§ 5-617

Maryland § 5-617

• Jurisdiction: Maryland
• Article gcj: Courts and Judicial Proceedings
• Title: 5

Text

(a) In this section, “discharge” includes leakage, seepage, or other release of a hazardous substance or material.

(b) Except as provided in subsections (c) and (d) of this section, a person who is called on for assistance in an emergency is not subject to any civil liability or penalty as a result of assistance or advice rendered in:

(1) Mitigating the effects of an actual or threatened discharge of a hazardous substance or material;

(2) Preventing a discharge of a hazardous substance or material;

(3) Cleaning up a discharge of a hazardous substance or material; or

(4) Attempting any of the acts in this subsection.

(c) The immunity provided in subsection (b) of this section does not apply to a person:

(1) Whose act or omission was the original cause of an actual or threatened discharge in whole or in part, and who would otherwise be liable for the act or omission; or

(2) Who received compensation other than reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses for rendering the assistance or advice.

(d) Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section, a person is liable for damages caused by that person’s gross negligence or reckless, wanton, or intentional misconduct.