reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  5-513 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 5 - Water Resources|Subtitle 5 - Appropriation or Use of Waters, Reservoirs, and Dams|Section 5-513 - Enforcement of Subtitle by Injunction

    On application of the Department, verified by oath or affirmation, the circuit court for any county, sitting in equity, may enforce by injunction, compliance with, or restraint from violating or attempting to violate any provisions of this subtitle or any Department order, notice, or regulation made under this subtitle.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  5-514 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 5 - Water Resources|Subtitle 5 - Appropriation or Use of Waters, Reservoirs, and Dams|Section 5-514 - Penalty for Violation of Subtitle

    (a)    (1)    In addition to being subject to an injunctive action under this subtitle, a person who violates any provision of this subtitle relating to water appropriation and use or any rule, regulation, order, or permit adopted or issued under any such provision is liable for a civil penalty not exceeding $5,000 per violation to be collected in a civil action brought by the Department.        (2)    Each day a violation occurs or continues is a separate violation under this subsection.        (3)    (i)    Before bringing a civil action against a local government under this subsection, the Department shall meet and consult with the local government to seek an alternative resolution to the contested issue.            (ii)    Prior consultation by the Department with the local government shall constitute compliance with this subsection.    (b)    A person who violates a provision of this subtitle or a regulation adopted under this subtitle is subject to the penalties provided in § 9–343 of this article.    (c)    All funds collected by the Department under this section, including any civil penalty or any fine imposed by a court under the provisions of this section, shall be paid into the Maryland Clean Water Fund.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  5-515 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 5 - Water Resources|Subtitle 5 - Appropriation or Use of Waters, Reservoirs, and Dams|Section 5-515 - Order or Notice on Receipt of Complaint

    (a)    After or concurrently with the service of a complaint under this subtitle relating to water appropriation and use, the Department may:        (1)    Issue an order that requires the person to whom the order is directed to take corrective action within a time set in the order;        (2)    Send a written notice that requires the person to whom the notice is directed to file a written report about the alleged violation; or        (3)    Send a written notice that requires the person to whom the notice is directed:            (i)    To appear at a hearing before the Department at a time and place the Department sets to answer the charges in the complaint; or            (ii)    To file a written report and also to appear at a hearing before the Department at a time and place the Department sets to answer the charges in the complaint.    (b)    Any order issued under this section is effective immediately, according to its terms, when it is served.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  5-516 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 5 - Water Resources|Subtitle 5 - Appropriation or Use of Waters, Reservoirs, and Dams|Section 5-516 - Notice and Hearing

    (a)    The Department shall give notice and hold any hearing related to orders imposed under the water appropriation and use provisions of this subtitle in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.    (b)    (1)    Within 10 days after being served with an order under § 5–515(a)(1) of this subtitle, the person served may request in writing a hearing before the Department.        (2)    (i)    Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, if a request for a hearing on an order is made under this subsection, the Department shall:                1.    Hold the hearing promptly after receiving the request; and                2.    Render a decision promptly after the hearing.            (ii)    If a request for a hearing on an order is made under this subsection and the Department alleges in the order that there is an imminent threat or danger to the public health or safety or to the environment, the Department shall:                1.    Hold the hearing within 10 days after receiving the request; and                2.    Render a decision within 10 days after the hearing.    (c)    Within 10 days after being served with a notice under § 5–515(a)(2) of this subtitle, the person served may request in writing a hearing before the Department.    (d)    The Department may make a verbatim record of the proceedings of any hearing held under this subtitle.    (e)    (1)    In connection with any hearing under this subtitle, the Department may:            (i)    Subpoena any person or evidence; and            (ii)    Order a witness to give evidence.        (2)    A subpoenaed witness shall receive the same fees and mileage reimbursement as if the hearing were part of a civil action.        (3)    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:            (i)    Compel obedience to the Department’s order or subpoena; or            (ii)    Compel testimony or the production of evidence.        (4)    The court may punish as contempt any failure to obey its order issued under this section.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  5-5B-01 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 5 - Water Resources|Subtitle 5B - Maryland Water Conservation|Section 5-5B-01 - Definitions

    (a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.    (b)    “Expanded water appropriation permit” means a revised permit granting a significant increase in the withdrawal of water authorized under the existing water appropriation permit.    (c)    “Public water system” has the meaning stated in § 9–401 of this article and is a water system located in the State.    (d)    “Water conservation” means the use of practices, techniques, and technologies that:        (1)    Reduce the consumption, loss, or waste of water;        (2)    Improve efficiency in the use of water; or        (3)    Make more efficient use of water treatment infrastructure.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  5-5B-02 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 5 - Water Resources|Subtitle 5B - Maryland Water Conservation|Section 5-5B-02 - Application of Subtitle

    This subtitle applies to public water systems serving at least 10,000 individuals that:         (1)    Apply for a new or expanded water appropriation permit; or        (2)    Apply for State financial assistance including the Maryland Water Quality Revolving Loan Fund as provided in § 9-1605 of this article and any other State funding source.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  5-5B-03 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 5 - Water Resources|Subtitle 5B - Maryland Water Conservation|Section 5-5B-03 - Policy of State

    It is the policy of the State of Maryland to:         (1)    Encourage investment in cost-effective measures that improve the efficiency with which water is used, treated, stored, and transmitted in the State;        (2)    Reduce costs associated with treating, storing, and transmitting water; and        (3)    Protect the State’s natural resources, including the fish and wildlife of the Potomac River, the Chesapeake Bay, and all other waters and waterways of the State.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  5-5B-04 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 5 - Water Resources|Subtitle 5B - Maryland Water Conservation|Section 5-5B-04 - Statement of Best Management Practices

    (a)    When applying for a new or expanded water appropriation permit or State financial assistance, public water systems shall include a description of best management practices currently in use, or to be implemented, for improving water conservation and the efficiency with which water is used, treated, stored, and transmitted. The application shall also include a schedule for the implementation of best management practices.    (b)    Best management practices may include the following:        (1)    Practices designed to measure the amount of water conveyed through the system’s infrastructure to water users, such as universal metering;        (2)    Audits of large-volume users;        (3)    Reuse and recycling of water for nonpotable, nonresidential applications;        (4)    Management of system pressure to reduce usage;        (5)    Retrofit programs;        (6)    Efficiency in landscape design and irrigation techniques;        (7)    Wastewater reclamation and recycling programs;        (8)    Fixture replacement programs;        (9)    Water and wastewater pricing structures that encourage improved efficiency;        (10)    Rebates and other financial incentives;        (11)    An education program for users designed to promote increased efficiency and conservation; and        (12)    Promotion or adoption of local water-use ordinances that encourage water conservation.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  5-5B-05 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 5 - Water Resources|Subtitle 5B - Maryland Water Conservation|Section 5-5B-05 - Requests for Expanded Water Appropriation Permits

    (a)    In reviewing requests for new or expanded water appropriation permits by public water systems, as defined by this subtitle, the Department shall consider existing local initiatives and voluntary efforts and best management practices set forth for implementation within a permit application.    (b)    In reviewing and prioritizing requests by public water systems, as defined by this subtitle, for State financial assistance through the Maryland Water Quality Revolving Loan Fund under § 9-1605 of this article and other State funding sources, the Department shall consider local initiatives and voluntary efforts, and the best management practices set forth for implementation within a financial assistance application.    (c)    On or before October 1, 2003, the Department shall issue guidelines to public water systems on best management practices for improving water conservation and efficiency in water use, treatment, storage, and transmission, including:        (1)    Costs and cost-savings associated with implementing examples of specific best management practices;        (2)    Water conservation associated with implementing specific best management practices; and        (3)    Priority eligibility for funding through State financial resources for drinking water and wastewater treatment improvements including the Maryland Water Quality Revolving Loan Fund under § 9-1605 of this article and other State or federal financial assistance when best management practices are implemented.    (d)    The Department may adopt regulations to establish the minimum increase in the amount of water to be withdrawn under an expanded water appropriation permit that requires compliance with this subtitle.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  5-601 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 5 - Water Resources|Subtitle 6 - Maryland Geothermal Resources Act|Section 5-601 - Definitions

    (a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.    (b)    “Construction” means any clearing, grading, excavation, building, or the commencement of any of these activities.    (c)    “Department” means the Department of the Environment.    (d)    “Exploratory activities” means any activity involving the drilling of test wells for geothermal resources.    (e)    (1)    “Geothermal resources” means the natural heat of the earth higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit or 49 degrees centigrade, or the energy, in whatever form, below the surface of the earth present in, resulting from, or created by, or which may be extracted from, this natural heat, the natural or artificial medium containing that heat, and all minerals in solution or other products obtained from naturally heated fluids, brines, associated gases, and steam, in whatever form, found below the surface of the earth.        (2)    “Geothermal resources” do not include oil, hydrocarbon gas, and other hydrocarbon substances.    (f)    “Person” includes corporations, companies, associations, firms, partnerships, joint stock companies, individuals, and government agencies.    (g)    “Well” means any excavation or other alteration of the earth’s surface or crust by means of which geothermal resources may be obtained.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  5-602 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 5 - Water Resources|Subtitle 6 - Maryland Geothermal Resources Act|Section 5-602 - Legislative Findings and Intent

    (a)    Geothermal resources are a natural resource in the State which possess great potential value for the State and the nation as a whole.    (b)    In exploring and developing geothermal resources, maximum possible consideration shall be afforded to:        (1)    Avoiding waste and unreasonable use of natural resources;        (2)    Protecting the environment; and        (3)    Optimizing the productive use of the resource.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  5-603 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 5 - Water Resources|Subtitle 6 - Maryland Geothermal Resources Act|Section 5-603 - Powers and Duties of Department

    (a)    The Department shall be responsible for the management and regulation of the geothermal resources in the State.    (b)    The Department may contract for research and scientific investigation in order to determine the potential of the geothermal resources in the State.    (c)    The Department may conduct and participate in development projects designed to demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing the State’s geothermal resources.    (d)    The Department may use any funds made available for the purpose of exploring, analyzing, developing, and using geothermal resources.    (e)    The Department may establish reasonable fees to cover the cost of processing permit applications.    (f)    The Department shall adopt regulations necessary to assure safe and efficient undertaking of any operation to bore, core, dig, or construct a well. These regulations may allow for reinjection if there is adequate determination that the reinjection would maintain the integrity of the supply.    (g)    The Department may adopt regulations necessary to implement this subtitle.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  5-604 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 5 - Water Resources|Subtitle 6 - Maryland Geothermal Resources Act|Section 5-604 - Exploratory Permits

    (a)    Every person is required to obtain a permit from the Department before conducting any geothermal resource exploratory activities. The applicant for this permit must have the legal right to use the surface. The permit is obtained upon written application to the Department.    (b)    The application shall state the intended location of exploration, give assurance of the applicant’s right to use the surface for exploration, provide an exploratory work program, and provide any information requested by the Department.    (c)    The Department may approve an application if the Department determines that:        (1)    The applicant is qualified to conduct exploratory work;        (2)    The applicant will comply with all applicable laws; and        (3)    The applicant’s work program provides adequate protection for the natural resources of the State.    (d)    The permit required by this section shall be in lieu of any permit required by Subtitle 5 of this title or Title 9, Subtitle 13 of this article.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  5-605 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 5 - Water Resources|Subtitle 6 - Maryland Geothermal Resources Act|Section 5-605 - Permit to Appropriate or Use Geothermal Resources

    (a)    A person shall obtain a permit from the Department to appropriate or use or to construct any well, plant, building, or structure which may appropriate or use geothermal resources of the State. The permit is obtained upon written application to the Department. The applicant for the permit must have the legal right to use the surface and give assurance of this right.    (b)    The application shall be accompanied by the following information and any other information as required by the Department:        (1)    A project description specifying:            (i)    What is planned to be constructed, its purpose, use, location, estimated cost, and size; and            (ii)    The methods of construction, construction schedule, and operation procedure;        (2)    A list of licenses, permits, or other approvals required by any government unit;        (3)    Detailed information as to the need for the use and facts concerning alternate site locations as may be requested by the Department; and        (4)    Information providing proof of the discovery of a geothermal resource and an evaluation of the resource.    (c)    After public notice and opportunity for public hearing, the Department may issue a permit for the appropriation or use of geothermal resources if the Department finds that the applicant has demonstrated that the use:        (1)    Conforms with and meets all applicable air, water, and noise laws of the State;        (2)    Conforms with all applicable State and local plans;        (3)    Would have no material adverse effect upon the natural environment of the area, its scenic or natural beauty, rare or irreplaceable resources, or unique historic site;        (4)    Would not be so located, constructed, or operated as to have a material adverse effect upon the public health, safety, or welfare;        (5)    Would not be a potential or immediate undue burden on the water supply of the site or region; and        (6)    Would not cause an unreasonable rate of resource exhaustion.    (d)    The permit required by this section shall be in lieu of any permit required by Subtitle 5 of this title or Title 9, Subtitle 13 of this article.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  5-606 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 5 - Water Resources|Subtitle 6 - Maryland Geothermal Resources Act|Section 5-606 - Bonds

    After receiving notification from the Department that an application for an exploratory or appropriation permit has been approved, but prior to commencing any construction, the applicant shall file a bond with the Department. The amount of the bond shall be determined by the Department. The bond shall be conditioned that the applicant will faithfully perform every requirement of this subtitle and regulations issued pursuant to this subtitle. The bond shall be executed by the applicant and a corporate surety licensed to do business in the State. The provisions of this section do not apply to the State, political subdivisions, or municipalities.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  5-607 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 5 - Water Resources|Subtitle 6 - Maryland Geothermal Resources Act|Section 5-607 - Judicial Review of Action on Application

    A request for judicial review of the Secretary’s action on any application shall be made within 30 days after the decision has been rendered. Proceedings shall be filed in the circuit court having jurisdiction in which the facility or any part of the facility is to be situated.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  5-608 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 5 - Water Resources|Subtitle 6 - Maryland Geothermal Resources Act|Section 5-608 - Violations

    (a)    Any person who violates any provision of this subtitle may be enjoined by a court of competent jurisdiction upon application of the Department acting through the Attorney General.    (b)    Any person who violates any provision of this subtitle or any permit or order issued under this subtitle is liable to a penalty not exceeding $10,000, as well as being subject to being enjoined as provided in subsection (a) of this section. The monetary penalty provided may be recovered in a civil action by the Department through the Attorney General.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  5-609 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 5 - Water Resources|Subtitle 6 - Maryland Geothermal Resources Act|Section 5-609 - Construction of Subtitle

    (a)    This subtitle shall be liberally construed to effectuate its intents and purposes.    (b)    This subtitle may not be construed to be in derogation of any powers or State laws, but shall be regarded as supplemental and in addition to powers conferred by other laws.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  5-701 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 5 - Water Resources|Subtitle 7 - Flood Control and Water Supply Powers and Functions|Section 5-701 - Responsibilities of Department Generally as to Flood Control

    (a)    The Department is responsible for developing and carrying out a long range program for controlling flood waters in the State. In addition, the Department shall cooperate with the federal and local governments to control State flood waters and serve in a liaison capacity to these governments in any flood control matter.    (b)    The Department shall provide technical assistance to local governments and other State units to interpret flood information and draft local land use and other regulations pertaining to areas subject to flooding. It shall review plans for local public works and exercise regulatory control over them in or on waters of the State as provided in Subtitle 5 of this title. The Department shall administer financial assistance for flood control as funds for this purpose are made available.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  5-702 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 5 - Water Resources|Subtitle 7 - Flood Control and Water Supply Powers and Functions|Section 5-702 - Department to Estimate Water-Storage Needs in Federally Constructed Reservoirs; Contracts for Repayment of Water-Supply Costs

    (a)    When need arises in the State for water-supply storage or storage for streamflow regulation for quality control, either or both of which can be provided by a federally constructed reservoir, and cost of storage is nonreimbursable when used for streamflow regulation, or is to be repaid by nonfederal interest when used for water supply, the Department, after consulting with concerned units and jurisdictions, shall estimate:        (1)    The amount of water-supply storage required to meet both initial and future needs in the potential service area within the State; and        (2)    The need for and benefits of storage for regulation of streamflow for quality control.    (b)    The Department shall contract with appropriate federal authorities to obtain reimbursement of costs for initial water supply and furnish reasonable assurance that costs allocated to future water supply for use in the State will be repaid. When future water supply is required, the Department shall contract with federal authorities for reimbursement.