Ch. 6 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(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 [it] 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
[Title 8, Subtitle 8 of this article] SUBTITLE 8 OF THIS TITLE or Title 9, Subtitle 13
of the Environment Article.

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 [rules and]
regulations issued pursuant to this subtitle. The bond shall be executed by the applicant

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