for the purpose of safeguarding the life, health, property, environment, and public welfare of the residents of the State.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Any final action of the Board is subject to review by the Secretary or the Secretary’s designee.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-11A-06" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11A" subtitle_name="On–site Wastewater Services"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board consists of the following members:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Six individuals appointed by the Governor with the advice of the Secretary and with the advice and consent of the Senate;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>One individual designated by the Maryland Onsite Wastewater Professionals Association; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>One representative of the Maryland Conference of Local Environmental Health Directors, designated by the Maryland Conference of Local Environmental Health Directors.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Of the members of the Board:</text> <level label="i"> <text>At least five shall be on–site wastewater professionals; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Two shall be consumer members.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>The on–site wastewater professional members of the Board shall be representative of all geographic regions of the State.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Before July 1, 2026, the on–site wastewater professional members of the Board shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be licensed by a local government; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Hold a letter from the local health department stating that the member has been providing on–site wastewater services for a minimum of 7 years and is in good standing.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>On and after July 1, 2026, and in accordance with this subtitle, the on–site wastewater professional members of the Board shall be licensed by the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Each consumer member of the Board:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Shall be a member of the general public;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May not be a licensee or otherwise be subject to regulation by the Board;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>May not be required to meet the qualifications for the professional members of the Board; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>May not, within 1 year before appointment, have had a financial interest in or have received compensation from a person regulated by the Board.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>While a member of the Board, a consumer member may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Have a financial interest in or receive compensation from a person regulated by the Board; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Grade an examination given by or for the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Before taking office, each appointee to the Board shall take the oath required by Article I, § 9 of the Maryland Constitution.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of a voting member is 3 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A voting member may serve two terms consecutively.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The terms of voting members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Board on July 1, 2022.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>At the end of a term, a voting member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A voting member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Governor may remove a voting member for incompetence, misconduct, or on recommendation of a majority of the Board.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-11A-07" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11A" subtitle_name="On–site Wastewater Services"> <level label="a"> <text>The members of the Board shall designate a chair, a vice chair, and a secretary.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board shall determine the means of the election of officers.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-11A-08" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11A" subtitle_name="On–site Wastewater Services"> <level label="a"> <text>A majority of the members then serving on the Board is a quorum.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board shall determine the times and places of its meetings.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Each member of the Board is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Board may employ a staff in accordance with the State budget.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-11A-09" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11A" subtitle_name="On–site Wastewater Services"> <text>The Board, in consultation with the Department, shall: </text> <level label="1"> <text>Make recommendations to the Department on the adoption of regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Licensing procedures, definitions, qualifications, and continuing education requirements for the following categories:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Designer;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Master installer and journey installer;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Master on–site wastewater property transfer inspector and journey on–site wastewater property transfer inspector;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Master pumper and journey pumper; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Master operation and maintenance provider and journey operation and maintenance provider;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Certification procedures, definitions, qualifications, and continuing education requirements for the following categories:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Designer;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Advanced treatment installer;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Mound installer;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Drip dispersal installer;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Pump dispersal system installer;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Advanced treatment operation and maintenance provider;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Advanced treatment unit pumper;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Advanced treatment property transfer inspector; and</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Any other category associated with a specific on–site wastewater treatment technology; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Minimum standards for any processes, procedures, techniques, and materials associated with on–site wastewater systems;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Review regulations proposed by the Department to carry out the provisions of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Establish a code of ethics provided by the Department for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Members of the Board; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Individuals licensed and certified by the Board;</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>On or before June 1, 2024, make recommendations to the Department for establishing the licensing and certification procedures specified under item (1) of this section;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Collect and account for the fees provided for under this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Keep a current record of all individuals and entities licensed under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-11A-10" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11A" subtitle_name="On–site Wastewater Services"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department, in consultation with the Board, shall set by regulation reasonable fees for the issuance and renewal of licenses and other services that the Board provides.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The fees shall be set to produce funds to approximate the costs of the Board’s creation, maintenance, reasonable administrative costs, and ongoing activities.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board shall publish a schedule of the fees.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board shall pay all funds collected under this subtitle into the On–Site Wastewater Professionals Fund established under § 9–11A–11 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-11A-11" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11A" subtitle_name="On–site Wastewater Services"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “Fund” means the On–Site Wastewater Professionals Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is an On–Site Wastewater Professionals Fund.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The purpose of the Fund is to provide funding to maintain the Board.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Board shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>All fees, penalties, and fines collected under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Interest earnings of the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Donations to the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Fund shall be used only to pay for the cost of creating the Board, maintenance of the Board, reasonable administrative costs, and implement the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>Money expended from the Fund to maintain the Board or implement the provisions of this subtitle is supplemental to and is not intended to take the place of funding that otherwise would be appropriated for the Board.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-11A-12" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11A" subtitle_name="On–site Wastewater Services"> <text>On or before December 31 each year, the Board shall prepare and submit an annual report to the Secretary on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The status of the On–Site Wastewater Professionals Fund;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Revenues and expenditures from the On–Site Wastewater Professionals Fund;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The efficiency of the regulations adopted by the Department to implement the provisions of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Compliance with the regulations adopted by the Department to implement the provisions of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Based on the factors specified in items (1) through (4) of this section, the necessity to review and adjust the fees set by the Department by regulation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-11A-15" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11A" subtitle_name="On–site Wastewater Services"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection or §§ 10–14A–03 and 10–14B–03 of the State Government Article, an individual shall be licensed by the Board in accordance with this subtitle before the individual may provide on–site wastewater services in the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>An individual who provides on–site wastewater services in the State may continue to provide on–site wastewater services until the licensing requirements are established by the Department by regulation if the individual:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Complies with all applicable State and local laws and regulations;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On or before December 31, 2022, pays to the Department a fee of $150; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Every 2 years thereafter until the Department sets fees in accordance with § 9–11A–10 of this subtitle, pays to the Department a renewal fee of $150.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>All fees collected by the Department under this paragraph shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Paid into the On–Site Wastewater Professionals Fund established under § 9–11A–11 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Used by the Department to:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>Pay for the creation of the Board;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Cover reasonable administrative costs; and</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>Implement the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To qualify for a license, an applicant shall meet the requirements established by the Department by regulation.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>To apply for a license, an applicant shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Submit to the Board an application on the form that the Board provides; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Pay to the Board the required application fee set by the Department by regulation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A license issued by the Board in accordance with this subtitle is valid for 2 years.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>In accordance with the requirements established by the Department by regulation, the Board may issue a certification to an individual to perform specific tasks associated with on–site wastewater services if the individual:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is licensed by the Board; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Holds a professional license that is approved by the Board.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-11A-16" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11A" subtitle_name="On–site Wastewater Services"> <text>Subject to the hearing requirements in § 9–11A–17 of this subtitle, the Board may deny a license to any applicant, reprimand any licensee, or suspend or revoke a license if the applicant or licensee:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Violates any provision of this subtitle or any regulation adopted under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Fraudulently or deceptively obtains or attempts to obtain a license for the applicant or licensee or for another;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Fraudulently or deceptively uses a license; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Is found guilty of gross negligence, incompetence, or misconduct while providing on–site wastewater services.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-11A-17" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11A" subtitle_name="On–site Wastewater Services"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article, before the Board takes any final action under § 9–11A–16 of this subtitle it shall give the individual against whom the action is contemplated an opportunity for a hearing before the Board.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board shall give notice and hold the hearing in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board may administer oaths in connection with any proceeding under this section.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If, after due notice, the applicant or licensee against whom the action is contemplated fails or refuses to appear, the Board may hear and determine the matter.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Any person aggrieved by a final decision of the Board in a contested case, as defined in § 10–202 of the State Government Article, may take an appeal as allowed in §§ 10–222 and 10–223 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-11A-20" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11A" subtitle_name="On–site Wastewater Services"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in § 9–11A–15(a) of this subtitle, an individual may not provide, attempt to provide, or offer to provide on–site wastewater services unless the individual is licensed by the Board.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A license may not be borrowed, rented, or transferred to another individual.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-11A-21" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11A" subtitle_name="On–site Wastewater Services"> <level label="a"> <text>A person who violates any provision of this subtitle or of any regulation adopted under this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 3 months, or both; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year, or both, for any subsequent violation of this title that occurs within 2 years of an earlier violation of this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each day that a person provides on–site wastewater services without a license constitutes a separate offense.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-11A-22" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11A" subtitle_name="On–site Wastewater Services"> <level label="a"> <text>Instead of or in addition to any other penalties under this title, the Board may impose a civil penalty on a person who violates § 9–11A–20 of this subtitle in an amount not exceeding $1,000 per day for all violations cited on a single day.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In setting the amount of the civil penalty, the Board shall consider:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The seriousness of the violation;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The harm caused by the violation;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The good faith of the violator;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>History of previous violations by the violator; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Other relevant factors.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If a violator fails to pay a civil penalty within 30 days of its imposition by the Board, the matters shall be forwarded to the Central Collection Unit in the Department of Budget and Management for the collection of the civil penalty.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Board shall pay any penalty collected under this section into the On–Site Wastewater Professionals Fund established under § 9–11A–11 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-11A-23" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="11A" subtitle_name="On–site Wastewater Services"> <level label="a"> <text>Instead of or in addition to any other penalties authorized under this title, the Board may impose an administrative penalty on a person who violates this subtitle in an amount not exceeding $1,000 per day for all violations cited on a single day.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In setting the amount of the administrative penalty, the Board shall consider:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The seriousness of the violation;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The harm caused by the violation;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The good faith of the violator;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any history of previous violations by the violator; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Any other relevant factors.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If a violator fails to pay an administrative penalty within 90 days after the imposition of the administrative penalty by the Board, the matter shall be forwarded to the Central Collection Unit in the Department of Budget and Management for the collection of the administrative penalty.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Any penalties collected under this section shall be paid into the On–Site Wastewater Professionals Fund established under § 9–11A–11 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1301" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Well Drilling"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Abandon” means to discontinue the use of a well permanently.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Board” means the State Board of Well Drillers.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Owner” means a person who has the right to drill into, produce, and appropriate the production of water, for the owner, for another person, or for both of them.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Underground water” means a supply of water that may be developed by any type of well or spring from beneath the surface of the ground whether the water flows from the well or spring by natural force or is withdrawn by pumping, other mechanical device, or artificial process.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Well” means a hole made in the ground:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To explore for groundwater;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To obtain or monitor groundwater;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>To inject water into any underground formation from which groundwater may be produced; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>To transfer heat to or from the ground or groundwater, if the hole:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Extends more than 20 feet below the surface of the ground; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is not a well for obtaining geothermal resources under § 5-601 of this article.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Well driller” means a person who is in charge of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Making, altering, repairing, or sealing a well; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Installing, altering, repairing, or disconnecting well system equipment.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1302" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Well Drilling"> <text>A well is considered to be abandoned if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>It is in such a state of disrepair that its continued use for the purpose of obtaining ground water is impracticable; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>It has been disconnected permanently from any water supply system or irrigation system.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1303" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Well Drilling"> <text>This subtitle does not limit the powers of any State unit that has jurisdiction of and supervision over the public and drinking water supplies of this State.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1304" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Well Drilling"> <text>This subtitle denies any municipality, county, or other political subdivision of this State the right to adopt and enforce any additional rule or regulation that relates to construction of wells.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1305" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Well Drilling"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall adopt rules and regulations for the construction of wells.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The rules and regulations may recognize a variation:</text> <level label="1"> <text>In the primary use or construction of wells; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Of the materials penetrated in different localities.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Before the Department adopts any rule or regulation that relates to the construction of wells, the Department shall submit the proposed rule or regulation to the Board for comment.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary, a county board of health, delegated by the Department of the Environment to implement a well inspection program, may collect a fee for the issuance of well permits required under § 9-1306 of this subtitle. However, a county health department may not collect a fee for test or irrigation wells.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1305.1" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Well Drilling"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations to require that whenever the Department tests water from a well used for domestic purposes the following information shall be given to a person who requests the test and to any other person for whose benefit the test is requested:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A certificate of potability;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The complete results of the test, whether the test requested is bacteriological or chemical in nature; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The name, address, and telephone number of the appropriate agency of local government that the person may contact for an explanation of the test results.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The regulations shall apply to any person or unit of State or local government that tests the water from a well.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1306" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Well Drilling"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as indicated in subsection (b) of this section, a person may not drill a well in this State unless the Department issues a permit to drill the well.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who has not been issued a permit by the Department may, after having notified the county board of health and a municipality if the temporary dewatering device will be located inside the municipality’s corporate boundary line or if the temporary dewatering device will be located 1 mile or less outside the municipality’s corporate boundary line, install a temporary dewatering device to facilitate the installation of underground utilities if the device:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is installed 30 feet or less below the ground surface;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is not located in any trench used for the installation of underground utilities;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Contains no mechanical pumping equipment below the surface; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Is removed no more than 30 days after installation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person installing a temporary dewatering device under subsection (b) of this section shall restore the subsurface conditions of the installation area as nearly as possible to the conditions that existed before the installation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1307" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Well Drilling"> <level label="a"> <text>In applying for a permit to drill a well, the well driller shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Give the Department any information the Department requires; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Notify a municipality if the well will be drilled inside the municipality’s corporate boundary line or if the well will be drilled 1 mile or less outside the municipality’s corporate boundary line.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>As a condition to issuing a permit to drill a well, the Department may require that samples of the materials encountered in drilling the well be preserved and submitted to the Department.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>A county board of health may establish a permit fee to defray county expenses in inspecting wells, collecting water samples, and issuing certificates of potability.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For an interim certificate of potability, a county board of health shall accept initial test results prepared by a private State certified laboratory.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The fee may be charged before a permit required under § 9–1306 of this subtitle is issued.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph, the fee may not exceed $160 per well or $160 per cluster of wells to be used exclusively to transfer heat to or from the ground or groundwater.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>In Anne Arundel County only:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to item 2 of this subparagraph, the fee charged shall be set so as to produce funds to reflect the actual cost of inspecting wells, collecting water samples, and issuing certificates of potability by the Anne Arundel County Board of Health; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For a well drilled to replace an existing well the fee charged shall be no more than 50% of the fee as calculated under item 1 of this subparagraph.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A permit shall be issued within a reasonable period of time after receipt of the application and shall be valid for a period of 12 months from the date of issuance by the approved delegated permitting authority.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A county board of health may waive a fee for a well that is drilled to replace a well not in conformity with the regulations adopted under § 9–1305 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1308" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Well Drilling"> <text>On completion of the drilling of any well, the well driller shall file a final report with the Department. The report shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The log of each well;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The size and depth of each well;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The diameters and lengths of casing and screen installed;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The static and pumping levels;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The yield of each well; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Any other information relating to the construction or operation of the well that the Department requires.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1309" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Well Drilling"> <level label="a"> <text>The owner of any well shall maintain it in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On abandoning any existing well or test hole, the well owner shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Notify the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Effectively seal and fill the well or test hole in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Department.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1310" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Well Drilling"> <text>An owner of a pumping well or flowing well may not discharge or permit the discharge from the well of water that is allowed to run to waste and not put to useful service.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1311" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Well Drilling"> <level label="a"> <text>A person who violates any provision of this subtitle or of any rule or regulation adopted under this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>For a first offense, a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 3 months or both; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For a subsequent offense, a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department may bring an action for an injunction against any person who violates any provision of this subtitle or any rule, regulation, or permit adopted or issued under this subtitle. In any action for an injunction under this subsection, any finding of the Department after a hearing is prima facie evidence of each fact the Department determines.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or both if the person:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Knowingly makes any false statement, representation, or certification in any application, record, report, plan, or other document filed or required to be maintained under this subtitle or any rule, regulation, or permit adopted or issued under this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Falsifies, tampers with, or knowingly renders inaccurate any monitoring device or method required to be maintained under this subtitle or any rule, regulation, or permit adopted or issued under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Attorney General shall take charge of, prosecute, and defend on behalf of this State every case arising under the provisions of this subtitle, including the recovery of penalties.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1401" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="14" subtitle_name="Innovative and Alternative Septic System Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Innovative and alternative septic system” means any new, experimental, or nonconventional technology that is added to or used in place of a conventional septic or other on-site sewerage system.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Innovative and alternative septic system” includes but is not limited to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A sand mound septic system;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A septic tank-sewerage evapotranspiration system that is powered by solar energy;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A septic tank-filter cloth trench system; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Any other innovative on-site sewerage disposal technology that is developed in the future.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Program” means the Innovative and Alternative Septic System Grant Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1402" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="14" subtitle_name="Innovative and Alternative Septic System Grant Program"> <text>There is an Innovative and Alternative Septic System Grant Program in the Department.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1403" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="14" subtitle_name="Innovative and Alternative Septic System Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to make State grants to political subdivisions of this State who, in turn, will make grants to owners of improved properties with failed systems and owners of previously recorded land that has failed a soil percolation test to install and experiment with innovative and alternative septic systems on the land in order to develop additional types of on-site systems that can be utilized.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Office of Environmental Programs in the Department shall manage and supervise the Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1404" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="14" subtitle_name="Innovative and Alternative Septic System Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department may make grants to political subdivisions of this State under the Program from funds provided in the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each political subdivision of this State shall make grants from the money received from the Department to eligible persons who apply under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The State grants awarded by each political subdivision may not exceed 87.5 percent of the anticipated cost of the innovative and alternative septic system, except that grants for systems allowing the development of unimproved properties may not exceed 50 percent.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1405" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="14" subtitle_name="Innovative and Alternative Septic System Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Secretary:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall adopt rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this experimental Program under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall request demographic, land use, fiscal impact, or other pertinent information from the Department of Planning or any community planning agency; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Shall prepare and submit a report to the Governor that describes the activities of the Program and makes recommendations to improve the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The political subdivisions of this State shall administer the Program according to the rules and regulations adopted by the Department.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1406" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="14" subtitle_name="Innovative and Alternative Septic System Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>To be eligible for State funds from a political subdivision under the Program, an applicant shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Own property in this State that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Has an existing failed septic system; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is unimproved, was platted before 1972, and has failed percolation testing requirements;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Have made a good faith effort to obtain approval of or to utilize a conventional septic system;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Agree to conditions of experiment as outlined by the Office of Environmental Programs; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Only apply for 1 grant to serve 1 home site to upgrade an existing system or to improve 1 unimproved site with a new home and innovative and alternative septic system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section does not apply to the development of an unimproved parcel of land that is proposed to be subdivided into building lots.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-14A-01" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="14A" subtitle_name="Waterless Toilets"> <level label="a"> <text>If the statement ”all toilets on this property are required to be waterless toilets approved by the Maryland Department of the Environment” is recorded in the land use covenant or deed for a parcel of property, the Department may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Authorize reductions in initial disposal system size;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Establish the amount of the reductions on a case by case basis; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Prohibit the installation or use of conventional plumbing fixtures where a reduction has been authorized under paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department may adopt regulations to implement the provisions of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1501" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Cleaning Agents"> <text>In this subtitle, “cleaning agent” means a laundry detergent, dishwashing compound, household cleaner, metal cleaner, degreasing compound, commercial cleaner, industrial cleaner, phosphate compound, or other substance that is intended to be used for cleaning purposes.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1502" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Cleaning Agents"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to a cleaning agent that is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A detergent used in dairy, beverage, or food processing cleaning equipment;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A phosphoric acid product, including a sanitizer, brightener, acid cleaner, or metal conditioner;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A detergent used in hospitals, veterinary hospitals or clinics, or health care facilities or in agricultural production;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A detergent used by industry for metal cleaning or conditioning;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Manufactured, stored, or distributed for use or sale outside of the State;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Used in any laboratory, including a biological laboratory, research facility, chemical laboratory, and engineering laboratory; or</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Used in a commercial laundry that provides laundry services for a hospital, health care facility, or veterinary hospital.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1503" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Cleaning Agents"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a person may not use, sell, manufacture, or distribute for use or sale within the State any cleaning agent that contains more than 0.0 percent phosphorus by weight expressed as elemental phosphorus except for an amount not exceeding 0.5 percent phosphorus that is incidental to manufacturing.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a person may use, sell, manufacture, or distribute for use or sale a cleaning agent that contains greater than 0.0 percent phosphorus by weight, but does not exceed 8.7 percent phosphorus by weight that is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A detergent used in a commercial dishwashing machine; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A substance the Secretary, by rule and regulation, excludes from the 0.0 percent phosphorus limitation of subsection (a) of this section based on a finding that compliance with this section would:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Create a significant hardship on the user; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Be unreasonable because of the lack of an adequate substitute cleaning agent.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A person may not use, sell, manufacture, or distribute for use or sale within the State any detergent for use in a household dishwashing machine that contains more than 0.5 percent phosphorus by weight.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>After July 1, 2013, a person may not use, sell, manufacture, or distribute for use or sale within the State any detergent for use in a commercial dishwashing machine that contains more than 0.5 percent phosphorus by weight.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1504" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Cleaning Agents"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall adopt rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department shall enforce this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1505" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Cleaning Agents"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Any person who uses a cleaning agent in violation of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $100.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, any person who sells, distributes, or manufactures a cleaning agent in violation of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any person who knowingly sells or distributes for use or sale within the State a detergent for use in a household dishwashing machine in violation of § 9–1503(c) of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>For a first offense, a fine not exceeding $1,000; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For a second or subsequent offense, a fine of not less than $1,000 and not exceeding $25,000.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department may seize any cleaning agent held for sale or distribution in violation of this subtitle. The seized cleaning agents are considered forfeited.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1601" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration"> <level label="a"> <text>Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, in this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Administration” means the Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Bay Restoration Fund” means the Bay Restoration Fund established under § 9–1605.2 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Biological nutrient removal” means a biological nutrient removal technology capable of reducing the nitrogen in wastewater effluent to not more than 8 milligrams per liter, as calculated on an annually averaged basis.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>“Blue infrastructure” means a water–based natural area or natural feature, or a system or feature designed to protect, mimic, or enhance a natural function, that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Absorbs and filters pollutants;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Attenuates shoreline erosion;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Protects communities from flooding or storm surge;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Reduces erosion; or</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Sequesters carbon.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Blue infrastructure” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Enhanced or restored oyster reefs;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Enhanced or restored seagrass beds;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Shellfish aquaculture projects;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Floating wetlands; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Restored freshwater mussel populations.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Board” means the Board of Public Works.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Bond” means a bond, note, or other evidence of obligation of the Administration issued under this subtitle, including a bond or revenue anticipation note, notes in the nature of commercial paper, and refunding bonds.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Bond resolution” means the resolution or resolutions of the Director, including the trust agreement, if any, authorizing the issuance of and providing for the terms and conditions applicable to bonds.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Borrower” means a local government or a person as defined in § 1–101(h) of this article who has received a loan.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund” means the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund established under § 9–1605.3 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Community sewerage system” means a publicly or privately owned sewerage system that serves at least two lots.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <text>“Director” means the Director of the Administration.</text> </level> <level label="m"> <text>“Drinking Water Loan Fund” means the Maryland Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund.</text> </level> <level label="n"> <text>“Eligible costs” means the costs identified under § 9–1605.2(i) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="o"> <text>“Enhanced nutrient removal” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An enhanced nutrient removal technology that is capable of reducing the nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in wastewater effluent to concentrations of not more than 3 milligrams per liter total nitrogen and not more than 0.3 milligrams per liter total phosphorus, as calculated on an annually averaged basis; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Department has determined that the concentrations under item (1) of this subsection are not practicable for a wastewater facility, the lowest average annual wastewater effluent nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations that the Department determines are practicable for that facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="p"> <text>“Environmental outcome” means a commodity that is modeled or directly measured as a single, quantifiable, and certified unit of improvement to the environment, including a nutrient or carbon benefit.</text> </level> <level label="q"> <text>“Equivalent dwelling unit” means a measure of wastewater effluent where one unit is equivalent to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>If a local government or billing authority for a wastewater facility has established a definition for “equivalent dwelling unit” on or before January 1, 2004, the average daily flow of wastewater effluent that the local government or billing authority has established to be equivalent to the average daily flow of wastewater effluent discharged by a residential dwelling, which may not exceed 250 gallons; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a local government or billing authority has not established a definition for “equivalent dwelling unit” on or before January 1, 2004, or if a local government or billing authority has established a definition that exceeds 250 gallons of wastewater effluent per day, an average daily flow of 250 gallons of wastewater effluent.</text> </level> </level> <level label="r"> <text>“Facility” means a wastewater facility or all or a portion of a water supply system as defined in § 9–201(u) of this title.</text> </level> <level label="s"> <text>“Federal Safe Drinking Water Act” means Title XIV of the Public Health Service Act, P.L. 93–523, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 300f, et seq., and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.</text> </level> <level label="t"> <text>“Federal Water Pollution Control Act” means the Water Pollution Control Act of 1972, P.L. 92–500, as amended, 33 U.S.C. § 1251, et seq., and rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.</text> </level> <level label="u"> <text>“Fund” means a fund established by this subtitle, including the Water Quality Fund, the Drinking Water Loan Fund, the Bay Restoration Fund, and the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund.</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>“Grant” means a grant from the Administration to a grantee.</text> </level> <level label="w"> <text>“Grant agreement” means a written agreement between the Administration and a grantee with respect to a grant.</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>“Grantee” means the grant recipient.</text> </level> <level label="y"> <level label="1"> <text>“Green infrastructure” means a land–based natural area or natural feature, or a system or feature designed to protect, mimic, or enhance a natural function, that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Absorbs and filters pollutants;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Protects communities from flooding or storm surge;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Reduces erosion; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Sequesters carbon.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Green infrastructure” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Enhanced or restored natural landscape features, such as forests, streams, wetlands, riparian buffers, headwaters, or floodplains;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Rain gardens;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Permeable pavement;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Pocket parks;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Bioswales;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Green roofs;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Infiltration planters;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>Tree plantings or tree boxes; and</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>Rainwater harvesting.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="z"> <text>“Lender” has the meaning stated in § 9–1606.1 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="aa"> <text>“Linked deposit” has the meaning stated in § 9–1606.1 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="bb"> <text>“Linked deposit loan” has the meaning stated in § 9–1606.1 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="cc"> <text>“Linked deposit program” has the meaning stated in § 9–1606.1 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="dd"> <text>“Loan” means a loan from the Administration to a borrower for the purpose of financing all or a portion of the cost of a wastewater facility, if the loan is from the Water Quality Fund, or water supply system, if the loan is from the Drinking Water Loan Fund.</text> </level> <level label="ee"> <text>“Loan agreement” means a written agreement between the Administration and a borrower with respect to a loan.</text> </level> <level label="ff"> <text>“Loan obligation” means a bond, note, or other evidence of obligation, including a mortgage, deed of trust, lien, or other security instrument, issued or executed by a borrower to evidence its indebtedness under a loan agreement with respect to a loan.</text> </level> <level label="gg"> <level label="1"> <text>“Local government” means a county, municipal corporation, sanitary district, or other State or local public entity that has authority to own or operate a facility.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Local government” includes any combination of two or more of the public entities under paragraph (1) of this subsection when acting jointly to construct or operate a facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="hh"> <level label="1"> <text>“Person” means an individual, a corporation, a partnership, an association, a nonprofit entity, the State, any unit of the State, a commission, a special taxing district, or the federal government.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Person” does not include a county, municipal corporation, bi–county or multicounty agency under Division II of the Land Use Article or Division II of the Public Utilities Article, housing authority under Division II of the Housing and Community Development Article, school board, community college, or any other unit of a county or municipal corporation, or a local fire department, as defined in § 9–401 of the Public Safety Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>“Residential dwelling” means a room or group of rooms occupied as living quarters by an individual, a single family, or other discrete group of persons with facilities that are used or intended to be used for living, sleeping, cooking, sanitation, and eating, including an apartment unit, condominium unit, cooperative unit, town house unit, mobile home, or house.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Residential dwelling” does not include a hospital, a hotel, a motel, an inn, a boarding house, a club, a dormitory, a school, a college, or a similar seasonal, institutional, or transient facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="jj"> <text>“Single site” means a discrete grouping of buildings or structures that are located on contiguous or adjacent property and owned by the same user.</text> </level> <level label="kk"> <level label="1"> <text>“User” means any person discharging wastewater to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A wastewater facility that has a State discharge permit or national pollutant discharge elimination system discharge permit;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An on–site sewage disposal system; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A sewage holding tank.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“User” does not include a person whose sole discharge is stormwater under a stormwater permit.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ll"> <level label="1"> <text>“Wastewater facility” means any equipment, plant, treatment works, structure, machinery, apparatus, interest in land, or any combination of these, which is acquired, used, constructed, or operated:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For the storage, collection, treatment, neutralization, stabilization, reduction, recycling, reclamation, separation, or disposal of wastewater;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>To improve water conservation, reduce energy consumption, or increase security; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>For the final disposal of residues resulting from the treatment of wastewater.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Wastewater facility” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Treatment or disposal plants; outfall sewers, interceptor sewers, and collector sewers; pumping and ventilating stations, facilities, and works; and other real or personal property and appurtenances incident to their development, use, or operation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any programs and projects for managing, reducing, treating, recapturing, abating, or controlling nonpoint sources of water pollution, including stormwater or subsurface drainage water; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any programs and projects for improving estuarine conservation and management.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="mm"> <text>“Water Quality Fund” means the Maryland Water Quality Revolving Loan Fund.</text> </level> <level label="nn"> <text>“Water supply system” has the meaning stated in § 9–201(u) of this title.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1602" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration"> <text>There is a Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration in the Department.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1603" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration"> <level label="a"> <text>The Secretary, with the approval of the Governor, shall appoint the Director of the Administration who shall serve at the pleasure of the Secretary. The Director is a special appointment in the State Personnel Management System. The Director shall operate and exercise the powers of the Administration under the direction of the Secretary in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle. The Director shall receive such salary and have such deputies, assistants, employees, and professional consultants as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Attorney General shall be the legal advisor for and represent the Administration.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1604" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to the powers set forth elsewhere in this subtitle, but subject to such rules or program directives as the Secretary may from time to time prescribe, the Administration may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Adopt and alter an official seal;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Sue and be sued, plead, and be impleaded;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Adopt bylaws, rules, and regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Maintain an office at such place as the Secretary may designate;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Subject to subsection (b) of this section, employ consultants, accountants, attorneys, financial experts, and other personnel and agents as may be necessary in its judgment, and fix their compensation;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Establish regulations, criteria, or guidelines with respect to loans, loan agreements, loan obligations, grants, grant agreements, and grant obligations;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Receive and accept from any source, private or public, contributions, grants, or gifts of money or property;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Enter into contracts of any kind, and execute all instruments necessary or convenient with respect to carrying out the powers in this subtitle to accomplish the purposes of the Administration;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Make loans, enter into loan agreements, and accept and enforce loan obligations;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Award grants, enter into grant agreements, and accept and enforce grant obligations;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>Subject to the prior approval of the Board and the Secretary, issue bonds under this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>Do all acts and things necessary or convenient to carry out the powers granted by this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>In accordance with the State budget, the Administration may set the compensation of an Administration employee in a position that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is unique to the Administration;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Requires specific skills or experience to perform the duties of the position; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Does not require the employee to perform functions that are comparable to functions performed in other units of the Executive Branch of State government.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary of Budget and Management, in consultation with the Secretary, shall determine the positions for which the Administration may set compensation under paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection applies to financial assistance provided by the Administration under:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Water Quality Fund;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Bay Restoration Fund;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Biological Nutrient Removal Program; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The Supplemental Assistance Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Administration shall ensure the fair and equitable distribution of financial assistance among wastewater treatment facilities with a design capacity of less than 500,000 gallons per day and wastewater treatment facilities with a design capacity of 500,000 gallons or more per day.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>It is the policy of the State that the maintenance and repair of source watersheds, including the conservation and restoration of forests and the installation and maintenance of blue infrastructure or green infrastructure that contributes to improved water quality, is eligible for the same forms of financial assistance as other water collection and treatment infrastructure.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1605" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>There is a Maryland Water Quality Revolving Loan Fund.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Water Quality Fund shall be maintained and administered by the Administration in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle and such rules or program directives as the Secretary or the Board may from time to time prescribe.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Water Quality Fund is a special, continuing, nonlapsing fund which is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article and which shall be available in perpetuity for the purpose of providing financial assistance in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle and Title VI of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Subject to the provisions of any applicable bond resolution regarding the holding or application of amounts in the Water Quality Fund, the Treasurer shall separately hold, and the Comptroller shall account for, the Water Quality Fund.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, and subject to the provisions of any applicable bond resolution governing the investment of amounts in the Water Quality Fund, the Water Quality Fund shall be invested and reinvested in the same manner as other State funds.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Administration, in cooperation with the Treasurer, may establish a linked deposit program to carry out the purposes of this subtitle and Title VI of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Any investment earnings shall be retained to the credit of the Water Quality Fund.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The Water Quality Fund shall be subject to audit by the Office of Legislative Audits as provided for in § 2–1220 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There shall be deposited in the Water Quality Fund:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Federal capitalization grants and awards or other federal assistance received by the State pursuant to Title VI of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and any funds transferred to the Water Quality Fund pursuant to § 302 of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Funds appropriated by the General Assembly for deposit to the Water Quality Fund;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Payments received from any borrower in repayment of a loan, including amounts withheld by the State Comptroller and paid to the Administration pursuant to a pledge made by a borrower under § 9–1606(d) of this subtitle or § 7–222 of the State Finance and Procurement Article;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Net proceeds of bonds issued by the Administration;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Interest or other income earned on the investment of moneys in the Water Quality Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Any additional moneys made available from any sources, public or private, for the purposes for which the Water Quality Fund has been established.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration may establish accounts and subaccounts within the Water Quality Fund to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Effectuate the purposes of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Comply with the provisions of any bond resolution;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Meet the requirements of any federal law, or of any federal grant or award to the Water Quality Fund; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Meet any rules or program directives established by the Secretary or the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The accounts and subaccounts established under paragraph (1) of this subsection may include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A federal receipts account;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A State receipts account;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A management and administration expense account;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A bond proceeds account;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>An account to segregate a portion or portions of the revenues or corpus of the Water Quality Fund as security for bonds of the Administration;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>A loan repayment account; and</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>An investment earnings account.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>The Administration shall establish a technical assistance subaccount within the Water Quality Fund.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Federal funds deposited in the Water Quality Fund for the purpose of providing technical assistance for projects in rural, small, and tribal communities shall be distributed to the technical assistance subaccount.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The technical assistance subaccount may be used to provide financial assistance to entities specified in subparagraph (iv) of this paragraph for the purpose of providing technical assistance for projects in rural, small, and tribal communities, with priority given to entities providing technical assistance for projects in disadvantaged communities and communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harms and risks, including financial assistance to support the development of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An application for financial assistance under the Water Quality Fund; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A financing plan under the Water Quality Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The following entities are eligible to receive financial assistance under this paragraph:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A publicly owned treatment works that primarily serves a rural, small, or tribal community;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A State, regional, interstate, or municipal entity; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A nonprofit organization working with a rural, small, tribal, or disadvantaged community.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Amounts in the Water Quality Fund may be used only:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To make loans, on the condition that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The loans are made at or below market interest rates, including interest free loans, at terms not to exceed the lesser of 30 years or the projected useful life of the project;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Annual principal and interest payments will commence not later than 1 year after completion of any wastewater facility and all loans will be fully amortized on the expiration of the term of the loan;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The local government borrower will establish a dedicated source of revenue for repayment of loans;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>In the case of a wastewater facility owned by a borrower other than a local government, the borrower will provide adequate security for repayment of loans; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The Water Quality Fund will be credited with all payments of principal and interest on all loans;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To buy or refinance debt obligations of local governments at or below market rates, if such debt obligations were incurred after March 7, 1985;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>To guarantee, or purchase insurance for, bonds, notes, or other evidences of obligation issued by a local government, if such action would improve credit market access or reduce interest rates;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>As a source of revenue or security for the payment of principal and interest on bonds issued by the Administration if the proceeds of the sale of such bonds will be deposited in the Water Quality Fund;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>To earn interest on Water Quality Fund accounts;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>To establish a linked deposit program to promote loans for controlling nonpoint sources of pollution and protecting the quality of the waters of the State, including loans for forest restoration or the conservation of forest land by fee or easement;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>To provide loans for the protection of source water areas or Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bay watersheds through property acquisitions or easements;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>To establish a sponsorship program that allows a local government to serve as the primary borrower and receive a loan for a publicly owned treatment works project at a reduced interest rate if the loan also includes financing for a sponsored nonpoint source project managed by an organization;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>To support long–term or permanent green or blue infrastructure projects:</text> <level label="i"> <text>That provide a water quality benefit to Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>That are proposed and carried out by an eligible regional or interstate entity in the Susquehanna River watershed;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>About which the Secretary has consulted with the head of the environmental agency in which the project is located; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>For which the Secretary has determined the allocation of credits for the Chesapeake Bay total maximum daily load’s watershed implementation plans;</text> </level> </level> <level label="10"> <text>To establish master lease purchase agreements with State agencies to support projects that enhance water quality on State lands;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>To support multiyear initiatives authorized under Title 8, Subtitle 2A of the Natural Resources Article that also involve funding from:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays 2010 Trust Fund;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A hazard mitigation program under the Maryland Department of Emergency Management; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A climate resilience program under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;</text> </level> </level> <level label="12"> <text>For the reasonable costs of administering the Water Quality Fund and conducting activities under Title VI of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act;</text> </level> <level label="13"> <text>For any other purpose authorized by Title VI of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act or § 302 of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act;</text> </level> <level label="14"> <text>To provide financial assistance in the form of grants, negative interest loans, forgiveness of principal, subsidized interest rates, and any other form of financial assistance as authorized or required by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, as may be amended and supplemented;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Title VI of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>§ 302 of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Federal appropriations or authorization acts;</text> </level> </level> <level label="15"> <text>To provide loan guarantees for similar revolving funds established by municipalities or intermunicipal agencies; and</text> </level> <level label="16"> <text>To serve as guarantee for long–term pay–for–success contracts, green bonds, or environmental impact bonds by any public, private, or nonprofit entity for the purchase of outcomes that provide a water quality benefit.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The costs of administering the Water Quality Fund shall be paid from federal capitalization grants and awards, from bond sale proceeds, and from amounts received from borrowers pursuant to loan agreements, and not from any State moneys appropriated to the Fund, except general funds of the State used to match federal capitalization grants and awards to the Water Quality Fund.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>In creating an intended use plan for the Water Quality Fund, the Administration shall prioritize:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Opportunities to provide assistance to disadvantaged communities or communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harms and risks; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Green and blue infrastructure, with particular focus on natural areas or natural features.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Department shall provide to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, a copy of each intended use plan that the Department submits to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to request federal capitalization grants and awards in accordance with Title VI of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act for use in the Water Quality Fund within 5 days after the Department publishes the plan for public comment.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1605.1" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Maryland Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund. The Drinking Water Loan Fund shall be maintained and administered by the Administration in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle and such rules or program directives as the Secretary or the Board may from time to time prescribe.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Drinking Water Loan Fund is a special, continuing, nonlapsing fund which is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article and which shall be available in perpetuity for the purpose of providing financial assistance in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle and the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Subject to the provisions of any applicable bond resolution regarding the holding or application of amounts in the Drinking Water Loan Fund, the Treasurer shall separately hold, and the Comptroller shall account for, the Drinking Water Loan Fund.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, and subject to the provisions of any applicable bond resolution governing the investment of amounts in the Drinking Water Loan Fund, the Drinking Water Loan Fund shall be invested and reinvested in the same manner as other State funds.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Administration, in cooperation with the Treasurer, may establish a linked deposit program to carry out the purposes of this subtitle and the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Any investment earnings shall be retained to the credit of the Drinking Water Loan Fund.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The Drinking Water Loan Fund shall be subject to audit by the Office of Legislative Audits as provided for in § 2–1220 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The Administration shall operate the Drinking Water Loan Fund in accordance with §§ 9–1616 through 9–1621, inclusive, of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There shall be deposited in the Drinking Water Loan Fund:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Federal grants and awards or other federal assistance received by the State for the purpose of making loans to borrowers for water supply systems and any funds transferred from the Water Quality Fund pursuant to § 302 of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Funds appropriated by the General Assembly for deposit to the Drinking Water Loan Fund;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Payments received from borrowers for deposit to the Drinking Water Loan Fund in repayment of a loan, including amounts withheld by the State Comptroller and paid to the Administration pursuant to a pledge made by a borrower under § 9–1606(d) of this subtitle or § 7–222 of the State Finance and Procurement Article;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Net proceeds of bonds issued by the Administration;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Interest or other income earned on the investment of moneys in the Drinking Water Loan Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Any additional moneys made available from any sources, public or private, for the purposes for which the Drinking Water Loan Fund has been established.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration may establish accounts and subaccounts within the Drinking Water Loan Fund to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Effectuate the purposes of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Comply with the provisions of any bond resolution;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Meet the requirements of any federal law, or of any federal grant or award to the Drinking Water Loan Fund; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Meet any rules or program directives established by the Secretary or the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The Administration shall establish a technical assistance subaccount within the Drinking Water Loan Fund.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Federal funds deposited in the Drinking Water Loan Fund for the purpose of providing technical assistance to small drinking water systems, as defined under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, shall be distributed to the technical assistance subaccount.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The technical assistance subaccount may be used to provide financial assistance to entities specified in subparagraph (iv) of this paragraph for the purpose of providing technical assistance to small drinking water systems, with priority given to entities providing technical assistance for small drinking water systems in disadvantaged communities or communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harms and risks, including financial assistance for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Assessing risks from water pipes made from lead;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Supporting the development of lead pipe inventories;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Supporting the development of an application for financial assistance under the Drinking Water Loan Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Supporting the development of a financing plan under the Drinking Water Loan Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The following entities are eligible to receive financial assistance under this paragraph:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A small drinking water system, as defined under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A multijurisdictional entity; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A nonprofit organization working with a rural, small, tribal, or disadvantaged community.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Amounts in the Drinking Water Loan Fund may be used only:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To make loans at or below market rates on the condition that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The local government borrower will establish a dedicated source of revenue;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In the case of a water supply system owned by a borrower other than a local government, the borrower shall provide adequate security for the repayment of the loan;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Drinking Water Loan Fund will be credited with all payments of the loan;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The loans are made at terms not to exceed:</text> <level label="1"> <text>30 years; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>With respect to disadvantaged communities as defined in the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, the lesser of 40 years after project completion or the design life of the project; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Annual principal and interest payments will commence not later than 18 months after completion of any drinking water facility and all loans will be fully amortized on the expiration of the term of the loan;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To buy or refinance debt obligations of local governments issued by a local government for the purposes of financing all or a portion of the cost of a water supply system at or below market rates, if such debt obligations were incurred after July 1, 1993;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>To guarantee or purchase insurance for bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness issued by a local government for the purposes of financing all or a portion of the cost of a water supply system, if such action would improve credit market access or reduce interest rates;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>As a source of revenue or security for the payment of principal and interest on bonds issued by the Administration if the proceeds of the sale of such bonds will be deposited in the Drinking Water Loan Fund;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>To earn interest on Drinking Water Loan Fund accounts;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>For the reasonable costs of administering the Drinking Water Loan Fund and conducting activities under any federal law that may apply to federal deposits to the Drinking Water Loan Fund;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>To establish a linked deposit program for loans in accordance with this subtitle and the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, including loans for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Controlling nonpoint sources of pollution and protecting the quality of State waters;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Protecting or acquiring forests or wetlands by fee or easement; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Restoring forests;</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <text>For loan subsidies for disadvantaged communities as provided by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, including but not limited to loan forgiveness, provided that such loan subsidies comply with the limitations and requirements set forth in the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and any federal appropriations or authorization acts;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>To establish a sponsorship program that allows a local government to serve as the primary borrower and receive a loan for a publicly owned water supply system at a reduced interest rate if the loan also includes financing for a sponsored nonpoint source project managed by an organization;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>With respect to any federal funds deposited in the Drinking Water Loan Fund, to prioritize support for local governments, community water systems, and other eligible partners by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Serving as a guarantee for long–term pay–for–success contracts for the purchase of environmental outcomes that provide water quality benefits;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Supporting the delineation, assessment, or updated assessment of source water protection areas and the implementation of well head protection programs, including through grants and technical assistance; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Supporting loans and loan guarantees for the protection of source water areas or the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays watersheds through property acquisitions or easements for the purpose of controlling nonpoint sources of pollution;</text> </level> </level> <level label="11"> <text>To support multiyear initiatives authorized under Title 8, Subtitle 2A of the Natural Resources Article that also involve funding from the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays 2010 Trust Fund;</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>To provide financial assistance to disadvantaged communities as defined in the federal Safe Drinking Water Act in the form of planning phase grants or design phase grants;</text> </level> <level label="13"> <text>For any other purpose authorized for any federal funds deposited in the Drinking Water Loan Fund including, without limitation, any purpose authorized by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, including source water protection expenditures eligible for assistance from the Drinking Water Loan Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="14"> <text>To provide financial assistance in the form of grants, negative interest loans, forgiveness of principal, subsidized interest rates, and any other form of financial assistance as authorized or required by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, as may be amended and supplemented;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>§§ 302 and 1452 of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Title VI of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Federal appropriations or authorization acts.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>In creating an intended use plan for the Drinking Water Loan Fund, the Administration shall prioritize opportunities to provide assistance to disadvantaged communities or communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harms and risks and support innovative financing partnerships to address environmental justice issues as defined in § 1–701 of this article, including through investment in:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Water infrastructure loans designed to ensure fairer and more just opportunities to improve community health through better water service;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Municipal consolidation efforts under § 9–707 of this title;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Toxic lead service line replacement; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Green infrastructure that contributes to improved water quality and remediates or mitigates environmental and health hazards in disadvantaged communities or communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harms and risks.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The costs of administering the Drinking Water Loan Fund shall be paid from federal grants and awards, from bond sale proceeds, and from amounts received from borrowers pursuant to loan agreements, and may not be paid from any State money appropriated to the Drinking Water Loan Fund, except general funds of the State used to match federal grants and awards to the Drinking Water Loan Fund.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1605.2" future_version_removed="true" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Bay Restoration Fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>It is the intent of the General Assembly that the Bay Restoration Fund be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Used, in part, to provide the funding necessary to upgrade any of the wastewater treatment facilities that are located in the State or used by citizens of the State in order to achieve enhanced nutrient removal where it is cost–effective to do so;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Available for treatment facilities discharging into the Atlantic Coastal Bays or other waters of the State, but that priority be given to treatment facilities discharging into the Chesapeake Bay; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Used to accelerate the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coastal Bays and their watersheds.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Bay Restoration Fund shall be maintained and administered by the Administration in accordance with the provisions of this section and any rules or program directives as the Secretary or the Board may prescribe.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>There is established a Bay Restoration Fee to be paid by any user of a wastewater facility, an on–site sewage disposal system, or a holding tank that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is located in the State; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Serves a Maryland user and is eligible for funding under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>Beginning on July 1, 2012, the Bay Restoration Fee is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>For each residential dwelling that receives an individual sewer bill and each user of an on–site sewage disposal system or a holding tank that receives a water bill:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>$2.50 per month if the wastewater generated by a residential dwelling is treated at a wastewater facility that does not discharge into the Chesapeake Bay Watershed or the Coastal Bays Watershed;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>$2.50 per month if the on–site sewage disposal system or holding tank is not located within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed or the Coastal Bays Watershed;</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>$5.00 per month if the wastewater generated by a residential dwelling is treated at a wastewater facility that does discharge into the Chesapeake Bay Watershed or the Coastal Bays Watershed; and</text> </level> <level label="D"> <text>$5.00 per month if the wastewater on–site sewage disposal system or holding tank is located within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed or the Coastal Bays Watershed;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For each user of an on–site sewage disposal system that does not receive a water bill:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>$30 per year if the on–site sewage disposal system is not located within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed or the Coastal Bays Watershed; or</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>$60 per year if the on–site sewage disposal system is located within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed or the Coastal Bays Watershed;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For each user of a sewage holding tank that does not receive a water bill:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>$30 per year if the sewage holding tank is not located within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed or the Coastal Bays Watershed; and</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>$60 per year if the sewage holding tank is located within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed or the Coastal Bays Watershed; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>For a building or group of buildings under single ownership or management that receives a sewer bill and that contains multiple residential dwellings that do not receive an individual sewer bill or for a nonresidential user:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>For each equivalent dwelling unit not exceeding 2,000 equivalent dwelling units, $2.50 per month if the wastewater generated by a building or group of buildings containing multiple residential dwellings is treated at a wastewater facility that does not discharge into the Chesapeake Bay Watershed or the Coastal Bays Watershed;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>For each equivalent dwelling unit not exceeding 2,000 equivalent dwelling units, $5.00 per month if the wastewater generated by a building or group of buildings containing multiple residential dwellings is treated at a wastewater facility that does discharge into the Chesapeake Bay Watershed or the Coastal Bays Watershed; and</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>For each equivalent dwelling unit exceeding 2,000 equivalent dwelling units, zero.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For a nonresidential user, the Bay Restoration Fee may be calculated based on an estimate of equivalent dwelling units of wastewater effluent generated, if the nonresidential user’s wastewater bill is based on wastewater generated and not on water usage.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>For a residential dwelling that receives an individual sewer bill, a user of an on–site sewage disposal system or a holding tank that receives a water bill, a building or group of buildings under single ownership or management that receives a water and sewer bill and that contains multiple residential dwellings that do not receive an individual sewer bill, and a nonresidential user, the restoration fee shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Stated in a separate line on the sewer or water bill, as appropriate, that is labeled “Bay Restoration Fee”; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Collected for each calendar quarter, unless a local government or billing authority for a water or wastewater facility established some other billing period on or before January 1, 2004.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <level label="A"> <text>If the user does not receive a water bill, for users of an on–site sewage disposal system and for users of a sewage holding tank, the county in which the on–site sewage disposal system or holding tank is located shall be responsible for collecting the restoration fee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="B"> <text>A county may negotiate with a municipal corporation located within the county for the municipal corporation to collect the restoration fee from on–site sewage disposal systems and holding tanks located in the municipal corporation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The governing body of each county, in consultation with the Bay Restoration Fund Advisory Committee, shall determine the method and frequency of collecting the restoration fee under subsubparagraph 1 of this subparagraph.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The total fee imposed under paragraph (1) of this subsection may not exceed $120,000 annually for a single site.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>For purposes of measuring average daily wastewater flow, the local government or billing authority for a wastewater facility shall use existing methods of measurement, which may include water usage or other estimation methods.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The averaging period is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The billing period established by the local government or billing authority; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a billing period is not established by the local government or billing authority, a quarter of a calendar year.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>The Bay Restoration Fee under this subsection may not be reduced as long as bonds are outstanding.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any change in the manner of determining the Bay Restoration Fee may not reduce the amount of funds available for the payment of outstanding bonds.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A user of a wastewater facility is exempt from paying the restoration fee if:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>The user’s wastewater facility’s average annual effluent nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, as reported in the facility’s State discharge monitoring reports for the previous calendar year, demonstrate that the facility is achieving enhanced nutrient removal, as defined under § 9–1601(n) of this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department has determined that the wastewater facility does not discharge nitrogen or phosphorus and is not required to monitor for nitrogen or phosphorus in its discharge permit; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The user’s wastewater facility has not received a State or federal grant for that facility;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The user’s wastewater facility discharges to groundwater and the annual average nutrient concentrations in the wastewater prior to discharge to groundwater have not exceeded 3 milligrams per liter total nitrogen and 0.3 milligrams per liter total phosphorus, as demonstrated by analysis of the groundwater from monitoring wells located on the property and as reported in discharge monitoring reports for the previous calendar year; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The user’s wastewater facility has not received a federal or State grant for that facility; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department determines that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The user’s wastewater facility discharges noncontact cooling water, water from dewatering operations, or reclaimed wastewater from a facility whose users pay in to the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The discharge does not result in a net increase in loading of nutrients compared to the intake water.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to the approval of the Administration, a local government or a billing authority for a water or wastewater facility shall establish a program to exempt from the requirements of this section a residential dwelling able to demonstrate substantial financial hardship as a result of the restoration fee.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the Bay Restoration Fee shall be collected by the local government or the billing authority for the water or wastewater facility, as appropriate, on behalf of the State.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For a wastewater facility without a billing authority, the Comptroller may collect the restoration fee from the facility owner.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A local government, billing authority for a water or wastewater facility, or any other authorized collecting agency:</text> <level label="i"> <text>May use all of its existing procedures and authority for collecting a water or sewer bill, an on–site sewage disposal system bill, or a holding tank bill in order to enforce the collection of the Bay Restoration Fee; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shall establish a segregated account for the deposit of funds collected under this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>This paragraph applies only in Dorchester County.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An unpaid Bay Restoration Fee shall be a lien against the property served by a wastewater facility, on–site sewage disposal system, or holding tank.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A notice of lien shall be recorded in the land records of Dorchester County.</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The County Council may collect the Bay Restoration Fee on behalf of the Dorchester County Sanitary District.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>In Caroline County, an unpaid Bay Restoration Fee shall be a lien against the property served by a wastewater facility, on–site sewage disposal system, or holding tank.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A notice of lien shall be recorded in the land records of Caroline County.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>A local government, the billing authority for a water or wastewater facility, or any other authorized collecting agency shall complete and submit, under oath, a return and remit the restoration fees collected to the Comptroller:</text> <level label="1"> <text>On or before the 20th day of the month that follows the calendar quarter in which the restoration fee was collected; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For other periods and on other dates that the Comptroller may specify by regulation, including periods in which no restoration fee has been collected.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For periods beginning after December 31, 2026, a person shall file a Bay Restoration Fee return electronically.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except to the extent of any inconsistency with this subsection, the provisions of Title 13 of the Tax – General Article that are applicable to the sales and use tax shall govern the administration, collection, and enforcement of the restoration fee under this section.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Comptroller may adopt regulations necessary to administer, collect, and enforce the restoration fee.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>From the restoration fee revenue, the Comptroller shall distribute to an administrative cost account the amount that is necessary to administer the fee, which may not exceed 0.5% of the fees collected by the Comptroller.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>After making the distribution required under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the Comptroller shall deposit the restoration fee in the Bay Restoration Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The State Central Collection Unit may collect delinquent accounts under this section in accordance with § 3–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>The Bay Restoration Fund is a special, continuing, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article and shall be available in perpetuity for the purpose of providing financial assistance in accordance with the provisions of this section.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Money in the Fund may not revert or be transferred to the General Fund or a special fund of the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Bay Restoration Fund shall be available for the purpose of providing financial assistance in accordance with the provisions of this section for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Eligible costs of projects relating to planning, design, construction, and upgrades of wastewater facilities to achieve enhanced nutrient removal as required by the conditions of a grant agreement and a discharge permit; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>All projects identified in subsections (h) and (i) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Subject to the provisions of any applicable bond resolution regarding the holding or application of amounts in the Bay Restoration Fund, the Treasurer shall separately hold, and the Comptroller shall account for, the Bay Restoration Fund.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Subject to the provisions of any applicable bond resolution governing the investment of amounts in the Bay Restoration Fund, the Bay Restoration Fund shall be invested and reinvested in the same manner as other State funds.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Any investment earnings shall be retained to the credit of the Bay Restoration Fund.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The Bay Restoration Fund shall be subject to audit by the Office of Legislative Audits as provided under § 2–1220 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The Administration shall operate the Bay Restoration Fund in accordance with §§ 9–1616 through 9–1621 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>There shall be deposited in the Bay Restoration Fund:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Funds received from the restoration fee;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Net proceeds of bonds issued by the Administration;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Interest or other income earned on the investment of money in the Bay Restoration Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any additional money made available from any sources, public or private, for the purposes for which the Bay Restoration Fund has been established.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>With regard to the funds collected under subsection (b)(1)(i)1 of this section from users of an on–site sewage disposal system or holding tank that receive a water bill and subsection (b)(1)(i)2 and 3 of this section, beginning in fiscal year 2006, the Comptroller shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Establish a separate account within the Bay Restoration Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Disburse the funds as provided under paragraph (2) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Comptroller shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Deposit 60% of the funds in the separate account to be used for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraphs (3), (4), (5), and (6) of this subsection, with priority first given to failing systems and holding tanks located in the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area, second to failing systems that are located within a Maryland Chesapeake Bay 8–digit watershed that has a relative effectiveness for total nitrogen reduction of 9.24 or higher based on the Chesapeake Bay watershed model, third to failing systems that are located within the 500–year floodplain, and fourth to failing systems that the Department determines are a threat to public health or water quality, grants or loans for up to 100% of:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>The costs attributable to upgrading an on–site sewage disposal system to the best available technology for the removal of nitrogen;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>The cost difference between a conventional on–site sewage disposal system and a system that utilizes the best available technology for the removal of nitrogen;</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>The cost of repairing or replacing a failing on–site sewage disposal system with a system that uses the best available technology for nitrogen removal;</text> </level> <level label="D"> <text>The cost, up to the sum of the costs authorized under item B of this item for each individual system, of replacing multiple on–site sewage disposal systems located in the same community with a new community sewerage system that is owned by a local government and that meets enhanced nutrient removal standards; or</text> </level> <level label="E"> <text>The cost, up to the sum of the costs authorized under item C of this item for each individual system, of connecting a property using an on–site sewage disposal system to an existing municipal wastewater facility that is achieving enhanced nutrient removal or biological nutrient removal level treatment, including payment of the principal, but not interest, of debt issued by a local government for such connection costs;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The reasonable costs of the Department, not to exceed 8% of the funds deposited into the separate account, to:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>Implement an education, outreach, and upgrade program to advise owners of on–site sewage disposal systems and holding tanks on the proper maintenance of the systems and tanks and the availability of grants and loans under item 1 of this item;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Review and approve the design and construction of on–site sewage disposal system or holding tank upgrades;</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>Issue grants or loans as provided under item 1 of this item; and</text> </level> <level label="D"> <text>Provide technical support for owners of upgraded on–site sewage disposal systems or holding tanks to operate and maintain the upgraded systems;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A portion of the reasonable costs of a local public entity that has been delegated by the Department under § 1–301(b) of this article to administer and enforce environmental laws, not to exceed 10% of the funds deposited into the separate account, to implement regulations adopted by the Department for on–site sewage disposal systems that utilize the best available technology for the removal of nitrogen;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Subject to paragraph (7) of this subsection, financial assistance to low–income homeowners, as defined by the Department, for up to 50% of the cost of an operation and maintenance contract of up to 5 years for an on–site sewage disposal system that utilizes nitrogen removal technology;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Subject to paragraph (8) of this subsection, a local jurisdiction to provide financial assistance to eligible homeowners for the reasonable cost of pumping out an on–site sewage disposal system, at least once every 5 years, unless a more frequent pump out schedule is recommended during an inspection, not to exceed 10% of the funds allocated to the local jurisdiction; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>In fiscal years 2020 and 2021, financial assistance to a local jurisdiction for the development of a septic stewardship plan that meets the requirements under paragraph (8)(iii)2 of this subsection; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Transfer 40% of the funds to the Maryland Agriculture Water Quality Cost Share Program in the Department of Agriculture in order to fund cover crop activities.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Funding for the costs identified in paragraph (2)(i)1 of this subsection shall be provided in the following order of priority:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For owners of all levels of income, the costs identified in paragraph (2)(i)1A and B of this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For low– and moderate–income owners, as defined by the Department, the costs identified in paragraph (2)(i)1C of this subsection:</text> <level label="1"> <text>First, for best available technologies for nitrogen removal; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Second, for other wastewater treatment systems.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Funding for the costs identified in paragraph (2)(i)1D of this subsection may be provided if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The environmental impact of the on–site sewage disposal system is documented by the local government and confirmed by the Department;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>It can be demonstrated that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The replacement of the on–site sewage disposal system with a new community sewerage system is more cost effective for nitrogen removal than upgrading each individual on–site sewage disposal system; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The individual replacement of the on–site sewage disposal system is not feasible; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The new community sewerage system will only serve lots that have received a certificate of occupancy, or equivalent certificate, at least 15 years before July 1 of the year in which the application for funding is made.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Funding for the costs identified in paragraph (2)(i)1E of this subsection may be provided only if all of the following conditions are met:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The environmental impact of the on–site sewage disposal system is documented by the local government and confirmed by the Department;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>It can be demonstrated that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The replacement of the on–site sewage disposal system with service to an existing municipal wastewater facility that is achieving enhanced nutrient removal or biological nutrient removal level treatment is more cost–effective for nitrogen removal than upgrading the individual on–site sewage disposal system; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The individual replacement of the on–site sewage disposal system is not feasible;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The project is consistent with the county’s comprehensive plan and water and sewer master plan;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <level label="1"> <text>The on–site sewage disposal system was installed at least 15 years before July 1 of the year in which the application for funding is made, and the property the system serves is located in a priority funding area, in accordance with § 5–7B–02 of the State Finance and Procurement Article; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The on–site sewage disposal system was installed at least 15 years before July 1 of the year in which the application for funding is made, the property the system serves is not located in a priority funding area, and the project meets the requirements under § 5–7B–06 of the State Finance and Procurement Article and is consistent with a public health area of concern:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>Identified in the county water and sewer plan; or</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Certified by a county environmental health director with concurrence by the Department and, if funding is approved, subsequently added to the county water and sewer plan within a time frame jointly agreed on by the Department and the county that takes into consideration the county’s water and sewer plan update and amendment process; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The funding agreement for a project that meets the conditions for funding under subparagraph (iv)2 of this paragraph includes provisions to ensure:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Denial of access for any future connections that are not included in the project’s proposed service area; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>That the project will not unduly impede access to funding for upgrading individual on–site sewage disposal systems in the county with best available technology for nitrogen removal.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The Comptroller, in consultation with the Administration, may establish any other accounts and subaccounts within the Bay Restoration Fund as necessary to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Effectuate the purposes of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Comply with the provisions of any bond resolution;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Meet the requirements of any federal or State law or of any grant or award to the Bay Restoration Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Meet any rules or program directives established by the Secretary or the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The Department or a local government shall determine:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Whether an applicant is eligible for financial assistance under paragraph (2)(i)4 of this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The amount of financial assistance to be provided for each applicant based on the average cost of an operation and maintenance contract of up to 5 years provided by vendors, as defined in § 9–1108.1 of this title, in the applicant’s area.</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <level label="i"> <text>The amount of financial assistance under paragraph (2)(i)5 of this subsection shall be based on homeowner income, with priority given to low–income homeowners.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Financial assistance under paragraph (2)(i)5 of this subsection may be provided through grants, rebates, or low– or no–interest loans.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Financial assistance under paragraph (2)(i)5 of this subsection may be provided only if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The homeowner verifies the pump out has occurred; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The homeowner resides in a local jurisdiction that has developed and implemented a septic stewardship plan that:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>Has been adopted by the local governing body of the jurisdiction, after consultation with the jurisdiction’s local health department;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>States specific goals consistent with the nitrogen load reduction identified in the local jurisdiction’s watershed implementation plan;</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>Specifies public education and outreach measures that will be taken, including education and outreach on best management practices, legal requirements, and existing support and financial assistance;</text> </level> <level label="D"> <text>Provides technical guidance for the siting, design, evaluation, and construction of an on–site sewage disposal system;</text> </level> <level label="E"> <text>Requires an on–site sewage disposal system located on residential property to be pumped out and inspected at least once every 5 years, unless a more frequent pump out schedule is recommended during an inspection;</text> </level> <level label="F"> <text>Requires an on–site sewage disposal system located on commercial property to be pumped out and inspected at least once every 5 years, unless a more frequent pump out schedule is recommended during an inspection;</text> </level> <level label="G"> <text>Specifies certification and licensing procedures for a person that pumps out and inspects on–site sewage disposal systems;</text> </level> <level label="H"> <text>Specifies enforcement mechanisms, compliance incentives, and penalties;</text> </level> <level label="I"> <text>Outlines funding mechanisms to support the plan and expand education, demonstration projects, and inspections;</text> </level> <level label="J"> <text>Specifies requirements for record keeping; and</text> </level> <level label="K"> <text>Establishes a process for periodically evaluating and revising the plan.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="9"> <text>On or before December 31 each year, the Department of the Environment shall submit a report, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the House Environment and Transportation Committee and the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee on:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Each project funded under paragraph (5)(iv)2 of this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A summary of any impacts that the funding used for these projects had on overall funding for upgrading individual on–site sewage disposal systems with best available technology for nitrogen removal.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>In this subsection the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Eligible costs” means the additional costs that would be attributable to upgrading a wastewater facility to enhanced nutrient removal, as determined by the Department.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>“Privately owned wastewater facility” means a wastewater facility that is owned by a private entity and provides wastewater treatment or disposal services to multiple residential dwelling units.</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>“Publicly owned wastewater facility” means a wastewater facility that is owned by this State or a political subdivision, municipal corporation, or other public entity.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Funds in the Bay Restoration Fund shall be used only:</text> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>To award grants for up to 100% of eligible costs of projects relating to planning, design, construction, and upgrade of a publicly owned wastewater facility for flows up to the design capacity of the wastewater facility, as approved by the Department, to achieve enhanced nutrient removal in accordance with paragraph (4) of this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to paragraph (12) of this subsection, to award grants for up to 50% of eligible costs of projects relating to planning, design, construction, and upgrade of a privately owned wastewater facility for flows up to the design capacity of the wastewater facility, as approved by the Department, to achieve enhanced nutrient removal in accordance with paragraph (4) of this subsection;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In fiscal years 2016 and thereafter, for up to 87.5% of the total cost of projects, as approved by the Department, relating to combined sewer overflows abatement, rehabilitation of existing sewers, and upgrading conveyance systems, including pumping stations;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>In fiscal years 2010 and thereafter, for a portion of the operation and maintenance costs related to the enhanced nutrient removal technology, which may not exceed 10% of the total restoration fee collected from users of wastewater facilities under this section by the Comptroller annually;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>In fiscal years 2018 and thereafter, after payment of outstanding bonds and the allocation of funds to other required uses of the Bay Restoration Fund for funding in the following order of priority:</text> <level label="1"> <text>For funding the eligible costs to upgrade a wastewater facility to enhanced nutrient removal at wastewater facilities with a design capacity of 500,000 gallons or more per day;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For funding the eligible costs of the most cost–effective enhanced nutrient removal upgrades at wastewater facilities with a design capacity of less than 500,000 gallons per day; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>As determined by the Department and based on water quality, climate resiliency, flood control, and public health benefits, for the following:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>For costs identified under item (ii) of this paragraph;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>For costs identified under subsection (h)(2)(i)1 of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>With respect to a local government that has enacted and implemented a system of charges to fully fund the implementation of a stormwater management program, for grants to the local government for a portion of the costs of the most cost–effective and efficient stormwater control measures, including stormwater measures relating to water quality, climate resiliency, or flood control, as determined and approved by the Department, from the restoration fees collected annually by the Comptroller from users of wastewater facilities under this section;</text> </level> </level> <level label="v"> <text>As a source of revenue or security for the payment of principal and interest on bonds issued by the Administration if the proceeds of the sale of the bonds will be deposited in the Bay Restoration Fund;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>To earn interest on Bay Restoration Fund accounts;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>For the reasonable costs of administering the Bay Restoration Fund, which may not exceed 1.5% of the total restoration fees imposed on users of wastewater facilities that are collected by the Comptroller annually;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>For the reasonable administrative costs incurred by a local government or a billing authority for a water or wastewater facility collecting the restoration fees, in an amount not to exceed 5% of the total restoration fees collected by that local government or billing authority;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>For future upgrades of wastewater facilities to achieve additional nutrient removal or water quality improvement, in accordance with paragraphs (6) and (7) of this subsection;</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>For costs associated with the issuance of bonds;</text> </level> <level label="xi"> <text>Subject to the allocation of funds and the conditions under subsection (h) of this section, for projects related to the removal of nitrogen from on–site sewage disposal systems and cover crop activities;</text> </level> <level label="xii"> <text>For costs associated with the implementation of alternate compliance plans authorized in § 4–202.1(k)(3) of this article;</text> </level> <level label="xiii"> <text>After funding any eligible costs identified under item (iv)1 and 2 of this paragraph, for transfers to the Clean Water Commerce Account in accordance with paragraph (3) of this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="xiv"> <text>After funding any eligible costs identified under item (iv)1 and 2 of this paragraph, for the transfers required under paragraph (11) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In fiscal year 2022 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Department shall transfer $20,000,000 from the Bay Restoration Fund to the Clean Water Commerce Account established under § 9–1605.4 of this subtitle, to be used for the purposes specified in § 9–1605.4 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The grant agreement and State discharge permit, if applicable, shall require an owner of a wastewater facility to operate the enhanced nutrient removal facility in a manner that optimizes the nutrient removal capability of the facility in order to achieve enhanced nutrient removal performance levels.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The grant agreement shall require a grantee to demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Department, that steps were taken to include small business enterprises, minority business enterprises, and women’s business enterprises by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Placing qualified small business enterprises, minority business enterprises, and women’s business enterprises on solicitation lists;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Assuring that small business enterprises, minority business enterprises, and women’s business enterprises are solicited whenever they are potential sources;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Dividing total requirements, when economically feasible, into small tasks or quantities to permit maximum participation of small business enterprises, minority business enterprises, and women’s business enterprises;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Establishing delivery schedules, where the requirement permits, that encourage participation by small business enterprises, minority business enterprises, and women’s business enterprises; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Using the services and assistance of the Maryland Department of Transportation and the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs in identifying and soliciting small business enterprises, minority business enterprises, and women’s business enterprises.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>If the steps required under paragraph (5) of this subsection are not demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Department, the Department may withhold financial assistance for the project.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <level label="i"> <text>All wastewater facilities serving Maryland users that have contributed to the Bay Restoration Fund are eligible for grants under this section, including the Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant in the District of Columbia.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Grants issued under paragraph (2)(i) of this subsection for upgrades to the Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant may be awarded only if each party to the Blue Plains Intermunicipal Agreement of 1985 contributes a proportional share of the upgrade costs in accordance with the Blue Plains Intermunicipal Agreement of 1985, as revised and updated.</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Priority for funding an upgrade of a wastewater facility shall be given to enhanced nutrient removal upgrades at wastewater facilities with a design capacity of 500,000 gallons or more per day.</text> </level> <level label="9"> <level label="i"> <text>The eligibility and priority ranking of a project shall be determined by the Department based on criteria established in regulations adopted by the Department, in accordance with subsection (l) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The criteria adopted by the Department shall include, as appropriate, consideration of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The cost–effectiveness in providing water quality benefit;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The water quality benefit to a body of water identified by the Department as impaired under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The readiness of a wastewater facility to proceed to construction; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The nitrogen and phosphorus loads discharged by a wastewater facility.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="10"> <text>A wastewater facility that has not been offered or has not received funds from the Department under this section or from any other fund in the Department may not be required to upgrade to enhanced nutrient removal levels, except as otherwise required under federal or State law.</text> </level> <level label="11"> <level label="i"> <text>In fiscal year 2023 the Department shall transfer from the Bay Restoration Fund:</text> <level label="1"> <text>$10,000,000 to the Chesapeake Bay Trust for the Urban Trees Program established under § 8–1911 of the Natural Resources Article;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>$2,500,000 to the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays 2010 Trust Fund in the Department of Natural Resources, to be used, subject to the requirements of subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, for tree planting on public and private land; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>$2,500,000 to the Maryland Department of Agriculture to fund tree plantings under the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program in accordance with § 8–706 of the Agriculture Article and other tree–planting programs on agricultural land.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Funds transferred to the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays 2010 Trust Fund under subparagraph (i)2 of this paragraph:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May be distributed in accordance with § 8–2A–04(c)(2) of the Natural Resources Article;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May be used to cover the costs of:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>Site preparation, labor, and materials for tree–planting projects;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Maintaining trees following a tree–planting project; and</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>Landowner incentive payments or signing bonuses of up to $1,000 per acre of trees planted;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>May not be used to plant trees intended for timber harvest; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>May be used only for tree plantings on private land if the landowner enters into a binding legal agreement to maintain the planted area in tree cover for at least 15 years.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Funds transferred from the Bay Restoration Fund under this paragraph are supplemental to and may not take the place of funding that otherwise would be appropriated for the programs and initiatives specified in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.</text> </level> </level> <level label="12"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the Department may not provide funding under this section to the owner of a privately owned wastewater facility if the Department or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined in the 2 years immediately preceding the date on which the owner applied for funding under this section that the facility did not comply with a discharge permit issued by the Department under this title.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Department may provide funding under this section to the owner of a privately owned wastewater facility that would not be eligible for funding under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph if the Department determines, based on proof submitted by the owner of the facility when applying for funding under this section, that the owner of the facility lacks the financial capacity to purchase or upgrade a wastewater treatment system that would bring the facility into compliance with the discharge permit issued by the Department.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department shall include with its annual operating budget proposal submitted to the Department of Budget and Management a list of each facility to which the Department provided funding under subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph in the immediately preceding 12 months and the reasons for providing the funding.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Department provides the list under subsubparagraph 1 of this subparagraph to the Department of Budget and Management, the Department shall immediately provide the list to the General Assembly in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Bay Restoration Fund Advisory Committee.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Committee consists of the following members:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Secretaries of the Environment, Agriculture, Planning, Natural Resources, and Budget and Management, or their designees;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>One member of the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>One member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Two individuals representing publicly owned wastewater facilities, appointed by the Governor;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Two individuals representing environmental organizations, appointed by the Governor;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>One individual each from the Maryland Association of Counties and the Maryland Municipal League, appointed by the Governor;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Two individuals representing the business community, appointed by the Governor;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>Two individuals representing local health departments who have expertise in on–site sewage disposal systems, appointed by the Governor;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>One individual representing a university or research institute who has expertise in nutrient pollution, appointed by the Governor;</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>One individual representing the Chesapeake Bay Commission, appointed by the Chair of the Maryland Delegation to the Commission; and</text> </level> <level label="xi"> <text>One individual representing communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harms and risks as identified by the Department in consultation with the Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Governor shall appoint the chairman of the Committee from the designated members of the Committee.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Committee may consult with any stakeholder group as it deems necessary.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>The term of a member is 4 years.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A member continues to serve until a successor is appointed.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The terms of the members appointed by the Governor are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Committee on October 1, 2004.</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The Committee shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Perform an analysis of the cost of nutrient removal from wastewater facilities;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Identify additional sources for funding the Bay Restoration Fund;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Make recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the Bay Restoration Fund in reducing nutrient loadings to the waters of the State;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Make recommendations regarding the appropriate increase in the restoration fee to be assessed in fiscal year 2008 and subsequent years as necessary to meet the financing needs of the Bay Restoration Fund;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>In consultation with the governing body of each county:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Identify users of on–site sewage disposal systems and holding tanks; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Make recommendations to the governing body of each county on the best method of collecting the Bay Restoration Fee from the users of on–site sewage disposal systems and holding tanks that do not receive water bills;</text> </level> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Advise the Department on the components of an education, outreach, and upgrade program established within the Department under subsection (h)(2)(i)2 of this section;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Study the availability of money from the Fund for the supplemental assistance program within the Department to provide grants to smaller, economically disadvantaged communities in the State to upgrade their wastewater collection and treatment facilities;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>Advise the Secretary concerning the adoption of regulations as described in subsection (l) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>On or before December 31 each year, report to the Governor and, subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on its findings and recommendations.</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Members of the Committee:</text> <level label="i"> <text>May not receive compensation; but</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Are entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The Department of the Environment, Department of Agriculture, Department of Planning, Department of Natural Resources, and Department of Budget and Management shall provide staff support for the Committee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <level label="1"> <text>On or before December 31 each year, the Department and the Department of Planning shall jointly report on:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The impact that a wastewater treatment facility that was upgraded to enhanced nutrient removal during the calendar year before the previous calendar year with funds from the Bay Restoration Fund had on growth within the municipality or county in which the wastewater treatment facility is located; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Each privately owned wastewater facility to which the Department provided funding under subsection (i)(12) of this section in the immediately preceding 12 months and the reasons for providing the funding.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>In preparing the report required under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Department of the Environment and the Department of Planning shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Include the number of permits issued for residential and commercial development to be served by the upgraded wastewater treatment facility; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Determine what other appropriate information is to be included in the report.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In determining the information that should be included in the report under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the Department of the Environment and the Department of Planning shall act:</text> <level label="1"> <text>In consultation with the Bay Restoration Fund Advisory Committee; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>With the assistance of the municipality and county in which an upgraded wastewater treatment facility is located.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department and the Department of Planning shall submit the report required under paragraph (1) of this subsection to the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee, the House Appropriations Committee, the House Environment and Transportation Committee, and the Governor, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="l"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations that are necessary or appropriate to carry out the provisions of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1605.3" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund shall be maintained and administered by the Administration in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle and such rules or Program directives as the Secretary or the Board may from time to time prescribe.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund is to provide financial assistance for the implementation of urban and suburban stormwater management practices, and stream and wetland restoration.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>There shall be deposited in the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Money distributed to the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund under § 8–2A–04 of the Natural Resources Article and appropriated in the State budget for the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Net proceeds of bonds issued by the Administration;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Interest or other income earned on the investment of money in the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund is a special, continuing, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Money in the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund may not revert or be transferred to the General Fund of the State.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Subject to the provisions of any applicable bond resolution regarding the holding or application of amounts in the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund, the Treasurer shall separately hold, and the Comptroller shall account for, the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Subject to the provision of any applicable bond resolution governing the investment of amounts in the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund, the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund shall be invested and reinvested in the same manner as other State funds.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Any investment earnings shall be retained to the credit of the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund shall be subject to audit by the Office of Legislative Audits as provided under § 2–1220 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The Administration may from time to time establish accounts and subaccounts within the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund as may be deemed desirable to effectuate the purposes of this subtitle, to comply with the provisions of any bond resolution, or to meet any requirement or rules or program directives established by the Secretary or the Board.</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The Administration shall operate the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund in accordance with §§ 9–1607 through 9–1622 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund shall be used:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To award grants for up to 100 percent of project costs relating to planning, design, and construction of urban and suburban stormwater management practices, and stream and wetland restoration;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>As a source of revenue or security for the payment of principal and interest on bonds issued by the Administration if the proceeds of the sale of such bonds will be deposited in the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For costs associated with the issuance of bonds;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>To earn interest on the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund accounts; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>For the reasonable costs of administering the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>In this subsection the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Certified minority business enterprise” has the meaning stated in § 14–301 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>“Small business” has the meaning stated in § 14–501 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For financial assistance over $500,000 awarded under the Fund, the grantee shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Department, that steps were taken to include small businesses, certified minority business enterprises, and certified minority business enterprises classified as women–owned businesses by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Placing small businesses, certified minority business enterprises, and certified minority business enterprises classified as women–owned businesses on solicitation lists;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Ensuring that small businesses, certified minority business enterprises, and certified minority business enterprises classified as women–owned businesses are solicited whenever they are potential sources;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Dividing total requirements, when economically feasible, into small tasks or quantities to permit maximum participation of small businesses, certified minority business enterprises, and certified minority business enterprises classified as women–owned businesses;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Establishing delivery schedules, where the requirement permits, that encourage participation by small businesses, certified minority business enterprises, and certified minority business enterprises classified as women–owned businesses; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Using the services and assistance of the Department of Transportation and the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs in identifying and soliciting small businesses, certified minority business enterprises, and certified minority business enterprises classified as women–owned businesses.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In determining whether the grantee took the steps described in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Department shall consider the availability to the grantee of small businesses, certified minority business enterprises, and certified minority business enterprises classified as women–owned businesses that are capable of completing all or part of the project.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>If the steps required under subsection (f) of this section are not demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Department, the Department may withhold financial assistance for the project.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1605.4" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2030 PER CHAPTERS 694 AND 695 OF 2021" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Account” means the Clean Water Commerce Account.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Aggregator” means a person that facilitates or coordinates the establishment of practices or projects that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Are implemented by the person or by others;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Produce a quantifiable environmental outcome;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Are registered by the person; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Are made available for purchase by the Department under this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>“Agricultural practice” means a best management practice that is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Approved by the Chesapeake Bay Program Partnership; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Implemented on land or water that is used for the production or processing of an agricultural crop.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Agricultural practice” includes agricultural, horticultural, silvicultural, and aquacultural operations.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Chesapeake Bay TMDL” means the total maximum daily load approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Water Act for the Chesapeake Bay.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>“Environmental outcome” means nitrogen load reductions that can be directly measured or modeled using the Chesapeake Bay Program Models.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <level label="i"> <text>“Nonagricultural landscape restoration project” means a project that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is installed on nonagricultural lands;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Has an intended lifespan of at least 10 years; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Provides environmental outcomes.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Nonagricultural landscape restoration project” includes a project that returns land to native or natural land cover, such as afforestation or reforestation projects.</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <text>“Quantification plan” means a plan approved by the Department that describes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The method that will be used to measure or model environmental outcomes;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The required compliance monitoring that will occur to ensure that the proposed actions were taken;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any verification steps that may be carried out by the Department or the owner of a project or practice to confirm environmental outcomes; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The timeline for proposed payments under a contract with the Department.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a Clean Water Commerce Account.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The purpose of the Account is to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Purchase environmental outcomes in support of the State’s efforts to achieve the Chesapeake Bay TMDL; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Accelerate restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coastal Bays and their watersheds.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Secretary shall administer the Account.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Account consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Revenue transferred to the Account under § 9–1605.2(i)(2)(xiii) of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any other money from any other sources accepted for the benefit of the Account.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to the provisions of this subsection, the Account may be used only for the purchase of cost–effective environmental outcomes that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Support the State’s efforts to achieve the Chesapeake Bay TMDL; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Have an expected life of at least 10 years.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, in each fiscal year:</text> <level label="i"> <text>At least 35% shall be used to procure environmental outcomes from agricultural practices, with priority given to projects that are:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A fixed natural filter practice, as defined in § 8–701 of the Agriculture Article; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An agricultural ditch management practice, as defined by the Chesapeake Bay Program;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>At least 20% shall be used to procure environmental outcomes from projects, including stormwater management and green infrastructure projects, established in communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harms and risks as identified by the Department in consultation with the Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>At least 10% shall be used to procure environmental outcomes from nonagricultural landscape restoration projects that take into consideration the project’s ecological suitability, including the hydrological conditions and other physical characteristics of the location at which the project will be implemented.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any unencumbered funds not used to purchase environmental outcomes as specified under paragraph (2) of this subsection are:</text> <level label="i"> <text>No longer subject to the allocation requirements specified under paragraph (2) of this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Available for use consistent with this section in subsequent fiscal years, including to fund the Whole Watershed Fund established under § 8–2B–03 of the Natural Resources Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A project may include environmental outcomes from one or more of the project types specified under paragraph (2) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>Expenditures from the Account may be made only in accordance with the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>The Department may establish subaccounts within the Account to carry out the purposes of this section.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>An environmental outcome purchased under this section may not be resold or transferred to any other person separately from the property on which the environmental outcome is located.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>In calculating pollution reductions under the Chesapeake Bay TMDL by various major source sectors recognized in the Watershed Implementation Plan, credit for any reductions funded under this section shall be attributed to the sector of the source that makes the reductions.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Use a competitive process to invite funding proposals from aggregators and other persons for the provision of environmental outcomes that will contribute toward the achievement of the Chesapeake Bay TMDL;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Develop and use a scoring system to evaluate a submitted funding proposal;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Provide each person that submits a funding proposal with a copy of the scoring system, including the weight given to the co–benefits specified under paragraph (3)(ii)2 of this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>At least once a year, publicly announce a request for proposals or otherwise initiate a procurement process for environmental outcomes to be funded under this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department shall require each funding proposal submitted under this section to include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The legal name of the person submitting the proposal;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A description of the projects or practices to be used or implemented to achieve the environmental outcomes;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The location where the projects or practices will be used or implemented;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The expected life of each environmental outcome that will be achieved under the projects or practices;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>To ensure that the applicant has the legal authority to implement the projects or practices, a description of the ownership of each parcel of land or facility that will be used in the projects or practices;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>A proposed quantification plan and verification procedure;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>An implementation timetable for the projects or practices;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>A proposed cost and payment schedule;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>An explanation of whether the proposal meets the requirements for funding specified in subsection (g) of this section;</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>If the projects or practices will achieve a co–benefit specified under paragraph (3)(ii)2 of this subsection, a description of the co–benefit, including as much information as is reasonably possible regarding the nature, extent, duration, and means of verifying the co–benefit;</text> </level> <level label="xi"> <text>A statement on whether any portion of the projects or practices are being funded or will be funded, in whole or in part, with federal funds, local funds, or State funds other than funds provided under this section, and a description of any such funding, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The name of the department or agency providing the funds;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The amount of funding received or that will be received; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The portion of the projects or practices for which the funds are being or will be provided; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="xii"> <text>Any other information required by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>When initiating a competitive process under this subsection, the Department shall announce the criteria that will be used to evaluate funding proposals.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>When evaluating funding proposals, the Department shall prioritize the following factors in the following order:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The dollar cost per unit of environmental outcome; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The provision of expected co–benefits related to:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>Enhancing the mitigation of and resiliency to the anticipated adverse effects of climate changes;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Alleviating the environmental harms and risks borne by communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harms and risks as identified by the Department in consultation with the Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities;</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>Contributing toward the attainment of water quality standards in a locally impaired watershed; or</text> </level> <level label="D"> <text>Reductions in phosphorus or sediment loads that are directly measured or modeled by the Chesapeake Bay Program Models and can be counted toward the State’s pollution load reductions required under the Chesapeake Bay TMDL.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="l"> <text>The Department shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Approve a process to verify environmental outcomes for which funding is provided under this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Use consistent standards and processes for verifying environmental outcomes through the confirmation of modeling results, the confirmation of installations, or, where appropriate, the measurement of outcomes during or after the initiation of a project or practice.</text> </level> </level> <level label="m"> <text>An environmental outcome purchased under this section shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Result from a new project or practice designed and established following the selection of a proposal and the execution of a contract in accordance with this section;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Be in addition to any load reduction required by any federal, State, or local law, regulation, policy, or permit, including any applicable total maximum daily load; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Be consistent with the Chesapeake Bay Program Models so as to ensure the load reductions will count toward the achievement of the Chesapeake Bay TMDL.</text> </level> </level> <level label="n"> <text>A contract entered into by the Department under this section may be funded for the expected life of the project or practice yielding the environmental outcome, not to exceed 20 years.</text> </level> <level label="o"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a contract entered into by the Department under this section shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Require the owner of the project or practice to periodically submit status updates in accordance with the quantification plan for the environmental outcomes of the project or practice;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Require that payment for environmental outcomes be conditioned on the achievement and verification of the environmental outcomes in accordance with the quantification plan;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Include a schedule of payments that will be made as environmental outcomes are achieved and verified; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Require reporting on the amount of nitrogen and, to the extent that it can be feasibly determined without significant expense, phosphorus and sediment that are removed annually by the project or practice.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>In entering into a contract for a project that includes construction, reconstruction, or rehabilitation, on request, under this section, the Department shall allow nonuniform payment schedules that allow for a cost–per–pound of nitrogen reduced that varies with the achievement of performance milestones, as agreed upon by both parties to the contract.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The first performance milestone may not occur earlier than the time that the construction, reconstruction, or rehabilitation is complete.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In order to ensure the achievement of environmental outcomes agreed to in a contract, the Department may require:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A minimum final payment; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For a contract award greater than $500,000, additional financial protections, including a letter of credit, insurance instrument, or performance bond.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="p"> <text>The Department shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Maintain a public registry for the environmental outcomes of each project or practice that includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A description of the project or practice and the associated spatial information; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>To ensure that the environmental outcomes are maintained for the life expectancy of the environmental outcome, a summary of the contract provisions for the project or practice; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Make the registry available to the public on the Department’s website.</text> </level> </level> <level label="q"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a project or practice that is partially financed with another source of State funds may be funded under this section.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Funding provided to a project or practice under this subsection shall be prorated to cover only the portion of the environmental benefit not funded by another State source.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>An environmental outcome that is funded entirely with public funds is not eligible to be purchased with funds from the Account.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If an environmental outcome is partially funded with public funds and is verified under subsection (l) of this section, funds from the Account may be used to purchase the remaining portion of the environmental outcome that is not funded with public funds.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="r"> <text>In conjunction with the report required under § 9–1605.2(j)(6) of this subtitle, on or before December 31 each year, the Bay Restoration Fund Advisory Committee shall report, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee and the House Environment and Transportation Committee on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The total amount expended and encumbered under this section:</text> <level label="i"> <text>During the immediately preceding fiscal year; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Since July 1, 2022;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The amount and type of environmental outcomes purchased under this section and the types of projects or practices that produced those outcomes, including information on:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The cost per unit of nitrogen reduced or removed; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The relative contribution of each environmental outcome toward closing any gaps in achieving the nutrient and sediment targets of the Chesapeake Bay TMDL;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The type and value of any co–benefits provided by projects or practices funded under this section;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The cost–effectiveness of environmental outcomes purchased under this section as compared with other approaches to reducing nitrogen; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>For fiscal year 2025 only, any amendments to this section necessary to reflect historic and projected demand for funding from the Account and the Bay Restoration Fund, including an assessment and recommendation on possible changes to the percentages specified under subsection (f) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="s"> <text>The Department may adopt regulations to implement this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1606" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A loan made by the Administration shall be evidenced by a loan agreement.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Loans made from the Water Quality Fund, except for loans made in accordance with § 9–1605(d)(9) of this subtitle, shall be subject to the provisions of § 9–1605(d)(1) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Loans made from the Drinking Water Loan Fund, except for loans made in accordance with § 9–1605.1(d)(10) of this subtitle, shall be subject to the provisions of § 9–1605.1(d)(1) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Loans made from the Private Dam Repair Fund shall be subject to the provisions of § 5–509.2 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Subject to the provisions of any applicable bond resolution, the Administration may consent to the modification, with respect to rate of interest, time of payment of any installment of principal or interest, security, or any other term of any loan agreement or loan obligation.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>In connection with any security received by or owned by the Administration, including any loan obligations, the Administration may commence any action to protect or enforce the rights conferred upon it by any law or loan agreement or loan obligation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of public general or public local law, charter, or ordinance, a borrower may issue and sell loan obligations to the Administration:</text> <level label="1"> <text>At private sale, without public bidding;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Without regard to any limitations on the denomination of such obligations; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>At any interest rate or cost or at any price that the borrower considers necessary or desirable.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A borrower may pay any fees or charges necessary to enable the Administration to sell its bonds, including any fees for the insurance of its loan obligations or bonds of the Administration, or to provide any other guarantee, credit enhancement, or additional security for any such loan obligations or bonds.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of public general or public local law, charter, or ordinance, a borrower may agree with the Administration to pledge any money that the borrower is entitled to receive from the State, including the borrower’s share of the State income tax, to secure its obligations under a loan agreement.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Comptroller and the State Treasurer shall cause any money withheld under such a pledge to be paid to, or applied at the direction of, the Administration.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Each loan agreement shall contain a provision whereby the borrower acknowledges and agrees that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The borrower’s loan obligation is cancelable only upon repayment in full; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Neither the Administration, the Secretary, nor the Board is authorized to forgive the repayment of all or any portion of the loan, except for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Loans to disadvantaged communities, pursuant to the federal Safe Drinking Water Act;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Loans made in accordance with §§ 9–1605(d)(9) and 9–1605.1(d)(10) of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Loans made in accordance with § 5–509.2(h) of this article.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>In the event of a default on a loan obligation by a borrower other than a local government, the Administration may place a lien against property of the borrower securing the loan which, subject to the tax liens of the federal, State, and local governments, shall have the same priority and status as a lien of the State for unpaid taxes under §§ 14–804 and 14–805 of the Tax – Property Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Administration may exercise the same rights and powers in enforcing such lien and collecting funds for the payment of amounts in default under the loan obligation as the State may exercise in collecting unpaid taxes under Title 14, Subtitle 8 of the Tax – Property Article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1606.1" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Lender” means a financial institution that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is eligible to make commercial loans;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Agrees to receive linked deposits under this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <level label="1"> <text>Is a public depository of State funds insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is an institution of the Farm Credit System organized under the Farm Credit Act of 1971, as amended.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Linked deposit” means a deposit or investment that is placed by the Administration with a lender and earns income below the prevailing market rate for equivalent deposits or investments made with the lender at the time of the deposit or investment.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Linked deposit loan” means a loan from a lender to a borrower that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is used for the purposes of § 9-1605(d)(6) or § 9-1605.1(d)(7) of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is provided at an interest rate below the prevailing market rate to the same extent income earned on the linked deposit is below income paid on equivalent deposits.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Linked Deposit Program” means a program established by the Administration whereby a linked deposit is placed with a lender based on the agreement of the lender to provide a linked deposit loan to a borrower.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A borrower desiring to acquire a linked deposit loan shall apply to a lender.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Administration shall certify to a lender that a borrower is eligible for a linked deposit loan consistent with § 9-1605(d)(6) or § 9-1605.1(d)(7) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Upon approval of a linked deposit loan by the lender, the Administration and lender shall enter into an agreement under which the amount and term of, and schedule for payment of principal and interest on, the linked deposit shall be determined.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>On receiving a linked deposit from the Administration, the lender shall execute a loan commitment with the borrower.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A linked deposit loan is not a debt of the State or a pledge of the credit of the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1607" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration may, subject to the prior approval of the Board and the Secretary, issue bonds for the purpose of providing moneys for deposit to a fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>With respect to each issue of bonds, the Director shall adopt a bond resolution determining:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The date or dates of issue;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The date or dates of maturity and the amount or amounts maturing on such date or dates;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The fixed or variable rate or rates of interest payable on the bonds, or manner of determining the same, and the date or dates of such payment;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The form or forms and denomination or denominations, manner of execution and the place or places of payment of the bonds and of the interest thereon, which may be at any bank or trust company within or without this State;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Whether the bonds or any part thereof shall be made redeemable before maturity and, if so, upon what terms, conditions, and prices; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Any other matter relating to the forms, terms, conditions, issuance, and sale of the bonds.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>No person executing the bonds or approving the issuance of the bonds shall be liable personally on the bonds or subject to any personal liability by reason of the issuance of the bonds.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Administration may enter into agreements with agents, banks, insurers, or others for the purpose of enhancing the marketability of or as security for the bonds.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1608" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration"> <level label="a"> <text>If any officer whose signature or a facsimile of whose signature appears on any bonds shall cease to be such officer before the delivery of the bonds, such signature or such facsimile shall nevertheless be valid and sufficient for all purposes the same as if he or she had remained in office until such delivery.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provisions of this subtitle or any recitals in any bonds issued hereunder, all such bonds shall be deemed to be negotiable instruments under the laws of this State.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The bonds shall be exempt from the provisions of §§ 19–205 and 19–206 of the Local Government Article and §§ 8–206 and 8–208 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, and the Administration may sell such bonds in such manner, either at public or at private sale, and for such price as it may determine.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1609" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration is authorized, subject to the prior approval of the Board and the Secretary, to provide for the issuance of its bonds for the purpose of refunding any bonds of the Administration then outstanding, including the payment of any redemption premium thereon and any interest accrued or to accrue to the earliest or any subsequent date of redemption, purchase, or maturity of such bonds. Refunding bonds may be issued in the discretion of the Director for any public purpose, including, without limitation, the public purposes of realizing savings in the effective costs of debt service, directly or through a debt restructuring, or alleviating an impending or actual default, or relieving the Administration of contractual agreements which in the opinion of the Director have become unreasonably onerous or impracticable or impossible to perform. Refunding bonds, in one or more series, may be issued in an amount in excess of that of the bonds to be refunded. Without limiting the extent of any sources of payment provided by the Administration, refunding bonds may be made payable from escrowed bond proceeds and from interest, income, and profits, if any, on investments.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The proceeds of any bonds issued for the purpose of refunding outstanding bonds may, in the discretion of the Director, be applied to the purchase or retirement at maturity or redemption of such outstanding bonds either on their earliest or any subsequent redemption date, and may, pending such application, be placed in escrow to be applied to such purchase or retirement at maturity or redemption on such date as may be determined by the Director.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Any such escrowed proceeds, pending such use, may be invested and reinvested in obligations of or guaranteed by the United States of America, or in certificates of deposit or time deposits secured by obligations of or guaranteed by the United States of America, maturing at such time or times as shall be appropriate to assure the prompt payment, as to principal, interest, and redemption premium, if any, of the outstanding bonds to be so refunded. The interest, income and profits, if any, earned or realized on any such investment may also be applied to the payment of the outstanding bonds to be so refunded. After the terms of the escrow have been fully satisfied and carried out, any balance of such proceeds and interest, income, and profits, if any, earned or realized on the investments thereof may be returned to the Administration for use by it in any lawful manner.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1610" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration"> <text>The Administration is further authorized and empowered, subject to the prior approval of the Board and the Secretary:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To issue, prior to the preparation of definitive bonds, interim receipts or temporary bonds, exchangeable for definitive bonds when such bonds have been executed and are available for delivery; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To issue and sell its bond anticipation notes, the principal of and interest on such notes to be made payable to the owner or owners thereof out of the first proceeds of sale of bonds therein designated, and to issue and sell its revenue anticipation notes or grant anticipation notes, the principal of and interest on such notes to be made payable to the owner or owners thereof out of the first receipts of the revenues or grants, as the case may be, therein designated. The authorizing resolution may make provision for the issuance of such notes in series as funds are required and for the renewal of such notes at maturity with or without resale. The issuance of such notes and the details thereof, the rights of the holders thereof, and the rights, duties, and obligations of the Administration in respect thereto shall be governed by the provisions of this subtitle relating to bonds, insofar as the same may be applicable.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1611" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration"> <level label="a"> <text>Bonds may be secured by a trust agreement by and between the Administration and a corporate trustee, which may be any trust company or bank having trust powers, within or without the State. Such trust agreement may pledge or assign all or any part of the revenues or corpus of the Water Quality Fund, Drinking Water Loan Fund, the Bay Restoration Fund, or the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund, or any account within these funds, and may pledge or assign or grant a lien on or security interest in any loan agreement or loan obligation. Any such trust agreement or resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds may contain such provisions for the protection and enforcement of the rights and remedies of the bondholders as may be deemed reasonable and proper, including covenants setting forth the duties of the Administration in relation to the making, administration and enforcement of loans and the custody, safeguarding and application of moneys. Such trust agreement may set forth the rights and remedies of the bondholders and of the trustee and may restrict the individual right of action by bondholders. In addition to the foregoing, such trust agreement may contain such other provisions as the Director may deem reasonable and proper for the security of the bondholders, including, without limitation, covenants pertaining to the issuance of additional parity bonds upon conditions stated therein consistent with the requirements of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The proceeds of the sale of bonds shall be disbursed in such manner and under such restrictions, if any, as may be provided in such trust agreement.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The revenues and moneys designated as security for bonds shall be set aside at such regular intervals as may be provided in the bond resolution in a special account in the Water Quality Fund, if the net sale proceeds will be deposited in the Water Quality Fund, the Drinking Water Loan Fund, if the net sale proceeds will be deposited in the Drinking Water Loan Fund, the Bay Restoration Fund, if the net sale proceeds will be deposited in the Bay Restoration Fund, or the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund, if the net sale proceeds will be deposited in the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund, which is pledged to, and charged with, the payment of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The interest upon such bonds as such interest falls due;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The principal of such bonds as it falls due;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The necessary charges of the trustee, bond registrar, and paying agents; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The redemption price or purchase price of bonds retired by call or purchase as provided in the bond resolution or trust agreement.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any amounts set aside in such special account which are not needed to provide for the payment of the items included under paragraph (1) of this subsection may be used for any other lawful purpose, to the extent provided in the bond resolution. Such pledge shall be valid and binding from the time when the pledge is made. Such revenues or other moneys so pledged and thereafter received by the Administration shall immediately be subject to the lien of such pledge without any physical delivery thereof or further act, and the lien of any such pledge shall be valid and binding as against all parties having any claims of any kind in tort, contract, or otherwise against the Administration or the Water Quality Fund, the Drinking Water Loan Fund, the Bay Restoration Fund, or the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund, irrespective of whether such parties have notice thereof. Neither the bond resolution nor any trust agreement by which a pledge is created need be filed or recorded except in the records of the Administration, any public general or public local law to the contrary notwithstanding.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Any net earnings of the Administration, beyond that necessary for the retirement of bonds or to implement the public purposes or programs of the Administration, shall not inure to the benefit of any person, other than the State of Maryland for use to accomplish the purposes of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1612" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration"> <text>Any owner of bonds and the trustee, except to the extent the rights herein given may be restricted by a bond resolution, may, either at law or in equity, by suit, action, mandamus, or other proceedings, protect and enforce any and all rights under the laws of this State or granted hereunder or under the bond resolution, and may enforce and compel the performance of all duties required by this subtitle or by a bond resolution to be performed by the Administration or by any officer, employee, or agent thereof.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1613" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration"> <text>Bonds are securities in which all public officers and public bodies of the State of Maryland and its political subdivisions and all banks, trust companies, savings and loan associations, investment companies and others carrying on a banking business, all insurance companies and insurance associations and others carrying on an insurance business, all personal representatives, executors, administrators, guardians, trustees and other fiduciaries, and all other persons may legally and properly invest funds, including capital in their control or belonging to them. Bonds are securities which may properly and legally be deposited with and received by a State or municipal officer or any agency or political subdivision of the State for any purpose for which the deposit of bonds or other obligations of the State is now or may hereafter be authorized by law.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1614" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration"> <level label="a"> <text>The bonds shall not be deemed to constitute a debt, liability, or a pledge of the faith and credit of the State of Maryland or of any political subdivision thereof other than the Administration, but such bonds shall be payable solely from the revenues and funds herein provided therefor. However, this section does not limit the ability of a borrower to set, impose, levy, or collect an assessment, rate, fee, tax or charge to pay to the Administration any amounts required under a loan agreement or loan obligation of the borrower.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of public general or public local law, charter, or ordinance regulating the creation of public debts or the making of contracts, a local government may enter into a loan agreement with the Administration for the purpose of financing all or a portion of the cost of a wastewater facility or water supply system. The express powers contained and enumerated in Titles 5 and 10 of the Local Government Article and in the charter of the City of Baltimore are deemed to incorporate and include the power and authority contained in this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1615" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration"> <text>The bonds of the Administration, their transfer, the interest payable thereon, and any income derived therefrom, including any profit realized in the sale or exchange thereof, shall at all times be exempt from taxation of every kind and nature whatsoever by the State of Maryland or by any of its political subdivisions, municipal corporations, or public agencies of any kind.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1616" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration"> <text>The Administration shall not be required to give any bond as security for costs, supersedeas, or any other security in any suit or action brought by or against it, or in proceedings to which it may be a party, in any court of this State, and the Administration shall have the remedies of appeal of whatever kind to all courts without bonds, supersedeas, or security of any kind. No builder’s, materialman’s, contractor’s, laborer’s, or mechanic’s liens of any kind or character shall ever attach to or become a lien upon the Water Quality Fund, the Drinking Water Loan Fund, the Bay Restoration Fund, or the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund, or any property, real or personal, belonging to the Administration and no assignment of wages shall be binding upon or recognized by the Administration.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1617" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration"> <text>The Administration shall make provision for a system of financial accounting, controls, audits, and reports in accordance with generally accepted principles of governmental accounting. All accounting systems and records, auditing procedures and standards, and financial reporting for the Water Quality Fund, the Drinking Water Loan Fund, and the Bay Restoration Fund shall conform to the requirements of Title VI of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, and the Bay Restoration Fund Act, as applicable and, to the extent not inconsistent therewith, generally accepted principles of governmental accounting. As soon as practical after the closing of the fiscal year, an audit shall be made of the financial books, records, and accounts of the Administration. The audit shall be made by independent certified public accountants, selected by the Administration, and licensed to practice in the State as auditors. The auditors may not have a personal interest either directly or indirectly in the fiscal affairs of the Administration. They shall be experienced and qualified in the accounting and auditing of public bodies. The report of audit shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing principles and point out any irregularities found to exist. The auditors shall report to the Secretary the results of their examination, including their unqualified opinion on the presentation of the financial positions of the Water Quality Fund, the Drinking Water Loan Fund, and the Bay Restoration Fund, and the results of the Administration’s financial operations. If they are unable to express an unqualified opinion they shall state and explain in detail the reasons for their qualifications, disclaimer, or opinion including recommendations necessary to make possible future unqualified opinions.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1617.1" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration shall make provisions for a system of financial accounting, controls, audits, and reports in accordance with generally accepted principles of governmental accounting.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>All accounting systems and records, auditing procedures and standards, and financial reporting for the Water Quality Fund, the Drinking Water Loan Fund, the Bay Restoration Fund, and the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund shall conform to the requirements of Title VI of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, the Bay Restoration Fund Act, and the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays 2010 Trust Fund under Title 8, Subtitle 2A of the Natural Resources Article, as applicable, and generally accepted principles of governmental accounting.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>As soon as practical after the closing of the fiscal year, an audit shall be made of the financial books, records, and accounts of the Administration.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The audit shall be made by independent certified public accountants, selected by the Administration, and licensed to practice in the State as auditors.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The auditors:</text> <level label="i"> <text>May not have a personal interest either directly or indirectly in the fiscal affairs of the Administration; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shall be experienced and qualified in the accounting and auditing of public bodies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The audit report shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing principles and point out any irregularities found to exist.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>The auditors shall report to the Secretary the results of their examination, including their unqualified opinion on the presentation of the financial positions of the Water Quality Fund, the Drinking Water Loan Fund, the Bay Restoration Fund, and the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund and the results of the Administration’s financial operations.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the auditors are unable to express an unqualified opinion, the auditors shall state and explain in detail the reasons for their qualifications, disclaimer, or opinion including recommendations necessary to make possible future unqualified opinions.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1617.2" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration"> <text>On or before November 1 each year, beginning in 2024, the Administration shall report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on the amounts allocated by type of assistance provided under the Water Quality Fund and the Drinking Water Loan Fund to support each type of green and blue infrastructure. </text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1618" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration"> <text>The Administration shall continue until terminated by law, except that no such law shall take effect so long as the Administration shall have bonds outstanding, unless adequate provision has been made for the payment thereof. Upon termination of the existence of the Administration, all its rights and properties shall pass to and be vested in the State.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1619" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration"> <text>The provisions of this subtitle are severable, and if any of its provisions are held unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, the decision of the court shall not affect or impair any of the remaining provisions.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1620" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration"> <text>This subtitle shall be deemed to provide an additional and alternative method for the doing of things authorized hereby and shall be regarded as supplemental and additional to powers conferred by other laws, and shall not be regarded as in derogation of any powers now existing.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1621" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration"> <text>This subtitle, being necessary for the welfare of the State and its inhabitants, shall be liberally construed to effect the purposes hereof.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1622" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration"> <text>This subtitle may be cited as the Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration Act. </text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1701" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Anaerobic digestion” means the controlled anaerobic biological decomposition of organic waste material to produce biogas and digestate.</text> </level> <level label="b–1"> <level label="1"> <text>“Architectural paint” means interior and exterior architectural coatings sold in containers of 5 gallons or less.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Architectural paint” does not include industrial coatings, original equipment coatings, or specialty coatings.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Compost” means the product of composting in accordance with the standards established by the Secretary of Agriculture under § 6–221 of the Agriculture Article.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Composting” means the controlled aerobic biological decomposition of organic waste material in accordance with the standards established by the Secretary under this title.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>“Composting facility” means a facility where composting takes place.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Composting facility” does not include a facility that is required to obtain:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A natural wood waste recycling facility permit in accordance with this title;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A sewage sludge utilization permit in accordance with this title; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A refuse disposal permit in accordance with this title.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>“Computer” means a desktop personal computer or laptop computer, including the computer monitor.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Computer” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A personal digital assistant device; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A computer peripheral device, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A mouse or other similar pointing device;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A printer; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A detachable keyboard.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>“Covered electronic device” means a computer or video display device with a screen that is greater than 4 inches measured diagonally.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Covered electronic device” does not include a video display device that is part of a motor vehicle or that is contained within a household appliance or commercial, industrial, or medical equipment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Covered electronic device takeback program” means a program, established by a covered electronic device manufacturer or a group of covered electronic device manufacturers, for the collection and recycling, refurbishing, or reuse of a covered electronic device labeled with the name of the manufacturer or the manufacturer’s brand label, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Providing, at no cost to the returner, a method of returning a covered electronic device to the manufacturer, including postage paid mailing packages or designated collection points throughout the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Contracting with a recycler, local government, other manufacturer, or any other person; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any other program approved by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Director” means the Director of the Office of Recycling.</text> </level> <level label="i–1"> <text>“Distributor” means a company that has a contractual relationship with one or more producers to market and sell architectural paint to retailers in the State.</text> </level> <level label="i–2"> <text>“Food residuals” means material derived from the processing or discarding of food, including pre– and post–consumer vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy products, and meats.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Manufacturer” means a person that is the brand owner of a covered electronic device sold or offered for sale in the State, by any means, including transactions conducted through sales outlets, catalogs, or the Internet.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <level label="1"> <text>“Natural wood waste” means tree and other natural vegetative refuse.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Natural wood waste” includes tree stumps, brush and limbs, root mats, logs, and other natural vegetative material.</text> </level> </level> <level label="l"> <level label="1"> <text>“Natural wood waste recycling facility” means a facility where recycling services for natural wood waste are provided.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Natural wood waste recycling facility” does not include a collection or processing facility operated by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A nonprofit or governmental organization located in the State; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A single individual or business that provides recycling services for its own employees or for its own recyclable materials generated on its own premises.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="m"> <text>“Office” means the Office of Recycling within the Department.</text> </level> <level label="n"> <level label="1"> <text>“Organics recycling” means any process in which organic materials or compostable packaging materials are collected, separated, or processed and returned to the marketplace in the form of raw materials or products.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Organics recycling” includes anaerobic digestion and composting.</text> </level> </level> <level label="o"> <text>“Organics recycling facility” means a facility where organics recycling takes place.</text> </level> <level label="o–1"> <text>“Paint stewardship assessment” means the amount added to the purchase price of architectural paint sold in the State that is necessary to cover the Paint Stewardship Program’s cost of collecting, transporting, and processing postconsumer paint statewide.</text> </level> <level label="o–2"> <text>“Postconsumer paint” means architectural paint not used and no longer wanted by a purchaser.</text> </level> <level label="o–3"> <text>“Producer” means a manufacturer of architectural paint that sells, offers for sale, or distributes the paint in the State under the producer’s own name or brand.</text> </level> <level label="p"> <level label="1"> <text>“Recyclable materials” means those materials that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Would otherwise become solid waste for disposal in a refuse disposal system; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May be collected, separated, composted, or processed and returned to the marketplace in the form of raw materials or products.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Recyclable materials” does not include incinerator ash.</text> </level> </level> <level label="q"> <text>“Recycling” means any process in which recyclable materials are collected, separated, or processed and returned to the marketplace in the form of raw materials or products.</text> </level> <level label="r"> <text>“Recycling services” means the services provided by persons engaged in the business of recycling, including the collection, processing, storage, purchase, sale, or disposition of recyclable materials.</text> </level> <level label="r–1"> <text>“Refuse disposal system” has the meaning stated in § 9–201 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="r–2"> <text>“Representative organization” means a nonprofit organization created by producers to implement a Paint Stewardship Program.</text> </level> <level label="r–3"> <text>“Retailer” means any person that offers architectural paint for sale at retail in the State.</text> </level> <level label="r–4"> <text>“Sale” or “sell” means any transfer of title for consideration, including remote sales conducted through sales outlets, catalogues, the Internet, or any other similar electronic means.</text> </level> <level label="s"> <level label="1"> <text>“Solid waste stream” means garbage or refuse that would, unless recycled, be disposed of in a refuse disposal system.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Solid waste stream” includes organic material capable of being composted that is not composted in accordance with regulations adopted under § 9–1725(b) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Solid waste stream” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Hospital waste;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Rubble;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Scrap material;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Land clearing debris;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Sewage sludge; or</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Waste generated by a single individual or business and disposed of in a facility dedicated solely for that entity’s waste.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="t"> <level label="1"> <text>“Video display device” means an electronic device with an output surface that displays or is capable of displaying moving graphical images or visual representations of image sequences or pictures that show a number of quickly changing images on a screen to create the illusion of motion.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Video display device” includes a device that is an integral part of the display and cannot easily be removed from the display by the consumer and that produces the moving image on the screen.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A video display device may use a cathode–ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), gas plasma, digital light processing, or other image–projection technology.</text> </level> </level> <level label="u"> <text>“White goods” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Refrigerators;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Stoves;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Washing machines;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Dryers;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Water heaters; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Air conditioners.</text> </level> </level> <level label="v"> <level label="1"> <text>“Yard waste” means organic plant waste derived from gardening, landscaping, and tree trimming activities.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Yard waste” includes leaves, garden waste, lawn cuttings, weeds, and prunings.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1702" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <level label="a"> <text>There is an Office of Recycling created within the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary shall appoint a Director and sufficient staff to perform the functions of the Office. After July 1, 1989, the number of staff shall be as provided in the budget.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Secretary may adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Office shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Assist the counties in developing an acceptable recycling plan required under § 9–1703 of this subtitle and § 9–505 of this title, including technical assistance to the local governments;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Coordinate the efforts of the State to facilitate the implementation of the recycling goals at the county level;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Review all recycling plans submitted as part of a county plan as required under § 9–505 of this title and advise the Secretary on the adequacy of the recycling plan;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Administer the Statewide Electronics Recycling Program under Part IV of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Promote the development of markets for recycled materials and recycled products in the State in accordance with § 9–1702.1 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Review and approve plans and annual reports, including the paint stewardship assessment, submitted in accordance with a Paint Stewardship Program established under Part V of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Review and approve, in consultation with the producer responsibility advisory council established under § 9–2503 of this title, producer responsibility plans and annual reports submitted in accordance with Subtitle 25 of this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>On or before December 31, 2024, and every 2 years thereafter, the Office shall, in coordination with the Maryland Environmental Service, study and report to the Governor and, subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The identification and location of recycling centers, including an analysis of existing recycling centers and the need to expand these facilities or construct new recycling centers;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Programs necessary to educate the public on the need to participate in recycling efforts;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The economics and financing of existing and proposed systems of waste disposal and recycling;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>State procurement policies for the purchase of recycled materials;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Programs necessary to reduce the amount of solid waste generated for disposal by a State agency or unit;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The liaison role with local governments, the federal government, and the private sector;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The percentage reduction in the amount of solid waste that has been achieved by each county; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Economically feasible methods for the recycling of scrap automobile tires, batteries, and white goods.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>By December 1, 1988, the Office shall, in coordination with the Maryland Environmental Service and the Governor’s Task Force on Solid Waste, make recommendations to the General Assembly for the financing of a comprehensive system of recycling at the State and local level, including funding for recycling centers, recycling equipment, recycling education, and marketing strategies.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>After the financing recommendations are made under paragraph (1) of this subsection, each county may submit to the Office and the Governor a detailed request for funds necessary to assist in the development and implementation of a recycling plan under guidelines developed by the Office.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>In studying feasible methods for the management and recycling of used tires under subsection (e)(8) of this section, the Office of Recycling shall consult with the appropriate industry, including representatives of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Tire manufacturers;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Tire dealers; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Tire recyclers.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1702.1" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <level label="a"> <text>In accordance with subsection (c) of this section and to carry out the requirements of § 9–1702(d)(5) of this subtitle, the Office shall:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>Evaluate the availability of local, national, and international markets for recycled materials and recycled products;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Make recommendations to improve markets for recycled materials and recycled products in the State, including measures for reducing contamination of recyclable materials;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Identify the recyclable materials representing the largest portion of the recycling waste stream; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <level label="1"> <text>Identify the recyclable materials that are in need of recycling assistance; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Identify the methods for collecting and processing, and marketing opportunities for, recyclable materials that are in need of recycling assistance;</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Identify businesses in the State that use recycled materials, including businesses that reuse, repair, and remanufacture recycled materials;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Identify opportunities for businesses in the State to increase their use of recycled materials;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Provide resources to businesses to match sources of recycled materials with potential users;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Examine businesses that have closed in the State for the potential for reopening to use recycled materials;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Examine opportunities for the co–location of businesses that use, reuse, repair, and remanufacture recycled materials;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <level label="i"> <text>Examine existing funding mechanisms for recycling market development; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Determine whether additional funding mechanisms are necessary to expand recycling markets in the State;</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Establish and promote the “Maryland is Open for Recycling Business” campaign to attract new businesses to the State; and</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Provide advisory and technical services to support the development of markets for recycled materials and recycled products in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On or before December 31 each year, beginning in 2022, the annual Maryland solid waste management and diversion report required under § 9–204(n) of this title shall include the activities conducted under this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Office shall coordinate activities conducted under this section with the Department of Commerce, the Department of General Services, the Department of Transportation, the Maryland Environmental Service, the Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority, local governments, and private organizations.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1702.2" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “advisory council” has the meaning stated in § 9–2501 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>On or before July 30, 2034, and at least once every 10 years thereafter, the Office shall hire an independent consultant to conduct a statewide recycling needs assessment to inform the provision of recycling services in the State including implementation of Subtitle 25 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The needs assessment shall include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An analysis of the State’s current solid waste streams, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Solid waste generated in the State by local jurisdiction, type, and material;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Disposal methods by material type and amount; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Associated costs and revenues for solid waste disposal programs;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An analysis of the State’s current recycling streams, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Recyclable materials processed by local jurisdiction, type, and amount;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Processing methods by material type and amount;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Associated costs and revenues for recycling programs, collection, and tipping fees;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>An estimate of the amount of recyclable materials that are not currently being recycled; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>An estimate of the amount of reusable packaging that is not currently being reused;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>An evaluation of the current infrastructure and capacity related to, need for, and associated costs of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Recycling access and availability;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Collecting and hauling recyclable, reusable, or compostable materials in the State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Processing recyclable or compostable materials in the State;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Taking advantage of favorable market conditions or other opportunities for increasing recycling, reuse, or organics recycling in the State;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>In coordination with local governments, consumer education regarding recycling, organics recycling, reusable packaging, and contamination reduction;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Reuse infrastructure; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Organics recycling infrastructure;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>An evaluation of commingled recycling processing facility worker conditions, wages, and benefits;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>An evaluation of opportunities in the recycling and reuse system for women and minority individuals;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>An evaluation of local government requirements related to multifamily and commercial recycling services and their implementation;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>The sufficiency of recycling and reuse education programs relative to desired equity outcomes;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>An evaluation of the economic opportunities in the State’s recycling and reuse system, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>State and local revenue that may be considered lost because recyclable materials are not being recycled;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Current jobs associated with the solid waste, reuse, and recycling industries;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Opportunities to increase employment in the recycling industry by material type;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Business opportunities associated with recycling or reusable packaging;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Barriers to increasing the use of recyclable materials as feedstock for principal processors and manufacturers and means of eliminating those barriers; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Recommendations for incentives to stimulate job growth and business opportunities in the State’s recycling and reusable packaging industries;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>Recommendations for improving equity and equitable outcomes for underserved populations in the State’s recycling system;</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>An analysis of the costs and benefits of implementing an extended producer responsibility program, including to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Local governments;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Waste producers;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Residents; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Waste management companies;</text> </level> </level> <level label="xi"> <text>An analysis of the potential environmental impact of an extended producer responsibility program, including through:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Increased recycling;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Resource recovery;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Waste reduction; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Reduced environmental damage; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="xii"> <text>Recommendations on the best practices to follow from successful extended producer responsibility programs in other states and countries.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Office shall report on the results of each assessment conducted under this section to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>In conducting an assessment required under this section, the independent consultant shall consult with producer responsibility organizations, the producer responsibility advisory council established under § 9–2503 of this title, appropriate local governmental entities, and regional solid waste organizations in the State.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Office shall establish and collect a fee to be paid by producer responsibility organizations to cover the costs associated with conducting:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The assessment required under Chapter 465 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 2023; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each subsequent assessment required under this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1703" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <level label="a"> <text>Each county shall submit a recycling plan to the Secretary for approval when the county submits its county plan to the Secretary in accordance with the provisions of § 9–505 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In preparing the recycling plan as required in § 9–505 of this title, the county shall address:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Methods to meet the solid waste stream reduction;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The feasibility of source separation of the solid waste stream generated within the county;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The recyclable materials to be separated;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The strategy for the collection, processing, marketing, and disposition of recyclable materials, including the cost–effective use of recycling centers;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Methods of financing the recycling efforts proposed by the county;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Methods for the separate collection and composting of yard waste;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The feasibility of a system for the composting of mixed solid wastes;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The feasibility of a system for the collection and recycling of white goods;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>The separate collection of other recyclable materials;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>The strategy for the collection, processing, marketing, and disposition of recyclable materials from county public schools;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>The strategy for the collection and recycling of fluorescent and compact fluorescent lights that contain mercury;</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>The collection and recycling of recyclable materials from residents of apartment buildings and condominiums that contain 10 or more dwelling units by property owners or managers of apartment buildings and councils of unit owners of condominiums;</text> </level> <level label="13"> <text>If applicable, a method for implementing a reporting requirement for recyclable materials generated at apartment buildings and condominiums that contain 10 or more dwelling units;</text> </level> <level label="14"> <text>The collection and recycling of recyclable materials from special events;</text> </level> <level label="15"> <text>The collection and recycling of recyclable materials from buildings that have 150,000 square feet or greater of office space; and</text> </level> <level label="16"> <text>Any other alternative methods of recycling that will attain or exceed the solid waste stream reduction goals determined by the county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>In preparing the recycling plan as required under § 9–505 of this title, the county may address methods for the separate collection and recycling of covered electronic devices, including efforts by the county to establish partnerships with covered electronic device manufacturers, recyclers, retailers, or other local governments for the collection and recycling of covered electronic devices.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a county elects to address methods for the separate collection and recycling of covered electronic devices in its recycling plan, any reduction in the county’s solid waste stream attributable to the implementation of the methods shall count towards the county’s required reduction through recycling of the solid waste stream under § 9–505 of this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>In preparing a recycling plan, a county may not calculate a tax or mandatory deposit on any beverage container that is enacted by a county or municipality to achieve the recycling goals required under § 9–505 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>For the purpose of determining weight, the Department may not preclude the use of portable weigh scales.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A county shall revise its recycling plan by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>October 1, 2010, to address the requirements of subsection (b)(10) of this section;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>October 1, 2011, to address the requirements of subsection (b)(11) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>October 1, 2015, to address the requirements of subsection (b)(14) of this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1704" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>If a county with a population greater than 150,000 determines it cannot achieve a reduction of 35% of its solid waste stream under § 9–505 of this title, the county shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Conduct a public hearing on the proposed reduction that may be conducted jointly with other public hearings or meetings; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Publish notice of the time and place of the public hearing, together with a summary of the justification for the proposed reduction, in a newspaper of general circulation in the county once a week for 2 consecutive weeks before the hearing in the county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary shall review a county plan that does not meet the 35% recycling goal to determine whether the county’s maximum goal, as stated in the plan, can be demonstrated to have a reasonable basis.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Secretary shall require revision of a county plan if, pursuant to a review under paragraph (2) of this subsection, the county’s determination of its maximum goal is found to be unsupported by competent, material, and substantial evidence in light of the entire plan as submitted.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>If a county with a population less than 150,000 determines it cannot achieve a reduction of 20% of its solid waste stream under § 9–505 of this title, the county shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Conduct a public hearing on the proposed reduction that may be conducted jointly with other public hearings or meetings; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Publish notice of the time and place of the public hearing, together with a summary of the justification for the proposed reduction in a newspaper of general circulation in the county once a week for 2 consecutive weeks before the hearing in the county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary shall review a county plan that does not meet the 20% recycling goal to determine whether the county’s maximum goal, as stated in the plan, can be demonstrated to have a reasonable basis.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Secretary shall require revision of a county plan if, pursuant to a review under paragraph (2) of this subsection, the county’s determination of its maximum goal is found to be unsupported by competent, material, and substantial evidence in light of the entire plan as submitted.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, when calculating a county’s recycling rate for the purposes of this subsection, a county with a population of less than 100,000 may combine its recycling rate with the recycling rates of one or more adjacent counties.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A county may not use the recycling rate calculation in this paragraph for more than 5 consecutive years.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Subject to subparagraph (iv) of this paragraph, each county that elects to use the recycling rate calculation in this paragraph shall submit a letter of concurrence from the highest elected official of the county to the Secretary:</text> <level label="1"> <text>That states the county’s agreement to combine its recycling rate calculation with the recycling rate calculation of an adjacent county; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At the same time the annual report required under § 9–1705(b) of this subtitle is submitted.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The annual report required under § 9–1705(b) of this subtitle shall be submitted as one report for the counties that elect to use the recycling rate calculation under this paragraph.</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The Secretary shall calculate one recycling rate for the counties that elect to use the recycling rate calculation in accordance with this paragraph.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1705" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <level label="a"> <text>Beginning on July 1, 1990, and biannually thereafter, each county which has not achieved the percentage of reduction in its solid waste stream required by this article shall, as a part of its solid waste plan update, provide a report to the Department which shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The total amount, by weight, of solid waste collected;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The total amount, by weight, of solid waste disposed of at solid waste acceptance facilities;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The amount and types of materials recycled;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The methods of disposal of solid waste used, other than recycling; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The percentage reduction in the solid waste stream that has been achieved.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A county that has achieved the percentage of solid waste stream reduction required by this article shall provide the report described in subsection (a) of this section to the Department annually, on a calendar year basis.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>All reports shall be provided within 90 days after the close of the annual or biannual reporting period.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1706" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <level label="a"> <text>The Office of Recycling, in cooperation with the Department of General Services and other State agencies, shall develop a recycling plan that reduces by recycling the amount of the solid waste stream generated for disposal by the State government by at least 30% or to an amount that is determined practical and economically feasible, but in no case may the amount to be recycled be less than 15%.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A recycling plan under subsection (a) of this section shall include a system for recycling aluminum, glass, paper, and plastic generated for disposal by the State government, including the placement of collection bins in State–owned or State–operated office buildings in locations in the State where it is determined to be practical and economically feasible.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>By July 1, 2014, each State agency and unit of State government shall implement the recycling plan required under this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1706.1" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a voluntary statewide waste diversion goal of 60% by the year 2020.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a voluntary statewide recycling goal of 55% by the year 2020.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The goals in subsections (a) and (b) of this section may be accomplished through the cooperative efforts of waste generators, State agencies, local governments, the waste industry, the recycling industry, environmental groups, boards of education, and other interested parties.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1707" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>“Newsprint” means paper of the type generally used in the publication of newspapers or commercial advertising inserts printed by the publisher that are made primarily from mechanical woodpulps combined with some chemical woodpulp.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Newsprint” includes paper made from old newspapers that have been deinked, using the recycled pulp in lieu of virgin pulp.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Reporting period” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The calendar year for 2005 and earlier; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The calendar year and the immediately preceding two calendar years for 2006 and all subsequent years.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (h) of this section, the recycled content percentage requirements for newspapers distributed in the State shall, on a statewide basis, be in accordance with the recycled content percentage requirements specified in subsection (c) of this section for the reporting period.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In the year following any reporting period in which the Secretary determines, based on the reports submitted under subsection (e) of this section, that the recycled content percentage requirements specified in subsection (c) of this section have not been met on a statewide basis, each newspaper shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For newspapers distributed in the State, satisfy the recycled content percentage requirement under subsection (c) of this section for the reporting period; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Pay the newsprint recycling incentive fee required under subsection (d) of this section for that reporting period.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>To satisfy the recycled content percentage requirement of this section for a reporting period, at least the percentage specified in paragraph (2) of this subsection, by weight, of the total newsprint used by the publisher during that reporting period for newspapers distributed in the State shall be recycled materials.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The recycled content percentage requirement is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>12% for 1992;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>12% for 1993;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>20% for 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, and 1999;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>25% for 2000;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>30% for 2001 and 2002;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>35% for 2003 and 2004; and</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>40% for 2005 and all subsequent reporting periods.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The newsprint recycling incentive fee for any reporting period is $10 for each ton of a publisher’s recycled content deficiency for the reporting period, as determined under paragraph (2) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A publisher’s recycled content deficiency for a reporting period is the difference between:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The product of multiplying the total tons of newsprint used by the publisher for the reporting period times the required percentage for that reporting period; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The actual tonnage of recycled material contained in the newsprint used by the publisher for the reporting period.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>A publisher of a newspaper distributed in the State shall complete and file with the Secretary:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A quarterly report, on or before the last day of the month that follows each calendar quarter; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An annual report, on or before January 31 following each calendar year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, a report required under this subsection shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Be in the form and manner and contain any information that the Secretary requires by regulation; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>State, for the period covered by the report:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The total weight of newsprint used by the publisher; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The weight of recycled material contained in that newsprint.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Secretary may not require the disclosure of the price per ton of newsprint paid by any publisher in any report required under this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A publisher shall pay any newsprint recycling incentive fee required for a calendar year with the annual report that covers that year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a State Recycling Trust Fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Fund shall consist of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The newsprint recycling incentive fee;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The telephone directory recycling incentive fee collected under § 9–1709 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The covered electronic device manufacturer registration fee collected under § 9–1728 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The Paint Stewardship Program plan and annual report review fees collected under § 9–1733(b) and (h) of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Any fees collected from producer responsibility organizations under § 9–1702.2 of this subtitle or Subtitle 25 of this title;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>All fines and penalties collected under this subtitle and § 9–2512 of this title;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Secretary shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>At the end of each fiscal year, any unspent or unencumbered balance in the Fund that exceeds $2,000,000 shall revert to the General Fund of the State in accordance with § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>In accordance with the State budget, the Fund shall be used only:</text> <level label="i"> <text>To provide grants to the counties to be used by the counties to develop and implement local recycling plans;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>To provide grants to counties that have addressed methods for the separate collection and recycling of covered electronic devices in accordance with § 9–1703(c)(1) of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>To provide grants to municipalities to be used by the municipalities to implement local covered electronic device recycling programs;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>To cover the costs of the Paint Stewardship Program plan review under § 9–1733(b) of this subtitle, the annual report review under § 9–1733(h) of this subtitle, and associated costs for Program compliance oversight;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>In accordance with paragraph (7) of this subsection, to cover the costs of a statewide recycling needs assessment conducted under § 9–1702.2 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>In accordance with paragraph (7) of this subsection, to cover the costs of producer responsibility plan review, oversight, and enforcement under Subtitle 25 of this title; and</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>To carry out the purposes of the land management administration.</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <level label="i"> <text>There is a separate account within the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The separate account shall consist of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any fees collected from producer responsibility organizations under § 9–1702.2 of this subtitle or Subtitle 25 of this title; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>All fines and penalties collected under § 9–2512 of this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The separate account shall be used only for the costs of statewide recycling needs assessments conducted under § 9–1702.2 of this subtitle and producer responsibility plan review, oversight, and enforcement under Subtitle 25 of this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <level label="i"> <text>The Treasurer shall invest the money in the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any investment earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the General Fund of the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>Repealed.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>On the application of a newspaper publisher, the Secretary may exempt the publisher of all or part of the recycled content percentage requirements of this section for the newspaper publisher under such terms and conditions and for such periods as the Secretary considers appropriate if the Secretary determines, after taking into consideration the publisher’s supply contracts which existed as of March 15, 1990, that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The publisher could not obtain from manufacturers serving the mid–Atlantic region an adequate supply of recycled newsprint comparable in quality to virgin newsprint; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The publisher has made a good faith effort to meet the recycled content percentage requirements.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Secretary fails to act on an application for an exemption of all or part of the recycled content percentage requirements made under paragraph (1) of this subsection within 45 days of the filing of the application with the Secretary, the application shall be deemed approved.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Secretary shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Review the reports filed under subsection (e) of this section;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Analyze the availability and utilization of newsprint containing recycled material;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Comment on the appropriateness of the recycled content percentage requirements, including whether the requirements encourage manufacturers of virgin newsprint to convert to recycling;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Comment on the need for continuation of the provisions of this section and the impact the provisions of this section have on users of old newspapers for purposes other than producing newsprint;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Work with municipalities and other collectors of old newspapers to develop a reliable system to provide a stable and quality supply of old newspapers for recycling;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Work to encourage the location of production facilities in the region to ensure an increase in the supply of recycled newsprint; and</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Work to encourage the reuse of old newspapers.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>A county, municipality, or any agency of a county or municipality may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Impose on a publisher or distributor of newspapers by law, ordinance, or regulation any recycling content percentage requirements or taxes or charges based on the percent of recycled or virgin fiber contained in a newspaper; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Require the publisher or distributor of newspapers to collect or dispose of old newspapers in any way not imposed on the nonpublisher businesses in the county or municipality.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1708" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A person may operate a natural wood waste recycling facility in this State only in accordance with the provisions of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In addition to the other provisions of this section, after July 1, 1992, a person may not operate a natural wood waste recycling facility in the State without a permit issued by the Department under this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A natural wood waste recycling facility may accept only natural wood waste.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A natural wood waste recycling facility shall be operated in a manner that prevents health hazards and minimizes nuisances. Discharges to air or waters of the State shall be limited to discharges allowable under permits governing solid waste disposal, water pollution control, or air pollution control. Dust resulting from the operations shall be controlled at all times.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Adequate personnel and equipment shall be maintained at all times to ensure proper operation and prompt attention to correct problems associated with the construction and maintenance of a natural wood waste recycling facility.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The disposal site shall be under the supervision of a responsible individual present at the disposal site at all times during the operation of a natural wood waste recycling facility.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Access to a natural wood waste recycling facility shall be controlled at all times, and entrances shall be adequately closed when the site is not in operation.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Suitable measures to prevent and to control fires at a natural wood waste recycling facility shall be provided.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>A person may not burn wood waste at a natural wood waste recycling facility except as permitted by the Department or, when applicable, by the local governmental authority.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary may by regulation establish additional conditions under which a person may operate a natural wood waste recycling facility.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On or before July 1, 1992, the Department shall adopt regulations to establish a permit system for natural wood waste recycling facilities.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The provisions of §§ 9–334 through 9–342 of this title and § 10–104 of this article shall be used and shall apply to enforce violations of this section.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A facility required to obtain a permit by the Department under Subtitle 2 of this title is not required to obtain a permit under this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1709" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Directory publisher” means a person engaged in publishing telephone directories of any kind as part of its business that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>In the previous calendar year used at least 50 tons of directory stock in telephone directories that were distributed in the State; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Anticipates using, in the current calendar year, at least 50 tons of directory stock in telephone directories that are distributed in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Directory stock” means the type of paper that is used chiefly for printing a telephone directory.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Runable” means the ability of directory stock to run without breaking on a printing press using:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Flexography;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Letterpress; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Offset printing processes.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Telephone directory” means a listing of names, telephone numbers, and addresses produced for distribution in the State to households and businesses.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (f) of this section, the recycled content percentage requirements for telephone directories distributed in the State shall be in accordance with the recycled content percentage requirements specified in subsection (c) of this section for the calendar year.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each directory publisher shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For telephone directories distributed in the State, satisfy the recycled content percentage under subsection (c) of this section for the calendar year; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Pay the directory recycling incentive fee required under subsection (d) of this section for that calendar year.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>To satisfy the recycled content percentage requirement of this section for a calendar year, at least the percentage specified in paragraph (2) of this subsection, by weight, of the total directory stock used by the publisher during that calendar year for telephone directories distributed in the State shall be recycled materials.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The recycled content percentage requirement is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>12% for 1994;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>15% for 1995;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>20% for 1996, 1997, 1998, and 1999;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>25% for 2000;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>30% for 2001 and 2002;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>35% for 2003 and 2004; and</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>40% for 2005 and all subsequent calendar years.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The directory recycling incentive fee for any calendar year is $10 for each ton of a publisher’s recycled content deficiency for the year, as determined under paragraph (2) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A publisher’s recycled content deficiency for a calendar year is the difference between:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The product of multiplying the total tons of directory stock used by the publisher for the year times the required percentage for that year; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The actual tonnage of recycled material contained in the directory stock used by the publisher for the year.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>A publisher of a telephone directory distributed in the State shall complete and file with the Secretary an annual report, on or before January 31 following each calendar year.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, a report required under this subsection shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Be in the form and manner and contain any information that the Secretary requires by regulation; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>State, for the period covered by the report:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The total weight of directory stock used by the publisher; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The weight of recycled material contained in that directory stock.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Secretary may not require the disclosure of the price per ton of directory stock paid by any publisher in any report required under this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A publisher shall pay any directory recycling incentive fee required for a calendar year with the annual report that covers that year.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Any publisher of telephone directories distributed in the State who fails to submit the report required under this subsection shall be deemed to have failed to meet the percentages established in subsection (c) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>On written application of a directory publisher, the Secretary may exempt a directory publisher from compliance with the provisions of this section if the Secretary determines that the directory publisher was unable to obtain:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An adequate supply of directory stock containing recycled materials comparable in price and quality to virgin stock; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Directory stock that is runable.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>Any revenue collected under subsection (d) of this section shall be deposited in the Recycling Trust Fund established under § 9–1707 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1710" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Container” means any rigid plastic container or plastic bottle.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Label” means a molded, imprinted, or raised symbol located on or near the bottom of a container.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Plastic bottle” means a plastic container intended for single use that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Has a neck that is smaller than the container;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Accepts a screw-type, snap cap, or other similar closure; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Has a capacity of at least 16 fluid ounces but less than 5 gallons.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Rigid plastic container” means any formed or molded container, other than a bottle that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is intended for single use;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is predominantly composed of plastic resin;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Has a relatively inflexible finite shape or form; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Has a capacity of at least 8 ounces but less than 5 gallons.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not distribute for sale in the State any container unless the container is labeled indicating the plastic resin used to produce the container.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The label required under subsection (b) of this section shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Appear on or near the bottom of the container;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Be clearly visible; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Consist of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A number placed within 3 arrows forming a triangle as described in paragraph (2) of this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Letters placed below the triangle of arrows.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The 3 arrows shall form an equilateral triangle with the apex of each point of the triangle at the midpoint of each arrow, rounded with a short radius.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The arrowhead of each arrow shall be at the midpoint of each side of the triangle with a short gap separating the pointer from the base of the adjacent arrow.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The triangle formed by the 3 arrows curved at their midpoints shall depict a clockwise path around the code number.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The numbering and lettering shall be as follows:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For polyethylene terepthalate, the letters “PETE” and the number 1;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For high density polyethylene, the letters “HDPE” and the number 2;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>For vinyl, the letter “V” and the number 3;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>For low density polyethylene, the letters “LDPE” and the number 4;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>For polypropylene, the letters “PP” and the number 5;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>For polystyrene, the letters “PS” and the number 6; and</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>For any other plastic resin, the word “Other” and the number 7.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Any person who knowingly and willfully distributes for sale a container in violation of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $50 per violation.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations to administer and enforce the provisions of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1711" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (4) of this subsection, this section applies only to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A property owner or manager of an apartment building that contains 10 or more dwelling units; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A council of unit owners of a condominium that contains 10 or more dwelling units.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This section does not affect the authority of a county, municipality, or other local government to enact and enforce recycling requirements, including establishing civil penalties, for an apartment building or a condominium that are more stringent than the requirements of this section.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>This section does not require a county to manage or enforce the recycling activities of an apartment building or condominium that is located within the boundaries of a municipality.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>This section does not apply in Ocean City.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>On or before October 1, 2014, each property owner or manager of an apartment building or a council of unit owners of a condominium shall provide for recycling for the residents of the dwelling units, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The collection of recyclable materials from residents of the dwelling units; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The removal for further recycling of recyclable materials collected from residents of the dwelling units.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A county may require a property owner or manager of an apartment building or a council of unit owners of a condominium that provides for recycling for the residents of the dwelling units in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection to report to the county on recycling activities in a manner determined by the county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The recycling required under subsection (b) of this section shall be carried out in accordance with the recycling plan required under § 9–1703 of this subtitle for the county in which the apartment building or condominium that contains 10 or more dwelling units is located.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A person that violates subsection (b) or (c) of this section is subject to a civil penalty not exceeding $50 for each day on which the violation exists.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>An enforcement unit, officer, or official of a county, municipality, or other local government may conduct inspections of an apartment building or condominium to enforce subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Any penalties collected under subsection (d) of this section shall be paid to the county, municipality, or other local government that brought the enforcement action.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1712" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>This section applies to any special event that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Includes temporary or periodic use of a public street, publicly owned site or facility, or public park;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Serves food or drink; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Is expected to have 200 or more persons in attendance.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This section does not affect the authority of a county, a municipality, or any other local government to enact and enforce recycling requirements, including establishing civil penalties, for a special event that are more stringent than the requirements of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Before issuing a permit for a special event, the State, a county, a municipality, or any other local government shall provide to the organizer of the special event a written statement that describes the requirements and penalties under this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In addition to any other conditions required as part of a special events or other permit, the organizer of a special event shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Provide a recycling receptacle immediately adjacent to each trash receptacle at the special event;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Ensure that all recycling receptacles are clearly distinguished from trash receptacles by color or signage; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Ensure that all recyclable materials deposited into recycling receptacles at the special event are collected for recycling.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A county may require the organizer of a special event that provides for recycling to report to the county on recycling activities in a manner determined by the county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The recycling required under subsection (b) of this section shall be carried out in accordance with the recycling plan required under § 9–1703 of this subtitle for the county in which the special event takes place.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A person or an organization that violates subsection (b) or (c) of this section is subject to a civil penalty not exceeding $300 for each day on which the violation exists.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>An enforcement unit, officer, or official of a county, a municipality, or any other local government may conduct inspections of a special event location to enforce this section.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Any penalties collected under subsection (d) of this section shall be paid to the county, municipality, or other local government that brought the enforcement action.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1713" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section, “recycling facility” means a facility that provides recycling services.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Recycling facility” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A composting facility;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A facility that requires a natural wood waste recycling facility permit in accordance with this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A facility that requires a sewage sludge utilization permit in accordance with Subtitle 2 of this title; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A facility that serves as a drop–off and collection point for residential recyclable materials.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Establish conditions under which a recycling facility does not require a refuse disposal permit under Subtitle 2 of this title; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Exempt certain materials that are managed at a recycling facility from being designated as solid waste.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The regulations adopted under subsection (b) of this section may include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Design, construction, and operational conditions for recycling facilities to protect public health and the environment and minimize nuisances;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A tiered system of permits or approvals for recycling facilities based on the material managed, the methods of management and storage, and other factors determined by the Department to be appropriate; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Exceptions to any requirement to obtain a recycling facility permit or approval.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Sections 9–334 through 9–342 of this title and § 10–104 of this article apply to violations of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>This section;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any regulation adopted under this section; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any order or permit issued under this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1714" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section, “office building” means a building that has 150,000 square feet or greater of office space.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This section does not affect the authority of a county or municipality to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Enact and enforce recycling requirements, including establishing civil penalties, for an office building; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Alter or exempt a person from recycling requirements:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Due to special circumstances that are identified by the office building owner in an application to the county or municipality for an alteration or exemption; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In response to changing market conditions that affect the county or municipality.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>This section does not require a county to manage or enforce the recycling activities of an office building that is located within the boundaries of a municipality.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, on or before October 1, 2021, each owner of an office building shall provide:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Recycling receptacles for the collection of recyclable materials; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For the removal for further recycling of the following materials, as determined by the county or municipality in which the building is located, deposited into the recycling receptacles:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Paper and cardboard;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Metal; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Plastic materials.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On agreement between an office building owner and the tenant of the office building, a tenant may carry out the recycling required under this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A county may require an office building owner or a tenant of an office building that provides for recycling in accordance with this subsection to report to the county on recycling activities in a manner determined by the county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The recycling required under subsection (b) of this section shall be carried out in accordance with the recycling plan required under § 9–1703 of this subtitle for the county in which the office building is located.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>An enforcement unit, officer, or official of a county or municipality may conduct inspections to enforce this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1721" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <text>Nothing in this part is intended to regulate or otherwise to interfere with the conduct of a consumer or farmer who composts organic materials generated on a farm or residential site controlled by that consumer or farmer for the production of safe compost to be used by the consumer or farmer for personal, household, family, or agricultural purposes.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1722" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <text>The Department shall maintain information on its Web site to educate the public about composting and to promote composting in the State as a part of the Department’s efforts to encourage waste diversion.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1723" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, an owner or operator of a refuse disposal system may not accept:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Truckloads of separately collected yard waste for final disposal unless the owner or operator provides for the organics recycling of the yard waste; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Loads of separately collected food waste for final disposal unless the owner or operator provides for the organics recycling of the food waste.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Loads of separately collected food waste that are determined by an organics recycling facility to be unacceptable for recycling due to contamination may be accepted by a refuse disposal system for final disposal.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1724" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <level label="a"> <text>All yard waste collected separately from other solid waste may be transported to an organics recycling facility.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The organics recycling facility may be located at a refuse disposal system.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1724.1" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “person”:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An individual facility owned or operated by a local school system;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An individual public primary or secondary school;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>An individual nonpublic school;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A supermarket, convenience store, mini–mart, or similar establishment;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>A business, school, or institutional cafeteria; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>A cafeteria operated by or on behalf of the State or a local government; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The aggregate of all school buildings and facilities in a local school system; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A restaurant establishment that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Accommodates the public; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is equipped with a dining room with facilities for preparing and serving regular meals.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section applies only to a person that:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>On or after January 1, 2023, generates at least 2 tons of food residuals each week; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>On or after January 1, 2024, generates at least 1 ton of food residuals each week; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Generates the food residuals at a location that is within a 30–mile radius of an organics recycling facility that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Has the capacity to accept and process all of the person’s food residuals;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is willing to accept all of the person’s food residuals for recycling; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Is willing to enter into a contract to accept and process the person’s food residuals.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, a person that generates food residuals shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Separate the food residuals from other solid waste; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Ensure that the food residuals are diverted from final disposal in a refuse disposal system by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Reducing the amount of food residuals generated by the person;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Donating servable food;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Managing the food residuals in an organics recycling system installed on–site;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Providing for the collection and transportation of the food residuals for agricultural use, including for use as animal feed;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Providing for the collection and transportation of the food residuals for processing in an organics recycling facility; or</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Engaging in any combination of the waste diversion activities listed under items (i) through (v) of this item.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A person that generates food residuals may apply to the Department for a waiver from the requirements of subsection (c) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department may grant a waiver under paragraph (1) of this subsection if the person demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Department, undue hardship because of the following:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The cost of diverting food residuals from a refuse disposal system is more than 10% more expensive than the cost of disposing the food residuals at a refuse disposal system; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Other reasonable circumstances.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department shall establish waiver application procedures to carry out this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>On or before December 31 each year, beginning in 2023, the Department shall report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on the implementation of this section, including the impacts on waste diversion in the State.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department shall issue a warning to a person who violates this section or any rule or regulation adopted under this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>After receiving a warning issued under paragraph (1) of this subsection, a person who subsequently violates this section, or any rule or regulation adopted under this section, shall be subject to a civil penalty, to be collected in a civil action brought by the Department, of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>$250 for the second violation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>$500 for the third violation; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>$1,000 for the fourth and each subsequent violation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Each day a violation occurs is a separate violation under this section.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Penalties collected under this subsection shall be distributed to a special fund, to be used only to finance incentives that encourage food waste reduction and composting in the State.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1725" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>“Active food scrap composting” means source–separated organic material brought onto the farm and commingled material in the process of being composted.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Active food scrap composting” does not include any final soil amendment produced.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Contaminated feedstock” means feedstock that contains more than 2% by dry weight of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Man–made inert material; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Film plastic.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>“Farm” means the site of a business or activity operated for the primary purpose of tilling, cropping, keeping, pasturing, or producing an agricultural product other than compost, including livestock, poultry, plants, trees, sod, food, feed, or fiber, by in–ground, out–of–ground, container, or other culture.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Farm” does not include the site of a business or activity operated for the primary purpose of producing compost.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>“Liquid feedstock” means grease, oil, or some other liquid.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Liquid feedstock” does not include food scraps that contain some liquid.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <level label="i"> <text>“Off–site type 2 feedstock” means type 2 feedstock that is generated off–site.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Off–site type 2 feedstock” does not include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Animal mortalities; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Industrial animal processing residuals.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <level label="i"> <text>“On–site type 2 feedstock” means type 2 feedstock that is generated on–site.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“On–site type 2 feedstock” includes animal mortalities.</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <text>“Type 1 feedstock” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Yard waste, as defined in § 9–1701 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Other materials determined by the Department to pose a low level of risk from hazardous substances, human pathogens, and physical contaminants.</text> </level> </level> <level label="9"> <text>“Type 2 feedstock” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Source–separated organics from residential curbside or drop–off programs and nonresidential sources, including preconsumer and postconsumer food scraps and nonrecyclable paper; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Department–approved animal manure and bedding, with Department approval based on factors such as moisture content and pathogen risk.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may operate a composting facility in the State only in accordance with this part and any regulation, order, or permit adopted or issued under this part.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations to implement the provisions of this part.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The regulations adopted under paragraph (1) of this subsection may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Establish conditions under which a person may construct and operate a composting facility in the State;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Establish a tiered system of permits or approvals for composting facilities based on the type of feedstock, size of the facility, and other factors determined by the Department to be appropriate;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Establish design and operational conditions for composting facilities to protect public health and the environment and to minimize nuisances;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Establish exceptions to any requirement to obtain a composting facility permit or approval;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Exempt certain organic materials that are composted from being designated as solid wastes;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Require that a new composting facility be constructed and operated in accordance with:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any regulations adopted by the Department;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A nutrient management plan, if required under COMAR 15.20.07; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="A"> <text>A soil conservation and water quality plan in accordance with COMAR 26.04.11.06 that describes the composting facility components and design, schedule for storage and utilization of the materials, system maintenance, and operational procedures; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="B"> <text>An agricultural waste management system plan in accordance with COMAR 26.04.11.06 that describes the composting facility components and design, schedule for storage and utilization of the materials, system maintenance, and operational procedures; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Establish any other provisions the Department deems necessary to implement the provisions of this subtitle related to composting.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The regulations adopted under this subsection shall exempt an operator of an on–farm composting facility from the requirement to obtain a permit under COMAR 26.04.11.06 if the on–farm composting facility:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Uses 10,000 square feet of area or less for active food scrap composting;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Composts only one or more of the following:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Organic materials generated on–site or at another farm controlled by the same owner or lessee of the farm;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Animal manure and bedding, generated on–site;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Type 1 feedstock, regardless of the place of generation;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Off–site type 2 feedstock that is:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>Not contaminated or liquid;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Immediately mixed with carbonaceous type 1 feedstock; and</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>Incorporated into active composting within 24 hours after arriving on–site; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>On–site type 2 feedstock;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <level label="1"> <text>Records the:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>Amount and source of off–site type 2 source–separated organics being composted; and</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Date and time the off–site type 2 source–separated organics arrives on the farm;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Retains the records for 5 years; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Provides the records to the Department on request for the purpose of inspection; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Meets any other condition for a permit exemption specified in regulations.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>On or before December 1, 2028, the Department shall submit a report, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly that analyzes the impact of on–farm composting facilities in Maryland, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The amount of food waste diverted from landfills;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An estimate of the amount of finished soil amendment produced by on–farm composting facilities operating under this section;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Operational challenges experienced by on–farm composting facilities;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Violations and enforcement actions that have arisen as a result of the expansion of facilities under this section; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Recommendations on the feasibility of expanding facilities to allow for up to 40,000 square feet to be used for food scrap composting activities.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1726" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <text>The provisions of §§ 9–334 through 9–342 of this title shall be used and shall apply to enforce violations of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>This part;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any regulation adopted under this part; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any order or permit issued under this part.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1727" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies to a manufacturer that sells or offers for sale a new covered electronic device in the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A manufacturer may not sell or offer for sale to any person in the State a new covered electronic device unless:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The covered electronic device is labeled with the name of the manufacturer or the manufacturer’s brand label; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The manufacturer has registered with and, if applicable, submitted a registration fee to the Department as provided under this part.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1728" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <level label="a"> <text>A covered electronic device manufacturer’s registration shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The brand names under which the manufacturer sells or offers for sale covered electronic devices in the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Whether the manufacturer has implemented a covered electronic device takeback program;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the manufacturer has implemented a covered electronic device takeback program:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A toll–free number or Web site address that provides information about the takeback program, including a detailed description of how a person may return a covered electronic device for recycling, refurbishing, or reuse; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>One year after the implementation of the program and each year thereafter, a report on the implementation of the program during the prior year, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The total weight of the covered electronic devices received by the program from Maryland during the prior year;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The total number of covered electronic devices from Maryland recycled, refurbished, and reused during the prior year; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The processes and methods used to recycle, refurbish, or reuse the covered electronic devices received from Maryland;</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The total number of covered electronic devices sold in the State in the prior year, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The types of covered electronic devices sold; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The brand names under which the covered electronic devices were sold; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Any additional information required by the Department in regulation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The registration shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be submitted to the Department by March 1 of each year; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the manufacturer has implemented a covered electronic device takeback program, be updated prior to any significant change in the program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The covered electronic device manufacturer registration fee shall be paid by a manufacturer in accordance with this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For the initial registration by a manufacturer, the registration fee is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>$10,000 for a manufacturer that sold at least 1,000 covered electronic devices in the State in the prior year; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>$5,000 for a manufacturer that sold at least 100 but not more than 999 covered electronic devices in the State in the prior year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For each subsequent annual registration by a manufacturer that did not have an implemented covered electronic device takeback program in the prior year, the registration fee is:</text> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>On or after March 1, 2013, and before March 1, 2016, $10,000 for a manufacturer that sold at least 1,000 covered electronic devices in the State in the prior year; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On or after March 1, 2016, $5,000 for a manufacturer that sold at least 1,000 covered electronic devices in the State in the prior year; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>$5,000 for a manufacturer that sold at least 100 but not more than 999 covered electronic devices in the State in the prior year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>For each subsequent annual registration by a manufacturer that had an implemented covered electronic device takeback program in the prior year, the registration fee is $500.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>There is no registration fee for a manufacturer that sold less than 100 covered electronic devices in the State in the prior year.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The registration fee required under this subsection shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Be submitted to the Department by March 1 of each year; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Be paid into the State Recycling Trust Fund.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Review the registration submitted under this section; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the registration does not meet the requirements of this section and the regulations adopted by the Department under this subtitle, notify the manufacturer of the insufficiency.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Within 60 days after receipt of a notice of insufficiency, the manufacturer shall submit a revised registration that addresses the insufficiencies noted by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Department shall maintain a list of registered covered electronic device manufacturers on its Web site.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The sales data submitted in accordance with subsection (a)(4) of this section shall be treated as confidential and proprietary, and may not be disclosed except as otherwise required by law.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1728.1" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “retailer” means any person that sells a covered electronic device to a consumer.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If a manufacturer is subject to the requirements of §§ 9–1727 and 9–1728 of this part, a retailer may not sell or offer for sale to any person in the State a new covered electronic device manufactured by the manufacturer, unless the manufacturer has complied with the requirements of §§ 9–1727 and 9–1728 of this part.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1728.2" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <level label="a"> <text>A manufacturer that has implemented a covered electronic device takeback program shall include educational and instructional materials relating to the destruction and sanitization of data from a covered electronic device:</text> <level label="1"> <text>With each new covered electronic device sold or offered for sale in the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On the manufacturer’s covered electronic device takeback program Web site; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>As information provided through the manufacturer’s covered electronic device takeback program toll–free number.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A manufacturer that is participating in a covered electronic device takeback program established by a group of covered electronic device manufacturers shall be considered as having implemented a covered electronic device takeback program under this part.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1729" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <text>The Department may adopt regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this subtitle, including the required components of a covered electronic device takeback program.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1730" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <level label="a"> <text>The provisions and penalties of § 9–342 of this title shall be used and shall apply to enforce violations of this part.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>In addition to any other penalty provided by law, the Department may assess against any retailer that violates § 9–1728.1(b) of this part a fine up to $1,000 for each violation, but not exceeding $10,000 total.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A fine under paragraph (1) of this subsection may be assessed only after the retailer that committed the violation has been issued three warnings regarding the violation.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Each day on which a violation occurs or continues is a separate violation under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1733" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>On or before July 1, 2025, producers of architectural paint sold at retail in the State, or a representative organization acting on a producer’s behalf, shall submit a plan for the establishment of a Paint Stewardship Program to the Department for approval.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The plan shall minimize public sector involvement in, and financial responsibility for, the management of postconsumer paint by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Reducing its generation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Promoting its reuse and recycling; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Negotiating and executing agreements to collect, transport, reuse, recycle, process for resource recovery, and dispose of postconsumer paint.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The plan shall provide for convenient and available statewide collection of postconsumer paint that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Provides for collection rates and convenience equal to or greater than the collection programs available to consumers prior to the Paint Stewardship Program;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Identifies each producer participating in the Paint Stewardship Program and the brands of architectural paint sold in the State that are covered by the Program;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Describes how the Paint Stewardship Program may be implemented in coordination with existing household hazardous waste collection infrastructure in a manner that is mutually agreeable; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Provides geographic modeling to determine the number and distribution of sites for collection of postconsumer paint based on the following criteria:</text> <level label="1"> <text>At least 90% of the residents of the State shall have a collection site within a 15–mile radius; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Unless otherwise approved by the Department, one additional collection site shall be established for every 50,000 residents.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The plan may identify a retailer as a postconsumer paint collection site if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The retailer volunteers to act as a postconsumer paint collection site;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The retailer is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The site location of the retailer is consistent with maintaining a cost–effective network of postconsumer paint collection locations.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The plan shall establish:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A uniform paint stewardship assessment for all architectural paint sold in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A mechanism for paint producers participating in a Paint Stewardship Program to remit to the representative organization payment of the paint stewardship assessment for each container of architectural paint sold in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The total amount of the paint stewardship assessment may not exceed the costs of implementing and sustaining the Paint Stewardship Program.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <level label="i"> <text>The paint stewardship assessment shall be evaluated by an independent financial auditor, as designated by the Department, to ensure the costs of implementing and sustaining the Paint Stewardship Program are covered but not exceeded.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The cost of any work performed by an independent financial auditor shall be funded by the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Paint stewardship assessments may be used only to implement and sustain the Paint Stewardship Program.</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>A producer or representative organization shall submit a revised plan or amendment to the plan to the Department for approval:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Every 5 years, on request of the Department; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>When the Department requires a change to the amount of the paint stewardship assessment.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department shall review:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Paint Stewardship Program plan required under subsection (a) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The work product of the independent financial auditor designated by the Department to evaluate paint stewardship assessments.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The producer or representative organization that submits a plan for approval shall pay a plan review fee to the Department to be deposited in the State Recycling Trust Fund under § 9–1707 of this subtitle that covers the Department’s cost of plan review, including associated costs for Program compliance oversight, as determined by the Department.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the Department determines that the Paint Stewardship Program plan, including the paint stewardship assessment, complies with the requirements of subsection (a) of this section and that it demonstrates a net benefit compared to the collection programs available to consumers in 2023, the Department shall approve the Program.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Department shall list on its website the producers and brands implementing or participating in an approved Paint Stewardship Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A producer or representative organization shall implement its Paint Stewardship Program plan within 6 months after the plan’s approval by the Department.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Beginning January 1, 2026, or 6 months after plan approval, whichever is later:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A producer or retailer may not sell or offer for sale a brand of architectural paint to any person in the State, unless the producer of the brand or a representative organization of which the producer is a member is implementing an approved Paint Stewardship Program;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A producer shall add the paint stewardship assessment established under an approved Paint Stewardship Program to the cost of all architectural paint sold to retailers and distributed in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Each retailer or distributor shall add a paint stewardship assessment to the purchase price of all architectural paint sold in the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A producer or representative organization participating in an approved Paint Stewardship Program shall provide consumers with educational materials regarding the Program that include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Information regarding available end–of–life management options for architectural paint offered through the Program; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Information that notifies consumers that an assessment to cover the costs of implementing and sustaining the Program is included in the purchase price of all architectural paint sold in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Following the implementation of the Paint Stewardship Program, a retailer complies with the requirements of this section if, on the date the architectural paint was ordered from the producer or its agent, the producer of the paint brand is listed on the Department’s website as implementing or participating in an approved Paint Stewardship Program.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A postconsumer paint collection site that is identified in the plan may not charge an additional fee for the disposal of paint when it is offered for disposal.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>A producer or representative organization that organizes the collection, transport, and processing of postconsumer paint in accordance with an approved Paint Stewardship Program shall be immune from liability for any claim of a violation of antitrust, restraint of trade, or unfair trade practice arising from conduct undertaken in accordance with the Program.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>Beginning April 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, the producer or representative organization shall submit a report to the Department that details the Paint Stewardship Program, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A description of the methods used to collect, transport, and process postconsumer paint in the State;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The volume of postconsumer paint collected in each county in the State;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The volume and type of postconsumer paint collected in the State by method of disposition, including reuse, recycling, and other methods of processing or disposal, that includes an accounting of the volume of postconsumer paint collected in the State for each county in the State;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The total cost of implementing and sustaining the Program, as determined by the independent financial audit funded by the paint stewardship assessment;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The total fees collected in each county in the State, as determined by the independent financial audit funded by the paint stewardship assessment; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Samples of educational materials used to inform consumers of architectural paint.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The producer or representative organization that submits a report required under this section shall pay a report review fee to the Department to be deposited in the State Recycling Trust Fund under § 9–1707 of this subtitle that covers the Department’s cost of report review, including associated costs for Program compliance oversight, as determined by the Department.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The producer or representative organization shall make available to each county the information required under paragraph (1)(iii) of this subsection in a manner that provides a county with sufficient time to include the information in the reports to the Department under § 9–1705 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department shall review the annual report required under subsection (h) of this section and:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Evaluate the total costs of the Paint Stewardship Program, including all expenses and revenues, to determine whether the paint stewardship assessment meets or exceeds the costs of the Program in accordance with subsection (a)(6) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Determine whether the plan is being implemented in accordance with subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Department determines that the paint stewardship annual report, including the paint stewardship assessment, complies with the requirements of subsection (a) of this section, the Department shall approve the annual report.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The producer or representative organization shall make the approved annual report available to the public.</text> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <level label="1"> <text>Financial, production, or sales data reported to the Department by a producer or the representative organization shall be kept confidential by the Department and may not be subject to public inspection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department may release summary data that does not disclose financial, production, or sales data of a producer, retailer, or representative organization.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1734" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Office of Recycling"> <level label="a"> <text>The provisions of § 9–342 of this title apply to enforce violations of this part.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department shall deposit any penalty collected under this section into the State Recycling Trust Fund established under § 9–1707 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1801" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="18" subtitle_name="Acceptance of Household Hazardous Waste"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Household” means any single or multiple residence, hotel, bunkhouse, ranger station, crew quarters, or camping or picnic ground.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>“Household hazardous waste” means any waste material, including garbage or trash, derived from a household that would be listed as hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act but for the fact that the waste is derived from a household.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Household hazardous waste” may include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Agricultural chemicals;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Cleaning agents and solvents;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Motor oils;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Paint;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Pesticides; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Preservatives.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1802" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="18" subtitle_name="Acceptance of Household Hazardous Waste"> <level label="a"> <text>By January 1, 1990, each county shall prepare and submit an assessment of the feasibility of establishing a program for the acceptance of household hazardous waste from residents of the county to the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The assessment prepared and submitted under subsection (a) of this section shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The estimated cost of providing one household hazardous waste collection day every year;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The feasibility and estimated cost of establishing a regional household hazardous waste collection day every year for the county’s geographic region of the State; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any other information that would be of use to the State in determining whether to mandate household hazardous waste collection days in each county.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1803" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="18" subtitle_name="Acceptance of Household Hazardous Waste"> <text>The Secretary shall assist each county in the preparation of the assessments required under § 9-1802 of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1901" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Toxics in Packaging"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Distributor” means any person that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Sells a packaged product to a retailer; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Receives a shipment or consignment of, or in any other manner acquires, packaged products for distribution to a retailer for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Sale to a consumer; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Promotional purposes.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Food package” means a package that is designed and intended for direct food contact and is composed, in substantial part, of paper, paperboard, or other materials originally derived from plant fibers, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A food or beverage product that is contained in a food package or to which a food package is applied;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A packaging component of a food package; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Plastic disposable gloves used in commercial or institutional food service.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Intentionally added” means the act of deliberately using a chemical in the formation of a package or packaging component when the chemical’s continued presence is desired in the final package or packaging component to provide a specific characteristic.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>“Manufacturer” means any person that manufactures a package or packaging component.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Manufacturer” includes any person that sells a package or packaging component to a distributor.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>“Package” means a container used to market, protect, or handle a product.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Package” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A unit package, an intermediate package, and a shipping container as defined by the American Society for Testing and Materials; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An unsealed receptacle such as a carrying case, crate, cup, pail, rigid foil or other tray, wrap, wrapping film, bag, and tub.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>“Packaging component” means any individual assembled part of a package.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Packaging component” includes any interior or exterior blocking, bracing, cushioning, weatherproofing, coating, closure, label, ink, dye, pigment, adhesive, or any other additive.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Packaging component” does not include any package or packaging component that contains cadmium and is intended for reuse more than 5 times.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“PFAS chemicals” means, when used in fire–fighting agents, fire–fighting equipment, food packaging, and rugs and carpets, a class of fluorinated organic chemicals that contain at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom, including perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1902" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Toxics in Packaging"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in §§ 9–1903 and 9–1904 of this subtitle, on or after July 1, 1993, a manufacturer or distributor may not sell or offer for sale or for promotional purposes any package or packaging component or any product in a package or packaging component to which any of the following was intentionally added during manufacture or distribution:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Lead;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Cadmium;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Mercury; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Hexavalent chromium.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The sum of the concentration levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium incidentally present in a package or packaging component may not exceed:</text> <level label="1"> <text>By July 1, 1993, 600 parts per million by weight or 0.06%;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>By July 1, 1994, 250 parts per million by weight or 0.025%; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>By July 1, 1995, 100 parts per million by weight or 0.01%.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Tin plated steel that meets the American Society for Testing and Materials Specification A–623 shall be considered a single packaging component.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>On or after January 1, 2024, a manufacturer or distributor may not manufacture or knowingly sell, offer for sale, or distribute for sale or use in the State a food package or food packaging component designed and intended for direct food contact to which PFAS chemicals were intentionally added.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1903" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Toxics in Packaging"> <text>The provisions of § 9–1902(a) through (c) of this subtitle do not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>If it contains a code indicating the date of manufacture, a package or packaging component that was manufactured prior to July 1, 1993;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Until July 1, 1997, a package and packaging component that would not exceed the concentration levels set forth in § 9–1902 of this subtitle but for the addition of recycled materials;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A package or packaging component conditionally exempt under § 9–1904 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any alcoholic beverage bottled before October 1, 1992.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1904" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Toxics in Packaging"> <level label="a"> <text>A manufacturer or distributor of a package or packaging component may submit to the Department an application for a conditional exemption from the provisions of § 9–1902(a) through (c) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On the written application of a manufacturer or distributor, the Department may grant a conditional exemption if the Department finds that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>In order to comply with a health or safety requirement of federal law, lead, cadmium, mercury, or hexavalent chromium have been added to the package or packaging component in the manufacturing, forming, printing, or distribution process; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The regulated substance is essential to the protection, safe handling, or function of the package contents.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A conditional exemption granted under this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Expires 2 years after the date the Department grants the exemption; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the manufacturer or distributor meets the criteria under subsection (b) of this section, may be renewed for additional periods of 2 years.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1905" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Toxics in Packaging"> <level label="a"> <text>To enforce the provisions of this subtitle, the Department may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Notify a manufacturer that there are grounds for suspecting that a package or packaging component produced by the manufacturer may not be in compliance with the provisions of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Request the manufacturer to certify that the package or packaging component is in compliance, including by requesting the manufacturer’s certificate of compliance established under subsection (c) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the manufacturer certifies that the package or packaging component is exempt under § 9–1903 of this subtitle, the manufacturer shall identify the specific basis on which the exemption is claimed.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A manufacturer that manufactures, sells, offers for sale, or distributes for use in the State a food package or food packaging component shall establish a certificate of compliance to attest that the food package or food packaging component is in compliance with the requirements of § 9–1902(d) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Within 30 days after a request by the Department, a manufacturer shall provide the certificate of compliance established under paragraph (1) of this subsection to the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If the manufacturer fails to certify that the package or packaging component is in compliance or is exempt, the Department may seek an injunction under § 9–1906 of this subtitle to require the manufacturer to withdraw the package or packaging component in question from sale or promotional use within the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1906" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Toxics in Packaging"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Any person who violates any provision of this subtitle or any regulation adopted under this subtitle, including making a false statement in a certificate of compliance, shall be liable to the State for a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for each violation, but not exceeding a total of $10,000 for any action.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each package or packaging component in violation constitutes a separate violation.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The State shall recover the civil penalties under this subsection in a civil action in any county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any person who previously has been assessed a civil penalty under this section and who willfully violates any provision of this subtitle or any regulation adopted under this subtitle, including making a false statement in a certificate of compliance, is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $20,000.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department may seek an injunction to require the removal of a package or packaging component from sale or promotional use within the State against:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any person who violates or threatens to violate any provision of this subtitle or any regulation adopted under this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A manufacturer who fails to certify on request of the Department that a package or packaging component produced by the manufacturer is in compliance with or is exempt under the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-1907" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Toxics in Packaging"> <text>The Department may adopt regulations to administer the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2001" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Personal Care Products"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Biodegradable” means capable of decomposing:</text> <level label="1"> <text>In a marine environment; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In wastewater treatment plant processes in accordance with relevant established guidelines identified by the Department, such as:</text> <level label="i"> <text>ASTM International;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Organisation for Economic Co–operation and Development;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>International Organization for Standardization; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Other comparable organizations or authorities.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Over–the–counter drug” means a drug that is a personal care product that contains a label, drug fact panel, or list of the active ingredients that identifies the product as a drug as required under 21 C.F.R. Section 201.66 (Format and Content Requirements for Over–the–Counter (OTC) Drug Product Labeling).</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“Personal care product” means a manufactured good or a component of a manufactured good that is intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body for purposes of cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering appearance.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Personal care product” does not include a prescription drug.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Plastic” means a synthetic material that is made from linking monomers through a chemical reaction to create an organic polymer chain that can be molded or extruded at high heat into various solid forms that retain a defined shape during use by a consumer.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Synthetic plastic microbead” means any intentionally added solid plastic particle that is not biodegradeable that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Measures less than 5 millimeters in size; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is used in a rinse–off personal care product for exfoliation or cleansing purposes.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2002" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Personal Care Products"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection does not apply to over–the–counter drugs.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On or after December 31, 2017, a person may not manufacture for sale a personal care product that contains synthetic plastic microbeads.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>On or after December 31, 2018, a person may not accept for sale a personal care product that contains synthetic plastic microbeads.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>On or after December 31, 2018, a person may not manufacture for sale an over–the–counter drug that contains synthetic plastic microbeads.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On or after December 31, 2019, a person may not accept for sale an over–the–counter drug that contains synthetic plastic microbeads.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2003" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Personal Care Products"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations identifying biodegradable guidelines that are acceptable for use by a wastewater treatment plant.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department shall periodically review the biodegradable guidelines to ensure that the most scientifically effective methods are being utilized to prevent, to the maximum extent practicable, the entrance of synthetic plastic microbeads in the natural aquatic environment of the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2101" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="21" subtitle_name="Plastic Products"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“ASTM D6400 standard specification” means the standard specification for labeling of plastics designed to be aerobically composted in municipal or industrial facilities set by the American Society for Testing and Materials.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“ASTM D6868 standard specification” means the standard specification for labeling of end items that incorporate plastics and polymers as coatings or additives with paper and other substrates designed to be aerobically composted in municipal or industrial facilities set by the American Society for Testing and Materials.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“ASTM D5988 standard test method” means the standard test method for determining aerobic biodegradation of plastic materials in soil set by the American Society for Testing and Materials.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Biodegradable mulch film” or “soil degradable ag mulch film” means a film plastic product used as a technical tool in commercial farming that biodegrades in soil after being used and meets the standards specified under § 9–2102(c) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Federal Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims” means the federal guides established by the Federal Trade Commission under Title 20, Part 260 of the Code of Federal Regulations.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Film plastic product” means a bag, a sack, a wrap, or any other thin plastic sheet film product.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>“Food or beverage product” means a product that is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Used for food and drink; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Made of plastic or paper with a plastic coating.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Food or beverage product” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Containers;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Food service ware and utensils; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Straws and lids.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“ISO 17556 standard test method” means the standard test method means for determining the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials in soil by measuring the oxygen demand in a closed respirometer or the amount of carbon dioxide evolved set by the International Organization for Standardization.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <level label="1"> <text>“Plastic product” means a product made of plastic, whether alone or in combination with another material, including paperboard.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Plastic product” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A package or a packaging component;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A film plastic product;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A food or beverage product; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Any other plastic product or part of a plastic product.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Plastic product” does not include a personal care product regulated under Subtitle 20 of this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Vincotte” means the Belgian–accredited inspection and certification organization.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2102" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="21" subtitle_name="Plastic Products"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, on or after October 1, 2018, a person may not sell in the State a plastic product that is labeled as biodegradable, degradable, decomposable, or with any other term to imply that the product will break down, fragment, biodegrade, or decompose in a landfill or any other environment.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On or after October 1, 2018, a person may not sell in the State a plastic product that is labeled as compostable or home compostable unless the plastic product meets the following standards:</text> <level label="1"> <text>For a plastic product labeled as compostable, the plastic product shall meet:</text> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>The ASTM D6400 standard specification; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The ASTM D6868 standard specification; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any applicable labeling guidelines in the federal Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For a plastic product labeled as home compostable, the plastic product shall meet:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The OK Compost Home certification standard adopted by Vincotte; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any applicable labeling guidelines in the federal Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On or after October 1, 2018, a person may not sell in the State a film plastic product labeled as soil degradable ag mulch film or biodegradable mulch film unless the product:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>Meets the OK Biodegradable Soil certification standard adopted by Vincotte; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>At ambient temperatures and in soil, shows at least 90% biodegradation absolute or relative to microcrystalline cellulose in less than 2 years’ time, tested according to the ISO 17556 standard test method or ASTM D5988 standard test method; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Fulfills the plant growth and regulated metals requirements under section 6.4 of the ASTM D6400 standard specification.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2103" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="21" subtitle_name="Plastic Products"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to § 9–2102(b) of this subtitle and subsection (b) of this section, on and after October 1, 2018, a person that distributes or sells a compostable plastic bag intended for sale or distribution by a retailer in the State shall ensure that the compostable plastic bag is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Labeled in a manner that is readily and easily identifiable from other plastic bags;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Labeled in a manner that is consistent with the federal Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Labeled with a certification logo indicating the bag meets the ASTM D6400 standard specification; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>A uniform color of green and labeled with the word “COMPOSTABLE” in at least a 1 inch font on one side of the bag;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Labeled in green writing with the word “COMPOSTABLE” in at least a 1 inch font on both sides of the bag; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Labeled with the word “COMPOSTABLE” in at least a one–half inch font on both sides of the bag within a green color band that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Contrasts with the compostable bag’s background color; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is at least 1 inch in height.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If a compostable plastic bag is smaller than 14 inches by 14 inches, the compostable bag may be labeled in a manner that is in proportion to the size of the bag.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A compostable plastic bag sold or distributed in the State may not be labeled as recyclable.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A provision of this section has effect only to the extent that the provision does not conflict with the federal Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2104" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="21" subtitle_name="Plastic Products"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to § 9–2102(b) of this subtitle, on and after October 1, 2018, a person that distributes or sells a compostable food or beverage product intended for sale or distribution by a retailer in the State shall ensure that the compostable food or beverage product is labeled:</text> <level label="1"> <text>In a manner that is readily and easily identifiable from other food or beverage products;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In a manner that is consistent with the federal Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>With a certification logo indicating the compostable food or beverage product meets the ASTM D6400 standard specification or ASTM D6868 standard specification; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>As compostable.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subsection (a) of this section has effect only to the extent that the provision does not conflict with the federal Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2105" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="21" subtitle_name="Plastic Products"> <level label="a"> <text>A person that violates this subtitle is subject to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>For a first violation, a civil penalty of $500;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For a second violation, a civil penalty of $1,000; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For a third and subsequent violation, a civil penalty of $2,000.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any penalties collected under this section shall be paid to the county, municipality, or other local government that brought the enforcement action.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2201" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="22" subtitle_name="Expanded Polystyrene"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Expanded polystyrene” means blown polystyrene and expanded and extruded foams that are thermoplastic petrochemical materials utilizing a styrene monomer and processed by a number of techniques, including fusion of polymer spheres (expandable bead polystyrene), injection molding, foam molding, and extrusion–blow molding (extruded foam polystyrene).</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>“Expanded polystyrene food service product” means a product made of expanded polystyrene that is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Used for selling or providing food or beverages; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>Intended by the manufacturer to be used once for eating or drinking; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Generally recognized by the public as an item to be discarded after one use.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Expanded polystyrene food service product” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Food containers;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Plates;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Hot and cold beverage cups;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Trays; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Cartons for eggs or other food.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Expanded polystyrene food service product” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Food or beverages that have been packaged in expanded polystyrene containers before receipt by a food service business;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A product made of expanded polystyrene that is used to package raw, uncooked, or butchered meat, fish, poultry, or seafood;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Nonfoam polystyrene food service products; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <level label="1"> <text>Cartons for eggs that are made of expanded polystyrene that are shipped into the State for packaging; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Cartons of eggs that have been packaged within the State for sale within the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“Food service business” means a business in the State that sells or provides food or beverages for consumption on or off the premises.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Food service business” includes a business or institutional cafeteria, including a cafeteria operated by or on behalf of the State or a local government.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“School” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A public elementary or secondary school;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A nonpublic elementary or secondary school; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An institution of higher education, as defined in § 10–101(h) of the Education Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Unit of county government” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A local health department; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A local environmental department.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2202" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="22" subtitle_name="Expanded Polystyrene"> <text>This subtitle does not affect the authority of a county, municipality, or other local government to enact standards that are at least as stringent as the standards established in this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2203" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="22" subtitle_name="Expanded Polystyrene"> <level label="a"> <text>On or after July 1, 2020, a person may not sell or offer for sale in the State an expanded polystyrene food service product.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On or after July 1, 2020, a food service business or school may not sell or provide food or beverages in an expanded polystyrene food service product.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>This section does not prohibit a person from storing a food service product for later distribution outside the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2204" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="22" subtitle_name="Expanded Polystyrene"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall conduct a public education and outreach campaign before and during the implementation of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The public education and outreach campaign required under subsection (a) of this section shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Contact with food service businesses, in consultation with relevant units of county government and relevant trade organizations;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Contact with schools, in consultation with the Maryland State Department of Education;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Distribution of information through State Internet and web–based resources; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>News releases and news events.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department shall conduct a public education and outreach antilittering campaign.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2205" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="22" subtitle_name="Expanded Polystyrene"> <text>The Department may grant to a food service business or school a waiver from the application of § 9–2203(b) of this subtitle for a period of up to 1 year if the Department determines that achieving compliance under this subtitle would present an undue hardship or a practical difficulty not generally applicable to other food service businesses or schools in similar circumstances.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2206" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="22" subtitle_name="Expanded Polystyrene"> <level label="a"> <text>A unit of county government shall enforce § 9–2203 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to subsection (c) of this section, a county may impose a penalty not exceeding $250 on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A person who violates § 9–2203(a) of this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A food service business that violates § 9–2203(b) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A penalty may not be imposed under this section unless:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The unit of county government first issues a written notice of violation to the person or the food service business; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The violation is not corrected within 3 months of receipt of the written notice.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A unit of county government shall notify the Department of any violation of § 9–2203 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2207" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="22" subtitle_name="Expanded Polystyrene"> <text>The Department may adopt regulations to implement this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2301" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="23" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Products"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Balloon” means a nonporous bag of tough and light material, generally latex or Mylar, whether filled or unfilled.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Mass balloon release” means an event where a person or persons knowingly and intentionally release or cause to be released 10 or more balloons into the atmosphere.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Person” means an individual at least 13 years old, a corporation, a partnership, an association, a nonprofit entity, the State, or any unit or political subdivision of the State.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Radio tracking device” means an instrument that emanates a signal that allows an operator to determine the position of a released balloon.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A balloon that is released for scientific or meteorological purposes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>By or on behalf of an agency of the State or the United States;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In accordance with a contract with the State, the United States, or any other state; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>By an institution of higher education conducting research;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A balloon that is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Attached to a radio tracking device; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Released by a person who holds an amateur operator license issued by the Federal Communications Commission;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A hot air balloon that is recovered after launch; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The negligent or unintentional release of a balloon.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A person may not knowingly and intentionally release or cause to be released a balloon into the atmosphere.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person may not organize or participate in a mass balloon release.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A person who violates subsection (c)(1) of this section shall perform 6 hours of community service or watch an educational video on environmental damage caused by human pollution or both.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person who violates subsection (c)(2) of this section is subject to a civil penalty not exceeding $100 per violation.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Each act of releasing, or organizing the release of, a balloon or group of balloons constitutes a separate violation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Department shall enforce this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department may delegate its authority to enforce this section to an enforcement unit, officer, or official of a county, a municipality, or any other local government.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An enforcement unit, officer, or official of a local government with delegated authority shall report each violation under this section to the Department.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Department shall select, procure, or develop an educational video that does not exceed 1 hour in duration on environmental damage caused by human pollution that a person who violates subsection (c)(1) of this section may view in accordance with subsection (d)(1) of this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2401" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="24" subtitle_name="Sealant Products"> <text>In this subtitle, “high–PAH sealant product” means a sealant product containing more than 1.0% polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by weight.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2402" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="24" subtitle_name="Sealant Products"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in this section, this subtitle does not limit the power of a county, municipality, or unit of local government to adopt ordinances, rules, or regulations related to sealant products.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A county, municipality, or unit of local government may not adopt any ordinance, rule, or regulation related to sealant products that are less stringent than the requirements of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>This subtitle does not affect the authority of a county, municipality, or unit of local government to enact and enforce standards or requirements related to sealant products that are more stringent than the requirements of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Airports;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Federal facilities; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Military facilities.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2403" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="24" subtitle_name="Sealant Products"> <text>On or after October 1, 2023, a person may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Supply, sell, or offer for sale a high–PAH sealant product for application to a driveway or parking area in the State; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Apply or solicit the application of a high–PAH sealant product to a driveway or parking area in the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2404" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="24" subtitle_name="Sealant Products"> <text>The Department may adopt regulations to implement this subtitle. </text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2405" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="24" subtitle_name="Sealant Products"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, the provisions of §§ 9–334 through 9–344 of this title apply to enforce violations of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>This subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any regulation adopted under this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any order issued under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any penalty collected by the Department under this section shall be paid into the Maryland Clean Water Fund established under § 9–320 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A person who violates this subtitle is subject to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A civil penalty up to $2,500 for each violation; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An administrative penalty up to $2,500 for each violation, but not exceeding $100,000 total.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each day a violation occurs is a separate violation under this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2501" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Producer Responsibility for Packaging and Paper Products"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Advisory council” means the producer responsibility advisory council established under § 9–2503 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>“Beverage container” means a prepackaged beverage container:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Made of any material, including glass, plastic, metal, or multimaterials;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In any form, including a bottle, can, carton, or pouch; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The volume of which is not more than 5 liters.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Beverage container” does not include a prepackaged beverage container that is covered under a beverage container deposit return program in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Brand owner” means a person that owns or licenses a brand or that otherwise has rights to market a product under the brand, whether or not the brand’s trademark is registered.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Composting” and “composting facility” have the meanings stated in § 9–1701 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Covered entity” means a person or location that receives covered services for covered materials in accordance with the requirements of this subtitle, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A single–family residence;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A multifamily residence;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A public or nonpublic kindergarten, elementary, or secondary school;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A child care center, as defined in § 9.5–401 of the Education Article; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A public building owned or operated by the State or a local government.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>“Covered materials” means packaging and paper products sold, offered for sale, imported, or distributed in the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Covered materials” does not include exempt materials.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Covered material type” means a singular and specific type of covered material, such as paper, plastic, metal, or glass, that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Can be categorized based on distinguishing chemical or physical properties, including properties that allow the material type to be aggregated into a discrete commodity category for purposes of reuse, recycling, or composting; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is based on similar uses in the form of a product or package.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>“Covered services” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Collecting, transferring, transporting, sorting, processing, recovering, preparing, or otherwise managing covered materials for purposes of waste reduction, reuse, recycling, or composting; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Public education and outreach activities related to the activities described in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Covered services” does not include disposal of covered materials.</text> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“De minimis producer” means a person that in their most recent fiscal year:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Introduced less than 1 ton of covered material into the State; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Earned global gross revenues of less than $2,000,000.</text> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Environmental impact” means the impact of a covered material on human health and the environment, beginning with the extraction and processing of the raw materials that compose the covered material through the manufacturing, distribution, use, recovery for reuse, recycling or composting, and final disposal of the covered material.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <text>“Exempt material” means a material, or any portion of a material, that is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Packaging for infant formula, as defined in 21 U.S.C. § 321(z);</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Packaging for medical food, as defined in 21 U.S.C. § 360ee(b)(3);</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Packaging for a fortified oral nutritional supplement, or food which is formulated to be consumed or administered enterally for individuals who are unable to consume nutrition orally, used by individuals who require supplemental or sole source nutrition to meet nutritional or special dietary needs directly related to the following conditions as defined by the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Cancer;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Chronic kidney disease;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Diabetes;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Malnutrition; or</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Failure to thrive;</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Packaging for a product regulated as a drug or medical device by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, including associated components and consumable medical equipment;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Packaging for medical equipment or a product used in medical settings that is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, including associated components and consumable medical equipment;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Drugs, biological products, parasiticides, medical devices, or in vitro diagnostics that are used to treat, or that are administered to, animals and are regulated by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The U.S. Food and Drug Administration under the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The U.S. Department of Agriculture under the federal Virus–Serum–Toxin Act;</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Packaging for products regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Packaging used to contain liquefied petroleum gas and designed to be refilled;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Newsprint subject to § 9–1707 of this title;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>A paper product used for a magazine’s print publication that has a circulation of less than 95,000 and that primarily includes content derived from primary sources related to news and current events;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>Packaging used to contain hazardous or flammable products regulated under the 2012 federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration Hazard Communication Standard that prevent the packaging from being waste reduced or made reusable, recyclable, or compostable, as determined by the Department;</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>Packaging for products subject to the Paint Stewardship Program under Subtitle 17, Part V of this title;</text> </level> <level label="13"> <text>Material that a producer distributes to another producer that is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Subsequently used to contain a product, and the product is distributed to a commercial business or entity; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Not introduced to a person other than the commercial or business entity that first received the product; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="14"> <text>Packaging used for the long–term protection or storage of a product that has a lifespan of not less than 5 years, as determined by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="m"> <text>“Local government” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A county; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A municipality.</text> </level> </level> <level label="n"> <level label="1"> <text>“Packaging” means a material, a substance, or an object that is used to protect, contain, transport, serve, or facilitate the delivery of a product that is sold or supplied with the product to the consumer for personal, noncommercial use and that is sold, offered for sale, imported, or distributed in the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Packaging” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging intended for the consumer market;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Service packaging designed and intended to be filled at the point of sale, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Carry–out bags;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Bulk goods bags; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Take–out and home delivery food service packaging; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Beverage containers.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="o"> <level label="1"> <text>“Paper products” means products made primarily from wood pulp or other cellulosic fibers.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Paper products” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Bound books; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Products that are not accepted by materials recycling facilities or composting facilities because of the unsafe or unsanitary nature of the products.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="p"> <level label="1"> <text>“Producer” means the following person, as applicable, that is responsible for compliance with a producer responsibility plan under this subtitle:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For items sold in or with packaging at a physical retail location in the State:</text> <level label="1"> <text>If the item is sold in or with packaging under the brand of the item manufacturer or is sold in packaging without brand identification, the producer is the item manufacturer;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If there is no person described in item 1 of this item, the producer is the person that is licensed to manufacture and sell or offer for sale to consumers in the State an item with packaging under the brand or trademark of another manufacturer or person;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If there is no person described in items 1 and 2 of this item, the producer is the brand owner of the item;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If there is no person described in items 1 through 3 of this item within the United States, the producer is the person that imports the product into the United States for use in a commercial enterprise that sells, offers for sale, or distributes the item in the State; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>If there is no person described in items 1 through 4 of this item, the producer is the person that first distributes the item in or into the State;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For items sold or distributed in packaging in or into the State via e–commerce, remote sale, or online distribution:</text> <level label="1"> <text>For packaging used directly to protect or contain the item, the producer of the packaging is a producer under item (i) of this paragraph; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For packaging used to ship the item to a consumer, the producer of the packaging is the person that packages the item to be shipped to the consumer;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>For packaging that is not described in items (i) and (ii) of this paragraph, the producer of the packaging is the person that first distributes the item in or into the State;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>For paper products that are magazines, catalogs, telephone directories, or similar publications, the producer is the publisher;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>For a paper product not described in item (iv) of this paragraph:</text> <level label="1"> <text>If the paper product is sold under the manufacturer’s own brand, the producer is the person that manufactures the paper product;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If there is no person described in item 1 of this item, the producer is the person that is the owner or licensee of a brand or trademark under which the paper product is used in a commercial enterprise, sold, offered for sale, or distributed in the State, whether or not the trademark is registered in the State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If there is no person described in items 1 and 2 of this item, the producer is the brand owner of the paper product; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If there is no person described in items 1 through 3 of this item within the United States, the producer is the person that imports the paper product into the United States for use in a commercial enterprise that sells, offers for sale, or distributes the paper product in the State; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>For a producer identified in items (i) through (iii) of this paragraph that is a business operated wholly or in part as a franchise, the producer of the packaging is the franchisor if the franchisor has franchisees that have a commercial presence in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Producer” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A state, federal or state agency, a political subdivision, or other governmental unit;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization or 501(c)(4) social welfare organization;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A de minimis producer;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A mill that uses any virgin wood fiber in the products it produces;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>A paper mill that produces container board derived from 100% postconsumer recycled content and nonpostconsumer recycled content;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>An entity that owns or operates a restaurant, food cart, or similar establishment that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is headquartered in the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Primarily sells to members of the public food that is generally intended to be consumed immediately and without the need for further preparation, either on or off the premises; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Is not a producer of food serviceware;</text> </level> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>An entity that owns or operates a single retail sales establishment that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Has no online sales; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is not supplied or operated as part of a franchise or a chain;</text> </level> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>An entity that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is licensed under Title 2 of the Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Generated less than $10,000,000 in gross revenue during the immediately preceding calendar year; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>A producer under paragraph (1) of this subsection that has executed an agreement with another entity, under which the other entity has agreed to assume responsibility by written certification under a producer responsibility program for any packaging materials attributable to the first entity.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="q"> <text>“Producer responsibility organization” means a nonprofit organization that is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Created by a group of producers to implement a producer responsibility plan in accordance with this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="r"> <text>“Producer responsibility plan” means a covered materials producer responsibility plan submitted to the Department by a producer or producer responsibility organization in accordance with § 9–2505 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="s"> <level label="1"> <text>“Recycling” means the process of collecting, sorting, cleansing, treating, and constituting materials that would otherwise be disposed of and returning them to or maintaining them with the economic mainstream in the form of recovered material for new, reused, or reconstituted products that meet the quality standards necessary to be used in the marketplace.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Recycling” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Landfilling;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Combustion;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Incineration;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Energy generation;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Fuel production; or</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Alternative daily cover or other forms of use or disposal within the footprint of a landfill.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="t"> <text>“Recycled covered material” means covered material that is sent to a responsible end market.</text> </level> <level label="u"> <text>“Recycling rate” means the amount of recyclable covered material, in aggregate or by individual covered material type, recycled in a calendar year divided by the total amount of recyclable covered materials sold or distributed into the State by the relevant unit of measurement.</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>“Refill” means the continued use of a covered material by a consumer through a system that is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Intentionally designed and marketed for repeated filling of a covered material to reduce demand for new production of the covered material;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Supported by adequate logistics and infrastructure to provide convenient access for consumers; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Compliant with applicable federal, State, and local statutes, rules, ordinances, and other laws governing health and safety.</text> </level> </level> <level label="w"> <text>“Responsible end market” means a material market in which the recycling and recovery of materials or the disposal of contaminants is conducted in a way that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Benefits the environment; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Minimizes risks to public health and worker health and safety.</text> </level> </level> <level label="x"> <text>“Return rate” means the amount of reusable covered material, in aggregate or by individual covered materials type, collected for reuse by a producer or service provider in a calendar year, divided by the total amount of reusable covered materials sold or distributed into the State by the relevant unit of measurement.</text> </level> <level label="y"> <text>“Reusable” means being capable of reuse.</text> </level> <level label="z"> <text>“Reuse” means the return of a covered material to the marketplace and the continued use of the covered material by a producer or service provider when the covered material is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Intentionally designed and marketed to be used multiple times for its original intended purpose without a change in form;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Designed for durability and maintenance to extend its useful life and reduce demand for new production of the covered material;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Supported by adequate logistics and infrastructure at a retail location, by a service provider, or on behalf of or by a producer, that provides convenient access for consumers; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Compliant with applicable federal, State, and local statutes, rules, ordinances, and other laws governing health and safety.</text> </level> </level> <level label="aa"> <text>“Reuse rate” means the share of units of a reusable covered material sold or distributed into the State in a calendar year that are demonstrated and deemed reusable in accordance with an approved producer responsibility plan.</text> </level> <level label="bb"> <level label="1"> <text>“Service provider” means an entity that provides covered services for covered materials.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Service provider” includes a local government that provides, contracts for, or otherwise arranges with another party to provide covered services for covered materials within its jurisdiction regardless of whether the local government provided, contracted for, or otherwise arranged for similar services before the approval of the applicable producer responsibility plan.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2502" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Producer Responsibility for Packaging and Paper Products"> <level label="a"> <text>On or before October 1, 2023, the Department shall approve a single producer responsibility organization to represent the interests of producers under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>It is the intent of the General Assembly that this subtitle provide a framework for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Minimizing the environmental and human health impacts of packaging, including by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Reducing the amount of packaging, especially plastic packaging, sold in the State;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Reducing packaging waste;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Redesigning packaging to be recyclable, compostable, and reusable; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Reducing the toxicity of packaging;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Conserving resources by increasing the recycling rates and recycled content of covered products;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Modernizing and improving waste and recycling systems in the State, including by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Facilitating the improvement of reuse, composting, and recycling;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Stimulating responsible end markets for covered materials; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Improving access to and the efficiency of recycling, composting, and reuse infrastructure, with special emphasis on underserved communities; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Making producers financially responsible for investing in the needed infrastructure and reimbursing local governments and other service providers for costs associated with transporting, collecting, and processing covered materials.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2503" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Producer Responsibility for Packaging and Paper Products"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a producer responsibility advisory council.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the advisory council is to provide advice and make recommendations regarding establishing and implementing a producer responsibility program in the State for covered materials, including advice on drafting, amending, and implementing producer responsibility plans.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The advisory council shall consist of members appointed by the Secretary, representing a broad range of interested stakeholders, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Representatives from the following industries or entities in the State:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Local government agencies responsible for recycling programs;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Recyclables and compostable materials collectors from both the public and private sectors;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Recycling processors from both the public and private sectors;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Organics recycling processors;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Producers from the consumer goods sector;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Retail and small businesses; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Material–oriented trade groups;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Representatives of at least two nonprofit organizations in the State with missions related to reducing waste;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>At least one representative of an environmental advocacy organization;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>At least one representative of an advocacy organization that advocates on behalf of overburdened or underserved communities, as defined in § 1–701 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>At least two members of the public who reside in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>The following nonvoting members, who may not serve as cochairs of the advisory council:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A representative of the producer responsibility organization approved by the Department under § 9–2502(a) of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Director of the Department’s Land and Materials Administration, or the Director’s designee.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In appointing members to the advisory council, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, ensure that the membership of the advisory council represents:</text> <level label="i"> <text>All geographic regions of the State;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Large and small counties and municipalities; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The variability in how waste and recyclable and compostable materials are collected and processed in the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>From among the advisory council members, the Secretary shall designate two representatives to serve as cochairs.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Department shall provide staff for the advisory council.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A member of the advisory council:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May not receive compensation as a member of the advisory council; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The advisory council shall meet at the request of the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>The advisory council shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>On request by a producer or producer responsibility organization, provide advice regarding the drafting or amending of a producer responsibility plan required under § 9–2505 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Receive and review the producer responsibility plans submitted in accordance with § 9–2505 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Receive and review annual reports submitted in accordance with § 9–2509 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Make recommendations to the Department regarding producer responsibility plan approval;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Make recommendations to the Department and producer responsibility organizations regarding producer responsibility plan implementation; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Provide written recommendations regarding the producer responsibility plan, including any update or revision to an approved plan, to a producer responsibility organization before the producer responsibility organization submits the plan to the Department.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2504" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Producer Responsibility for Packaging and Paper Products"> <level label="a"> <text>This subtitle does not affect the authority of the State or a local jurisdiction to regulate the sale or use of any packaging material.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This subtitle may not be construed to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Prohibit a local government, a service provider, or any other entity from selling recycled materials or compost to end markets and retaining the revenues from those sales;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Affect the authority of a publicly or privately owned materials recycling facility or composting facility to determine which entities may use the facility;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Limit the ability of local governments, materials recycling facilities, or composting facilities to make decisions on recycling infrastructure purchases, including processing equipment; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Preclude the separate adoption of a beverage container deposit return program in the State to reduce beverage container pollution and plastic waste.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2505" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Producer Responsibility for Packaging and Paper Products"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>Beginning July 1, 2026, and each year thereafter, the producer responsibility organization approved under § 9–2502(a) of this subtitle shall file a registration form with the Department.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The registration form shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A list of the producers participating in the producer responsibility organization;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A list of the brands of each producer participating in the producer responsibility organization;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A list of the covered materials of each producer participating in the producer responsibility organization; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The name, address, and contact information of a person responsible for ensuring the producer responsibility organization’s and the member producers’ compliance with this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>At the time of filing the registration form, the producer responsibility organization shall pay to the Department an annual registration fee, as set by the Department, in an amount sufficient to cover:</text> <level label="1"> <text>In each year:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>The costs of record keeping under this subtitle, not to exceed $1,000; and</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>The costs of developing and updating the list required under § 9–2508 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>As necessary, the costs of developing and implementing regulations in accordance with § 9–2511 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In 2028 and each year thereafter, the costs of registering service providers under § 9–2507 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>On or after July 1, 2033, a nonprofit organization may request that the Department designate the nonprofit organization as an additional producer responsibility organization.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Department may designate a nonprofit organization as an additional producer responsibility organization if the Department determines, in coordination with the advisory council established under § 9–2503 of this subtitle, that the designation of the additional producer responsibility organization is necessary to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Increase recycling rates; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Improve recycling services for a specific type of covered material.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>If the Department approves the designation of an additional producer responsibility organization under this subsection, the producer responsibility organization shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Not later than 30 days after being approved by the Department and on or before July 1 each year thereafter, file a registration form with the Department containing the information required under paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection and pay the annual registration fee described in paragraph (2)(iii) of this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Coordinate with the producer responsibility organization established under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Department, and local governments to ensure that:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>Recycling services for residents of the State are provided in a seamless manner; and</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Public outreach, education, and communication are provided in a consistent manner.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The producer responsibility organization established under paragraph (1) of this subsection and any additional producer responsibility organizations designated under this paragraph may create a representative organization to represent the participating producer responsibility organizations to implement the requirements of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>On or after July 1, 2026, and in accordance with the requirements of this subsection and any regulations adopted by the Department, a producer or group of producers may develop and operate an alternative collection program to collect and manage a type or types of covered material sold, offered for sale, or distributed for sale in or into the State by the producer or producers.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A producer that manages a type of covered material under an approved alternative collection program through reuse, recycling, or composting may wholly or in part offset the producer’s payment obligations under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>An alternative collection program shall improve and provide a dedicated collection program for the applicable covered material.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>On or before July 1, 2028, and every 5 years thereafter, each producer shall, individually or as part of a producer responsibility organization, submit a producer responsibility plan to the Department for review and approval.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Before submitting the plan required under this subsection to the Department, a producer or producer responsibility organization shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Consult with the advisory council established under § 9–2503 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Consider the written recommendations of the advisory council and respond in writing to the advisory council.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, on or after a date established in regulations adopted by the Department under § 9–2511 of this subtitle, a producer may not sell, offer for sale, distribute, or import for sale or distribution covered materials for use in the State unless the producer, individually or as part of a producer responsibility organization, has an approved producer responsibility plan on file with the Department.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A producer is not required to submit a producer responsibility plan to the Department, individually or as part of a producer responsibility organization, if another person has agreed to assume responsibility under this subtitle for any covered material sold, offered for sale, or distributed in or into the State by that producer.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A producer responsibility plan shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Identify the producers covered by the plan, including the contact information for each participating producer and the producer responsibility organization;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Identify each brand of covered materials covered by the plan;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Require, in accordance with subsection (d) of this section, achievement within 5 years after the date on which the first version of the plan is approved and establish the following performance goals, as relevant and as appropriate, for each covered material type:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Recycling rates;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Composting rates;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Reuse rates;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Return rates;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The percentage of covered materials to be waste reduced;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The percentage of postconsumer recycled content that covered materials are required to contain, including the overall percentage for all covered materials as applicable, and not including compostable materials that cannot contain postconsumer recycled content due to unique chemical or physical properties or health and safety requirements that prohibit the introduction of postconsumer recycled content; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Greenhouse gas reduction goals;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Describe, in accordance with subsection (e) of this section, the financing method that will be used to implement the plan;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Describe how, for each covered material type, the producer responsibility organization will measure recycling, waste reduction, reuse, composting, and the inclusion of postconsumer recycled content;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Describe how the performance goals established under item (iii) of this paragraph will be met or exceeded;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Include proposals for exemptions from performance targets and statewide requirements for covered materials that cannot be waste reduced or made reusable, recyclable, or compostable due to federal or State health and safety requirements, identifying the specific federal or State requirement and their impact on the covered materials;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>Describe infrastructure investments, including goals and outcomes and a description of how the process to offer and select opportunities will be conducted in an open, competitive, and fair manner, how it will address gaps in the system not met by service providers, and the potential financial and legal instruments to be used;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>Explain how the program will be paid for by the producer responsibility organization through fees from producers, without any new or additional consumer–facing fee to members of the public, businesses, service providers, the State or any political subdivisions, or any other person who is not a producer, unless the fee is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A deposit made in connection with a product’s refill, reuse, or recycling that can be redeemed by a consumer; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A charge for service by a service provider, regardless of whether the service provider is registered;</text> </level> </level> <level label="x"> <text>Describe activities to be undertaken by the producer responsibility organization during each year to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Minimize the environmental impacts and human health impacts of covered materials, including assessing each covered material’s generation of hazardous waste, generation of greenhouse gases, environmental justice impacts, public health impacts, and other impacts;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Foster the improved design of covered materials;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Provide funding to expand and increase the convenience of waste reduction, reuse, collection, recycling, and composting services to covered entities;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Provide for reimbursement rates under subsection (e)(1)(ii) of this section to service providers for statewide coverage of covered services at an optimal level of convenience and service for applicable covered materials on the list established under § 9–2508 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Monitor to ensure that postconsumer materials are delivered to responsible end markets;</text> </level> </level> <level label="xi"> <text>Include performance standards for service providers as applicable to the service provided, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Requirements that service providers must accept all required covered materials on the list established under § 9–2508 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Labor standards and safety practices, including safety programs, health benefits, and living wages;</text> </level> </level> <level label="xii"> <text>Describe how the producer responsibility organization will treat and protect nonpublic data submitted by service providers;</text> </level> <level label="xiii"> <text>Include a description of how the producer responsibility organization will provide technical assistance to service providers in order to assist them in delivering covered materials to responsible end markets;</text> </level> <level label="xiv"> <text>Describe how stakeholder comments were considered in the development of the plan;</text> </level> <level label="xv"> <text>Describe how staffing and administering the implementation of the plan will be handled;</text> </level> <level label="xvi"> <text>Describe the actions taken or that will be taken for public outreach, education, and communication, taking into account that public outreach, education, and communication shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Promote the responsible end–of–life management of covered materials;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provide information on how to prevent litter of covered materials;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Provide recycling and composting instructions that are, to the extent practicable:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>Consistent statewide, taking into account differences among local laws and processing capabilities;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Easy to understand; and</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>Easily accessible; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Provide for outreach and education that are:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>Designed to achieve packaging materials management goals and requirements, including the prevention of contamination of covered materials;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Coordinated across programs to avoid confusion for consumers; and</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>Developed in consultation with local governments and other stakeholders;</text> </level> </level> <level label="xvii"> <text>Describe, in accordance with subsection (f) of this section, the amount of funding that will be used for improving reuse, composting, and recycling in the State;</text> </level> <level label="xviii"> <text>Describe the process by which a service provider may request reimbursement for costs associated with transporting, collecting, and processing covered materials that are identified in the plan, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The process by which the request will be reviewed;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The process for approving or denying a request for reimbursement;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The schedule for providing reimbursement that includes reimbursement on at least a quarterly basis;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The process for providing reimbursement for multiple brands of covered materials; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The process for resolving, through arbitration, disputes that arise between the producer responsibility organization and a service provider regarding the determination of reimbursement rates and payment of reimbursements;</text> </level> </level> <level label="xix"> <level label="1"> <text>Provide the written recommendations from the advisory council provided under § 9–2503 of this subtitle and the producer responsibility organization’s written response to the advisory council; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Describe how the written recommendations from the advisory council were considered and addressed in the development of the plan; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="xx"> <text>Include any other information that is required by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The performance goals established under paragraph (1)(iii) of this subsection do not apply to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Products packaged at establishments under mandatory inspection by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service in accordance with the federal Meat Inspection Act, the federal Poultry Products Inspection Act, the federal Egg Products Inspection Act, or U.S. Department of Agriculture or U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations related to cheese packaging;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Products packaged at facilities regulated under State meat and dairy inspection laws; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>For a period of 5 years after the date on which the first version of the plan is approved and established, with an optional extension of 5 years contingent on the development of recycling, including organics recycling, infrastructure capable of handling pathogen–contaminated packaging in a safe and effective manner, cheese, meat, and poultry prepared and packaged at retail locations such as grocery stores, butcher shops, or online retailers.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Based on the results of the most recent statewide recycling needs assessment conducted under Chapter 465 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 2023 or § 9–1702.2 of this title, the Department, in coordination with a producer responsibility organization and via the approval of producer responsibility plans, shall establish performance goals for each covered material type using a baseline year that is informed by the statewide recycling needs assessment, including establishing recycling rate goals for each covered material type, at 5–, 10–, and 15–year intervals.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The financing method that will be used by a producer responsibility organization to implement a producer responsibility plan shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Provide the method for either direct investments or reimbursements for improving infrastructure for reuse, composting, and recycling in accordance with subsection (c)(1)(xvii) of this section, with priority given to the improvement of existing infrastructure;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Provide a methodology for reimbursement rates for covered services for covered materials, exclusive of exempt materials and producers;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Incorporate relevant cost information identified by the most recent needs assessment performed under Chapter 465 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 2023 or § 9–1702.2 of this title;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Be updated annually; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Establish reimbursement rates equivalent to:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>At least 50% of the cost per ton on or before July 1, 2028;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>At least 75% of the cost per ton on or before July 1, 2029; and</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>At least 90% of the cost per ton on or before July 1, 2030, and each year thereafter;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, establish a fee structure for participating producers that is set in a manner to cover costs associated with:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Implementing the plan, including the administrative costs of a producer responsibility organization;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Reimbursing local governments or service providers for costs in accordance with item (ii) of this paragraph;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The administration, review, oversight, and enforcement of the plan by the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Implementing the strategy in the plan for improving reuse, composting, and recycling in the State in accordance with subsection (c)(1)(xvii) of this section;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <level label="1"> <text>Describe the incentives to encourage participating producers to engage in waste reduction and recycling activities; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Describe the disincentives to discourage designs or practices that increase the cost of managing packaging materials;</text> </level> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Be evaluated by an independent financial auditor, as designated by the Department, to ensure that the costs of implementing the plan are covered; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Meet any other requirement established by the Department by regulation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The reimbursement rate established under paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection shall be based on the following, as applicable by service provided:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A fixed amount for each ton of covered material collected by a service provider that reflects conditions affecting collection, recycling, and composting costs in the region or jurisdiction where the services were provided, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The number and size of covered entities;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Population density;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Collection methods employed;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The distance traveled to consolidation or transfer facilities, materials recycling facilities, reuse facilities, composting facilities, or responsible end markets;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Other factors that may contribute to regional or jurisdictional cost differences;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The proportion of covered compostable materials within all source–separated compostable materials collected or managed through composting; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The general quality of covered materials recycled or composted by a service provider;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A fixed amount for each ton of covered material recycled or composted by a service provider in the previous calendar year based on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The average costs associated with the transportation and processing, from a central location within a political subdivision, of collected covered material from the political subdivision to a materials recycling facility or composting facility;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The processing of, and removal of contamination from, covered materials by a materials recycling facility or composting facility;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The recycling or composting of covered materials less the average fair market value for that covered material based on the market indices for the region, updated monthly;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Costs associated with the management of contaminated materials removed from the collected covered materials; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The proportion of covered compostable materials within all source–separated compostable materials collected or managed through composting;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>An additional fixed amount per ton, in excess of the rate provided under subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, for each covered material type not listed under § 9–2508 of this subtitle that was recycled or composted by a service provider in the previous calendar year, less the average fair market value for the covered material based on the market indices for the region, updated monthly;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A fixed amount for each ton of mixed recycling that is managed through a process that includes percentages of covered materials listed under § 9–2508 of this subtitle and additional covered materials, prorated for the values in item (ii)1 and 2 of this paragraph, based on the most recent waste characterization for mixed recycling ton averages;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>A fixed amount, based on population served, for administrative costs of service providers, including education, public awareness campaigns, and outreach program costs as applicable; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>A fixed amount for the cost of managing covered materials capable of refill or reusable covered materials and for the costs associated with collection, cleaning, sanitation, distribution, and management of contamination.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>Before establishing the fee structure for participating producers under paragraph (1)(iii) of this subsection, the producer responsibility organization shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Publish a proposed fee on its website; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Allow 90 calendar days for public comment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The fee structure established under paragraph (1)(iii) of this subsection shall be variable based on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Costs associated with transporting, collecting, and processing covered materials;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An eco–modulation of fees, including establishing:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>A higher fee for covered materials not listed under § 9–2508 of this subtitle or with low recycled content; and</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>A discounted fee for covered materials listed under § 9–2508 of this subtitle or with high recycled content; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any other factor, as determined by the Department.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>A producer responsibility organization shall retain any fee collected under this subsection in its own account.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Department may request at any time an audit of the financial records of a producer responsibility organization.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>A service provider shall retain all revenue from the sale of covered materials.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Nothing in this subtitle may be construed to restrict a service provider from charging a fee for covered services of covered materials to the extent that reimbursement from a producer responsibility organization does not cover all costs of services, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Continued investment and innovation in operations;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Operating profits; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Returns on investments required by a service provider to provide sustainability of the services.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The funding that will be used for improving reuse, composting, and recycling shall include investment in market development and existing and future reuse, composting, and recycling infrastructure, giving priority to investment in existing infrastructure, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Installing or upgrading equipment to improve the sorting of packaging materials at existing sorting and processing facilities;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Mitigating the impacts of packaging materials on other commodities at existing sorting and processing facilities; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Capital expenditures for new technology, equipment, and facilities, based on the results of the most recent statewide recycling needs assessment conducted under Chapter 465 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 2023 or § 9–1702.2 of this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Department shall review:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The producer responsibility plan required under subsection (b) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The work product of the independent financial auditor designated by the Department to evaluate the financing component of the producer responsibility plan under subsection (e)(1)(v) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>Within 120 days after receiving a proposed producer responsibility plan, the Department shall approve, approve with conditions, or reject the plan.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In making a determination under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Department shall consider whether:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The producer responsibility plan complies with the requirements of this section, including whether the financing method will cover the costs of implementing the plan; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The producer responsibility organization engaged sufficiently with stakeholders, including local governments, in developing the plan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Not later than 60 days after the date a producer responsibility plan is initially approved under this section, the entity that submitted the plan shall pay to the Department:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Department’s cost of reviewing the plan; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Department’s estimated costs of administering, overseeing, and enforcing the plan between the initial date of approval and the date of the initial annual report required under § 9–2509 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>Implementation of an approved producer responsibility plan shall begin not later than 6 months after the date the producer responsibility plan is approved by the Department.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection and subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, an approved producer responsibility plan shall expire after 5 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A producer responsibility plan may continue after 5 years if it is renegotiated, renewed, or amended and approved by the Department in accordance with this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department may rescind approval of a producer responsibility plan at any time for good cause.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If the Department rescinds an approval of a producer responsibility plan under paragraph (3) of this subsection, the producer or, if applicable, the producer responsibility organization may amend the plan and submit it to the Department for approval in accordance with this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>If, based on the annual report submitted under § 9–2509 of this subtitle, the performance goals established under subsection (c)(1)(iii) of this section have not been achieved, the Department may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Require that a producer or producer responsibility organization amend the producer responsibility plan; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Impose an administrative penalty on a producer or producer responsibility organization in accordance with § 9–2512 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>If the Department requires a producer or producer responsibility organization to amend a producer responsibility plan under paragraph (5) of this subsection, the producer or producer responsibility organization shall cover the cost of the Department’s review and supplemental work on the plan.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2506" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Producer Responsibility for Packaging and Paper Products"> <level label="a"> <text>In accordance with the requirements of a producer responsibility organization, as established in an approved producer responsibility plan on file with the Department, and any other requirement adopted by the Department, a service provider may request reimbursement from a producer responsibility organization for costs associated with collecting, transporting, and processing covered materials that are identified under the plan, including costs associated with recycling services for covered entities.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>If multiple producer responsibility organizations register approved producer responsibility plans with the Department in accordance with this subtitle, the producer responsibility organizations shall coordinate reimbursement requested under this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Multiple producer responsibility organizations may establish a third–party entity to coordinate reimbursement in accordance with this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>This section does not authorize a service provider to request reimbursement from a producer responsibility organization for costs associated with composting materials that are not covered materials, including food waste and other organic materials.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2507" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Producer Responsibility for Packaging and Paper Products"> <level label="a"> <text>On or before January 1, 2029, and each January 1 thereafter, a service provider seeking reimbursement for services provided under an approved producer responsibility plan under § 9–2505 of this subtitle shall register with the Department by submitting the following information:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The contact information for an individual representing the service provider;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The address of the service provider; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>If applicable to the services provided, a report of the total amount billed for collection for covered entities, processing services, and transfer station operations provided during the immediately preceding calendar year; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If possible, values under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall be disaggregated by whether the value is for collection, processing, or transfer.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A service provider receiving reimbursement or funding under an approved producer responsibility plan shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>As applicable to the services offered by and service area of the service provider, provide covered services for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Covered materials included on the lists established under § 9–2508 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A refill system; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Reusable covered materials;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Register with the Department under subsection (a) of this section;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Submit invoices to the producer responsibility organization for reimbursement for services rendered, as provided under an approved producer responsibility plan;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Meet performance standards established in an approved producer responsibility plan under § 9–2505 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Ensure that covered materials are sent to responsible end markets;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Provide documentation to the producer responsibility organization on the amounts, covered material types, and weights of covered materials by covered service method;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Display the service provider’s price, less the reimbursement from the producer responsibility organization as determined under § 9–2505 of this subtitle when invoicing customers; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Otherwise comply with all other applicable requirements of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A service provider may designate as confidential any proprietary information provided to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Department under this section; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A person determining reimbursement rates under § 9–2505 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Information designated as confidential under this subsection is not subject to disclosure under Title 4 of the General Provisions Article (the Maryland Public Information Act), except that the information may be disclosed as summarized or aggregated data if doing so does not directly or indirectly disclose the proprietary information of any specific facility.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2508" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Producer Responsibility for Packaging and Paper Products"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>On or before July 1, 2027, the Department shall develop a statewide list of covered materials determined to be recyclable or compostable through curbside recycling programs.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Covered materials in the list developed under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be collected:</text> <level label="i"> <text>At an optimal level of service and convenience for covered entities; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>At a minimum, wherever collection services for mixed municipal solid waste are available.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department shall develop the list under subsection (a) of this section in consultation with:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The advisory council;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Producer responsibility organizations;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Service providers;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Local governments; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Other interested parties.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In developing the list under subsection (a) of this section, the Department may consider the following criteria:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Current availability of recycling and composting collection services;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Recycling and composting processing infrastructure;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Capacity and technology for sorting covered materials;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Whether a covered material is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Of a type and form that is regularly sorted and aggregated into defined streams for recycling processes; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Included in a specification of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, or a successor organization;</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Availability of responsible end markets;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Presence and amount of processing residuals, contamination, and toxic substances;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Quantity of covered material estimated to be available and recoverable;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Projected future conditions for the criteria under items (1) through (7) of this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Any other criteria or factor, as determined by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department may amend a list completed under this section at any time.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The Department shall provide an amended list under this subsection to producer responsibility organizations within a reasonable amount of time, determined by the Department, after amending the list.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>On receipt of an amended list, a producer responsibility organization shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Provide the list to service providers as soon as practicable after receiving the amended list; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Work to incorporate changes in relevant service provider reimbursement rates within 1 calendar year.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>A producer may request, on a form prescribed by the Department, that the Department classify one or more types of packaging as an exempt material.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Department shall submit a request received under this subsection to the advisory council for review and comment before approving or denying the request.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection, the Department may approve the request only if the Department determines that a specific federal or State health and safety requirement prevents the packaging from being waste reduced or made reusable, recyclable, or compostable.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Within 120 days after the date on which the Department receives a request under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Department shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Review and approve or deny the request; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Request additional information from the producer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Department shall publish and update as necessary on the Department’s website a list of materials exempted by request under this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>An exemption approved per a request under this subsection shall expire 2 years after the date on which the Department approves the request.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A producer may file a subsequent request that the Department classify one or more types of packaging as an exempt material after the expiration of the classification under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2509" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Producer Responsibility for Packaging and Paper Products"> <level label="a"> <text>Beginning July 1, 2029, each producer or producer responsibility organization that has an approved producer responsibility plan on file with the Department shall report annually to the Department on the progress toward meeting plan requirements and goals for the immediately preceding calendar year.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The report required under subsection (a) of this section shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A detailed description of the reimbursement methods used for collecting, transporting, and processing covered materials;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The status on achieving the performance goals established under § 9–2505(c)(1)(iii) of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the goals have not been achieved, a description of the actions proposed to achieve the goals;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The amount of each covered material type collected in the State, including the method of disposition of each packaging material type;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The total cost of implementing the plan, as determined by an independent financial auditor, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A copy of the work product of the independent financial auditor; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Financial statements detailing all payments received and issued by the producers covered under the approved plan;</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Samples of all educational materials provided to consumers or other entities;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>A detailed description of the actions taken and an evaluation of the methods used to disseminate educational materials, including recommendations, if any, for how the educational component of the plan can be improved;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>A detailed description of investments made in market development and for improving reuse, composting, and recycling infrastructure;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Proof of a third–party audit of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The reduction in covered materials reported;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The data used to determine the status of achieving performance goals;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The amount of each covered material type collected in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The overall redemption rate and recycling rate of beverage containers in the State; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Any other information as required by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>When providing the Department with the annual report required under this section, a producer or producer responsibility organization shall pay to the Department the Department’s estimated costs of administering, overseeing, and enforcing the plan for the 1 year immediately following the annual report.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Financial, production, or sales data reported to the Department by a producer or producer responsibility organization shall be kept confidential by the Department and may not be subject to public inspection.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Subject to subsection (d) of this section, the report shall be posted on the website of the Department and the producer or producer responsibility organization.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2510" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Producer Responsibility for Packaging and Paper Products"> <text>Any person participating in a producer responsibility plan in compliance with this subtitle is immune from liability under State law relating to antitrust and restraint of trade for any cooperated activities arising out of the recycling, reuse, and disposal of covered materials.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2511" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Producer Responsibility for Packaging and Paper Products"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations to carry out this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Regulations adopted under this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May establish criteria regarding providing benefits to the environment and minimizing risks to public health and worker health and safety; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall establish, or require a producer responsibility plan to establish, a process for validating responsible end markets.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2512" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Producer Responsibility for Packaging and Paper Products"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided under subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the provisions of §§ 9–334 through 9–344 of this title apply to enforce violations of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>This subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any regulation adopted under this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any order issued under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A producer or producer responsibility organization that violates this subtitle is subject to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For a first violation, an administrative penalty of $5,000;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For a second violation, an administrative penalty of $10,000; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>For a third or subsequent violation, a civil penalty of $20,000.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A penalty may not be imposed on a producer under this section unless:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Department first issues a written notice of violation to the producer; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The violation is not corrected within 60 days after receipt of the written notice.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>After the 60–day period specified under paragraph (2) of this subsection, each day that a violation continues is a separate violation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If, based on the annual report submitted under § 9–2509 of this subtitle, the performance goals established under § 9–2505(c)(1)(iii) of this subtitle have not been achieved, the Department may impose an administrative penalty, not to exceed $250,000, on the producer responsibility organization.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Any penalty collected by the Department under this section shall be paid into the State Recycling Trust Fund established under § 9–1707 of this title.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2601" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="26" subtitle_name="Synthetic Turf"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Producer” means a person that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Owns or licenses a trademark or brand under which synthetic turf is sold, offered for sale, distributed, or offered for promotional purposes in the State; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Imports synthetic turf into the State for sale or distribution.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>“Synthetic turf” means plastic tufted carpet that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is intended to have, or incidentally has, an appearance that mimics grass;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Functions as a replacement for grass; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Has the primary purpose of being used as an indoor or outdoor sports or playing field.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Synthetic turf” includes shock pads and turf infill.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Turf infill” means a material that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is poured on top of synthetic turf to hold synthetic turf blades in place;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Weighs down the synthetic turf so it does not develop wrinkles or buckle;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Mimics the impact absorption properties of soil under natural grass; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Includes shredded or granulated tire, rubber, silica sand, or other material that is used as infill on synthetic turf.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2602" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="26" subtitle_name="Synthetic Turf"> <text>A producer or seller of synthetic turf shall, before the sale of synthetic turf, disclose to a customer:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The maintenance that is typically performed throughout the lifespan of synthetic turf; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The typical cost for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Removing synthetic turf;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Replacing synthetic turf; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Disposing of synthetic turf.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2701" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="27" subtitle_name="Water Bottle Filling Stations"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Community sewerage system” has the meaning stated in § 9–501 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Community water system” has the meaning stated in § 9–401 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Cybersecurity” means processes or capabilities wherein systems, communications, and information are protected and defended against damage, unauthorized use or modification, and exploitation.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Emergency manager” has the meaning stated in § 14–101 of the Public Safety Article.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>“Operational technology” means programmable systems or devices that interact with the physical environment by detecting or causing a direct change through the monitoring or control of devices, processes, and events.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Operational technology” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Industrial control systems;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Building management systems;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Fire control systems; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Physical access control mechanisms.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Water and wastewater sector” means all providers, including private and public, of water supply or sewerage services.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Zero–trust” means a cybersecurity approach:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Focused on cybersecurity resource protection; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Based on the premise that trust is never granted implicitly but must be continually evaluated.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2702" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="27" subtitle_name="Water Bottle Filling Stations"> <text>The Department shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>In coordination with the Department of Information Technology and the Maryland Department of Emergency Management, coordinate cybersecurity efforts within community water systems and community sewerage systems;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Include cybersecurity awareness components for all new and renewing operator and superintendent certifications under Title 12 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In consultation with the Department of Information Technology:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Update regulations governing community water systems and community sewerage systems to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Include comprehensive sections regarding cybersecurity standards for water and wastewater treatment facilities; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Require community water system and community sewerage system providers to report cyber incidents consistent with Department of Information Technology guidance in accordance with § 9–2707(b) of this subtitle;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Promulgate minimum cybersecurity standards for established community water systems and community sewerage systems that meet or exceed the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s cross–sector cybersecurity performance goals;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Require community water systems and community sewerage systems to plan for disruptions of service due to cyber incidents, including ransomware attacks and other events resulting in root–level compromise;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Establish a list of approved cybersecurity training programs for staff responsible for maintaining or operating water and wastewater facilities; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Implement measures to protect the active certified operators list maintained on the Department’s website while ensuring legitimate access for necessary purposes.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2703" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="27" subtitle_name="Water Bottle Filling Stations"> <text>The Department of Information Technology shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Employ a person trained in the cybersecurity of operational technology to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Work with the State Chief Information Security Officer and the Cyber Preparedness Unit in the Maryland Department of Emergency Management to support efforts related to water systems and other critical infrastructure; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Coordinate with the Maryland Department of Emergency Management and local government information security officers to assist in protecting community water systems and community sewerage systems;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Allow all members of the water and wastewater sector in the State to join the Maryland Information Sharing and Analysis Center to further strengthen cybersecurity efforts and information sharing within the sector; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In consultation with the Department, develop and promote a guidance document that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Provides standards that meet or exceed the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s cross–sector cybersecurity performance goals; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Outlines the best practices beyond minimum standards that can serve as a point of reference for enhancing the cybersecurity posture of community water system and community sewerage system providers.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2704" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="27" subtitle_name="Water Bottle Filling Stations"> <text>All community water system and community sewerage system providers in the State shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Appoint a primary point of contact for cybersecurity to interact with the appropriate local emergency manager and the Department of Information Technology regarding cybersecurity–related matters; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Attend annual trainings to improve cybersecurity awareness.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2705" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="27" subtitle_name="Water Bottle Filling Stations"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies to a community water system or community sewerage system in the State that serves over 3,300 customers.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each community water system and community sewerage system provider shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Adopt and implement cybersecurity standards that are equal to or exceed the standards adopted by the Department under § 9–2702(3)(ii) of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Commit to adopting a zero–trust cybersecurity approach and begin planning and implementing the zero–trust approach, as appropriate for each system, modeled after the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s zero–trust maturity model, for on–premises services and cloud–based services; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>On or before July 1, 2026, and every 2 years thereafter, conduct a maturity assessment of its cybersecurity program for operational technology and information technology, based on the minimum cybersecurity standards established under § 9–2702(3)(ii) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2706" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="27" subtitle_name="Water Bottle Filling Stations"> <text>On or before October 1, 2026, and every 2 years thereafter, the Office of Security Management in the Department of Information Technology shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Collect certifications of each community water system and community sewerage system provider’s compliance with standards used in the assessments conducted under § 9–2705(b)(3) of this subtitle for cybersecurity–related policies and procedures; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Submit a report to the State Chief Information Security Officer, or the Officer’s designee.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2707" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="27" subtitle_name="Water Bottle Filling Stations"> <level label="a"> <text>Each community water system and community sewerage system shall report, in accordance with the process established under subsection (b) of this section, a cybersecurity incident, including an attack on an information technology system or operational technology system being used by the community water system or community sewerage system provider, to the State Security Operations Center in the Department of Information Technology.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Chief Information Security Officer, in consultation with the Department, shall establish a process for community water system providers, community sewerage system providers, and other members of the water and wastewater sector to report cybersecurity incidents.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The reporting process shall specify:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The circumstances under which an incident must be reported;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The manner in which an entity must report an incident; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The time period within which an entity must report an incident.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The State Security Operations Center shall immediately notify the Department and the other appropriate State and local government agencies of a cybersecurity incident reported under this section.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>On or before January 1, 2027, and each year thereafter, the Office of Security Management in the Department of Information Technology shall publish a report that describes the number and type of incidents reported by community water systems and community sewerage systems in the preceding calendar year.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The report required under this subsection may not identify the impacted community water systems or community sewerage systems.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2708" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="27" subtitle_name="Water Bottle Filling Stations"> <text>On or before July 1, 2026, and every 2 years thereafter, the Department shall report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on water system compliance and the progress made regarding the implementation of the requirements set forth in this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2801" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="28"> <text>In this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>“Water bottle filling station” means a plumbing fixture connected to the potable water distribution system and sanitary drainage system that is designed and intended for filling personal use water bottles or containers at least 10 inches in height; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Water bottle filling station” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A station that is separate from or integral to a drinking fountain; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For an interior location of a building, a station that incorporates a water filter and cooling system for chilling the water.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2802" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="28"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, beginning October 1, 2025, at least one water bottle filling station or a combined water bottle filling station and drinking fountain shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be installed in all new construction at each location where a drinking fountain is required under the current version of the International Plumbing Code adopted by the State or State or local law or regulation;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Replace a drinking fountain located in an area of a building undergoing a renovation if the renovation includes replacing the drinking fountain; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Be installed in any building undergoing a renovation if the installation of a drinking fountain is required under the current version of the International Plumbing Code adopted by the State or State or local law or regulation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The provisions of subsection (a) of this section do not apply if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A drinking fountain in a building located in a commercial or industrial area is replaced with no other renovations made; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A building located in a commercial or industrial area has potable water available through a source other than a drinking fountain, including a kitchen.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gen" article_name="Environment" number="9-2803" title_number="9" title_name="Water, Ice, and Sanitary Facilities" subtitle_number="28"> <text>The Maryland Department of Labor shall adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </section>