(a)      In this article the following words have the meanings indicated.

      (b)      "Contested case hearing" means an adjudicatory hearing in accordance with the contested case procedures of Subtitle 2 of the Maryland Administrative Procedure Act.

      (c)      "County" means a county of this State and, unless expressly provided otherwise, Baltimore City.

      (d)      "Department" means the Department of the Environment.

      (e)      "Health officer" means the Baltimore City Commissioner of Health or the health officer of a county.

      (f)      "Includes" or "including" means includes or including by way of illustration and not by way of limitation.

      (g)      "Informational meeting" means a meeting, open to the public, at which the applicant or the Department presents information concerning a permit application. An informational meeting is not a contested case hearing nor an agency hearing under § 10-202(d) of the State Government Article.

      (h)      "Person" means an individual, receiver, trustee, guardian, personal representative, fiduciary, or representative of any kind and any partnership, firm, association, corporation, or other entity.

      (i)      "Physician" means an individual who is authorized under the Maryland Medical Practice Act to practice medicine in this State.

      (j)      "Public hearing" means a meeting, open to the public, at which the Department receives oral and written comments concerning a tentative determination. A public hearing is not a contested case hearing nor an agency hearing under § 10-202(d) of the State Government Article.

      (k)      "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Environment.

      (l)      "State" means:

            (1)      A state, possession, or territory of the United States;

            (2)      The District of Columbia; or

            (3)      The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

      (m)      "Substantively" means in a manner substantially affecting the rights, duties, or obligations of a member of the public.