ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor

Ch. 239

CHAPTER 239
(Senate Bill 361)

AN ACT concerning

Frederick County and Frederick City - Environmental Noise Standards -
County Fairgrounds - Exception Exemption

FOR the purpose of providing an exception for exempting certain county fairs and
other events in Frederick County and Frederick City to from the authority of the
Department of the Environment to adopt certain environmental noise
standards; and generally relating to State environmental noise standards,
sound level limits, and noise control rules and regulations.

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article — Environment
Section 3-401

Annotated Code of Maryland
(1996 Replacement Volume and 2002 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - Environment

3-401.

(a)     Except as otherwise provided by law, the Department shall adopt
environmental noise standards, sound level limits, and noise control rules and
regulations as necessary to protect the public health, the general welfare, and
property.

(b)     In adopting environmental noise standards, the Department shall
consider:

(1). Information published by the Administrator of the United States
Environmental Protection Agency on the levels of environmental noise that must be
attained and maintained in defined areas under various conditions to protect public
health and welfare with an adequate margin of safety; and

(2) Scientific information about the volume, frequency, duration, and
other characteristics of noise that may harm public health, safety, or general welfare,
including:

(i) Temporary or permanent hearing loss;

(ii) Interference with sleep, speech communication, work, or other
human activities;

(iii) Adverse physiological responses;
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