Md. Code Regs. 26.20.11.04

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 19, September 20, 2024

Section 26.20.11.04 - Criteria for Designating Lands as Unsuitable

A. Upon petition, an area shall be designated as unsuitable for all or certain types of surface coal mining operations if the Bureau determines that reclamation is not technologically and economically feasible under the Regulatory Program.

B. Upon petition an area may be (but is not required to be) designated as unsuitable for certain types of surface coal mining operations, if the operations will:

(1) Be incompatible with existing State or local land use plans or programs;

(2) Affect fragile or historic lands in which the operations could result in significant damage to important historic, cultural, scientific, or esthetic values or natural systems;

(3) Affect renewable resource lands in which the operations could result in a substantial loss or reduction of long-range productivity of water supply or of food or fiber products; or

(4) Affect natural hazard lands in which the operations could substantially endanger life and property, these lands to include areas subject to frequent flooding and areas of unsuitable geology.

Md. Code Regs. 26.20.11.04

Regulations .04 were previously codified as COMAR 08.13.09.11 a A_J, respectively. Recodification occurred in April, 1993. For a history of these regulations before April, 1993, see "Administrative History of COMAR 08.13.09 before April, 1993" which follows COMAR 26.20.01.