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Show 376 MARYLAND the right of the Board to require compensation for a permit to dredge and fill State wetlands. C. OTHER PUBLIC WATER AGENCIES By petitioning the county governing body, landowners may orga- nize public drainage associations19 for the purpose of draining wet, swampy, flooded lands or lands subject to overflow. These associa- tions are governed by a board of managers elected by benefited land- owners in the area. They possess the power to tax and the power of eminent domain and may borrow money and issue bonds. Drainage taxes are collected in the same manner as other county taxes. The county board of commissioners also has the power to establish levee or drainage districts.20 Counties may also establish public watershed associations 21 for the purpose of undertaking improvements for flood prevention, storage of water, drainage, and the protection of areas subject to sediment or erosion damage. Soil erosion control districts22 may be formed to benefit owners of property abutting or bordering upon any body of water in the State for the purpose of protecting such property against shore erosion or deposition. Benefited land- owners are taxed for their proportionate share of the cost of the improvements. 3. Surface Waters 3.1 Method of Acquiring Rights a. use permits Permits to appropriate State water may be acquired by filing an application in writing with the State Department of Water Re- sources.23 The application must be accompanied by maps, drawings, and specifications of the proposed use. With a few minor exceptions, a public hearing must be held on the application. The applicant him- self is required to notify, personally or by registered mail, adjacent property owners and State, county, and city officials who may be affected by the proposed use. After a hearing, the Department may grant the permit if the proposed use provides for the greatest prac- ticable utilization of the waters of the State, will adequately pre- serve public safety, and will promote the general public welfare. The Department may reject the application if the proposal is "inadequate, wasteful, dangerous, impracticable, or will be detri- mental to the best public interest."24 The permit, of course, specifies the amount of water to be used, the type of diversion, etc. The appli- cant is required to provide proof that the issuance of the permit will not violate the State's water quality standards or jeopardize the natural resources of the State.25 A 1967 amendment provides that the Department shall review every 3 years all outstanding permits in order to ascertain that all appropriations are being made according i» Art. 25, sees. 52-122 (1966 repl. vol.). «> Art. 25, sees. 96-122. 21 Art. 25, sees. 169-218. 22 Art. 25. sees. 167A-167E. 2» Art. 9(5A, sec. 11. " Sec. 16. 25 Sec. 11 (1971 supp.). |
