Maryland Environment Section 14-108

      (a)      The Department shall deny the permit if the Department determines that:

            (1)      The proposed operation shall violate a requirement of this subtitle or a regulation adopted under this subtitle;

            (2)      The proposed drilling or well operation poses a substantial threat to public safety or a risk of significant adverse environmental impact to, but not limited to, the following:

                  (i)      The Chesapeake Bay;

                  (ii)      The Chesapeake Bay Critical Area;

                  (iii)      Tidal or nontidal wetlands;

                  (iv)      Endangered or threatened species, species in need of conservation, or the habitat of any of them;

                  (v)      Historic properties under § 5A-326 of the State Finance and Procurement Article;

                  (vi)      Populated areas;

                  (vii)      Freshwater, estuarine, or marine fisheries; or

                  (viii)      Other significant natural resources;

            (3)      The applicant has failed to receive applicable permits or approvals for the operation from all State and local regulatory units responsible for air and water pollution, sediment control, and zoning;

            (4)      The operation will constitute a significant physical hazard to a neighboring dwelling unit, school, church, hospital, commercial or industrial building, public road, or other public or private property in existence at the time of the application for the permit;

            (5)      The operation will have a significant adverse effect on the uses of a publicly owned park, forest, or recreation area in existence at the time of the application for the permit; or

            (6)      The applicant has not corrected any violations committed by the applicant under any prior permit.

      (b)      A permit may not become effective until a bond has been deposited with the Department under § 14-111 of this subtitle.