Terms Used In Maryland Code, ENVIRONMENT 8-503

  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Person: includes an individual, receiver, trustee, guardian, personal representative, fiduciary, representative of any kind, corporation, partnership, business trust, statutory trust, limited liability company, firm, association, or other nongovernmental entity. See
(a) After or concurrently with service of a complaint under this subtitle, the Department may:

(1) Issue an order that requires the person to whom it is directed to take corrective action within a time set in the order;

(2) Send a written notice that requires the person to whom it is directed to file a written report about the alleged violation in not less than 5 days from service of the order; or

(3) Send a written notice that requires the person to whom the notice is directed:

(i) To appear at a hearing before the Department at a time and place the Department sets to answer the allegations of the complaint; or

(ii) To file a written report and also appear at a hearing before the Department at a time and place the Department sets to answer the charges in the complaint.

(b) Any order issued under this section is effective immediately, according to its terms, when it is served.