§ 13-5-515. Confidential information.
   (a)   Generally. Information and data furnished under this subtitle shall be available to the public or other governmental agencies without restriction unless the user specifically requests and is able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Office of Law that the release of such information would divulge information, processes, or methods of production entitled to protection as trade secrets or confidential commercial, financial, geological, or geophysical data of the significant user under the Maryland Public Information Act.
   (b)   Confidentiality claim. A user submitting information to the Director may assert a confidentiality claim under the Maryland Public Information Act at the time the information is submitted by placing on the information a cover sheet, legend, or other form of notice employing such terms as "confidential", "trade secret", or "proprietary". Failure to assert a claim may result in the disclosure of information without fault to the Director or the County. Wastewater characteristics are not considered confidential information.
   (c)   Disclosure and notification. The County may disclose information to a County, State, or federal agency or office for uses related to this subtitle, the NPDES permit, or the State of Maryland discharge permit on receipt of a written request frown an authorized officer or employee of the agency. Except when the County provides information to a federal or State court or investigate/enforcement agency, the County shall give a user at least 10 days' notice prior to disclosure.
   (d)   Applicable law. Requests for information, determination of claims of confidentiality, and responses shall be in accordance with the Maryland Public Information Act, and §§ 1004 and 1005 of the Charter.
(1985 Code, Art. 25, § 25-5-515) (Bill No. 40-85; Bill No. 63-04)