HARRY HUGHES, Governor

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program in other waters of the State. These units shall
coordinate efforts of the various State and local units
aiding in the operation and may request the aid of any
appropriate federal agency if necessary.

8-1407. Bond of vessels on waters of state to discharge or
receive oil cargo.

(a) Except for a vessel carrying or receiving 25
barrels or less of oil, any vessel, whether or not
self-propelled, in or entering upon the waters of the state
to discharge or receive a cargo of any bulk oil in the State
shall post a bond of $100 per gross ton of vessel with
either the Maryland Port Administration or the Department OF
HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE. The bond shall be in a form
approved by the Administration and the Department and may be
obtained individually or jointly by the vessel, its owner or
agent, its charterer, or the owner or operator of the
terminal at which the vessel discharges or receives the bulk
oil. If the Maryland Port Administration or the Department
OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE determines oil has been
discharged or spilled into the waters of the State from the
vessel, the bond shall be forfeited, to the extent of the
costs incurred by these units to eliminate the residue of
oil discharge or spillage, to the extent of damage caused to
the natural and recreational resources of the State, and to
the extent of any otherwise uncollectible fine levied
against the vessel, its owner or agent, its charterer, or
the owner or operator of the terminal at which the vessel
discharges or receives the bulk oil. The remedies provided
in this section are in addition to every other remedy
available. Bond may not be released without certification by
the Maryland Port Administration or the Department OF HEALTH
AND MENTAL HYGIENE that the vessel has not been a source of
oil discharge or spillage into the waters of the State. If a
vessel presents adequate evidence of financial
responsibility to the federal government, it shall be exempt
from the Maryland provisions requiring posting, and
forfeiture, on certain conditions of a bond.

8-1408. Compensatory fee for oil spillage.

The Maryland Port Administration and the Department OF
HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE shall charge and collect a
compensatory fee from the person responsible for any oil
spillage. This fee shall cover the cost of labor, equipment
operation, and material necessary to eliminate the residue
of oil spillage, and the cost of restoring the area damaged
by the spillage to its original condition. The fee is
retained by the unit charging the fee.

8-1410. Vessels discharging oil.

(b)  Duty to report discharge. — Notwithstanding any
provision of this subtitle, any person discharging or
permitting the discharge of oil, or who either actively or
passively participates in the discharge or spilling of oil