(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 […]
(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.
(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 […]
(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 […]
(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 […]
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 […]
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.
(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 […]
(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.
