(a) After or concurrently with the service of a complaint under this subtitle relating to water appropriation and use, the Department may: (1) Issue an order that requires the person to whom the order is directed to take corrective action within a time set in the order; (2) Send a written notice that requires the person to whom the notice is directed to file a written report about the alleged violation; 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 charges in the complaint; or (ii) To file a written report and also to 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.
Maryland Legal Code