Maryland Code, Environment § 14-109

(a)(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

(2) “Explosives” means normal commercial explosives, blasting agents, and detonators.

(3) “Seismic operations” means the controlled application of vibratory energy from any source to determine if favorable conditions exist for the subsurface entrapment of oil or gas.

(4) “Seismic section” means a graphic, near-vertical display of waveform data that is usually processed by a computer program to facilitate the interpretation of subsurface conditions.

(b)(1) Unless a person obtains a permit from the Department, a person may not conduct seismic operations in the State.

(2) An applicant for a permit to conduct seismic operations shall submit an application that includes the information required by the Department.

(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:

(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.