The following terms have the meanings indicated. Terms Defined. “Act” means State Government Article, §§10-611—10-628, Annotated Code of Maryland. “Applicant” means any person requesting disclosure of public records. “Compelling need” means that failure to obtain the requested information on an expedited basis could reasonably be expected to: Present an imminent threat to human life or safety; Present an imminent threat of loss of due process rights; Cause significant financial loss; or Be of immediate public interest. “Custodian” means an authorized person employed by the Department having personal custody and control of the public records of the Department. “Department” means the Department of the Environment. “Facility” means a hospital or related institution as defined in Health-General Article, §19-301. “Official custodian” means the person who is responsible for the maintenance, care, and keeping of the public records of the Department. Unless otherwise provided by law, the Secretary of the Environment is the official custodian. “Public records” means any paper, correspondence, form, book, photograph, photostat, film, microfilm, sound recording, map, drawing or other written document, regardless of physical form or characteristics. “Public records” includes all copies that have been made or received by the Department in connection with the transaction of public business and includes the salaries of all employees of the Department, both in the classified and nonclassified service. “Secretary” means the Secretary of the Environment. “Working day” means every day except Saturdays, Sundays, and State holidays. “Written documents” means all books, papers, maps, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, computerized records, or other documentary material, regardless of physical form or characteristics.