Maryland Environment Section 9-208

      (a)      On request, the Secretary shall consult with and advise the owner, operator, prospective owner, or prospective operator of an existing or planned water supply system, drainage system, sewerage system, or refuse disposal system with respect to the existing and future needs of all persons and communities that may be affected on any of the following aspects of the system:

            (1)      The most appropriate source of water;

            (2)      The best method of assuring the purity of the water; and

            (3)      The best method of disposing of drainage, sewage, or refuse.

      (b)      On request, the Secretary shall consult with and advise the owner, operator, prospective owner, or prospective operator of any business that produces sewage that may pollute the waters of this State.

      (c)      The Secretary may conduct any experiment relating to the purification of water or the treatment of sewage or refuse.

      (d)      A person need not pay for consultation, advice, or experiments that the Secretary provides under this section.

      (e)      (1)      Under this section, the Secretary shall give only preliminary information that outlines the best course to pursue.

            (2)      Unless the Governor or the General Assembly delegates this authority specifically to the Secretary, and unless adequate special appropriation is provided for this purpose, the Secretary need not prepare plans, specifications, or detailed estimates for any improvement.