Ch. 367                                     1993 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(3)     (i) In addition to any other information required by the Department,
an applicant for a permit to conduct seismic operations on the waters of the Chesapeake
Bay and its navigable tributaries shall provide to the Department a written agreement to
submit to the Department processed seismic sections for any operation conducted on the
waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its navigable tributaries.

(ii) The Department shall hold processed seismic sections submitted
under this subsection confidential.

(4)     The Department shall determine the terms and conditions for the
issuance of a permit to conduct seismic operations.

(5)     An applicant for a permit to conduct seismic operations shall
demonstrate evidence of sufficient liability insurance coverage, in an amount determined
by the Department, for any personal injury or property damage resulting from a seismic
operation.

(6)     The Department may deny an application for a permit if:

(i) The applicant does not submit the information required by the
Department;

(ii) The proposed activity poses a substantial risk of causing
environmental damage that cannot be mitigated by the applicant, particularly to:

1. THE CHESAPEAKE BAY;

                        [1.] 2. The Chesapeake Bay critical area;

.             [2.] 3. A nontidal wetland;

[3.] 4. An endangered or threatened species or the habitat of
any of these species;

                                    [4.] 5. A designated archaeological site; or

[5.] 6. A populated area; or

(iii). The proposed operation will violate regulations adopted by the
Department in accordance with this section.

(7)     If the Department decides to deny the permit, the notification of denial
shall state the reason, any modification necessary for approval of the application, and the
rights of the applicant to appeal the decision as provided in Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the
State Government Article.

(c)     A person may not use explosives in seismic operations conducted on the
waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

(d)     A person may use explosives in seismic operations conducted on land if the
person complies with the requirements for the use of explosives established by the
Department.

- 1994 -