Md. Code Regs. 26.20.20.04

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

Section 26.20.20.04 - Ground Water Monitoring

A. Ground water monitoring shall be conducted according to the ground water monitoring plan approved under COMAR 26.20.02.13 a R.

B. Frequency of Monitoring Ground Water.

(1) The frequency of monitoring ground water at the approved monitoring location or locations shall be once every calendar quarter unless more frequent monitoring is required by the Bureau.

(2) Ground water monitoring data shall be submitted to the Bureau within 28 days of the end of the quarter.

(3) The samples for consecutive quarters shall be collected at a minimum of 60-day intervals.

(4) If an analysis of a ground water sample indicates noncompliance with a permit condition, the operator shall promptly notify the Bureau and immediately take the actions provided for in COMAR 26.20.02.13 a N, O, and P and 26.20.05.03 a C.

C. At a minimum, the following parameters shall be monitored at each monitoring location:

(1) Specific conductance corrected to 25°C, or total dissolved solids in milligrams per liter;

(2) Total suspended solids in milligrams per liter;

(3) Acidity and alkalinity;

(4) pH in standard units;

(5) Total iron in milligrams per liter;

(6) Total manganese in milligrams per liter;

(7) Sulfates;

(8) Depth to water, rates of discharge, or usage, as appropriate; and

(9) Other parameters required by the Bureau.

D. Ground water monitoring shall proceed through mining and continue during reclamation until bond release or until the operator demonstrates, using the monitoring data obtained under this regulation, that:

(1) The operation has minimized disturbances of the hydrologic balance both onsite and offsite, water availability and quality are suitable to support approved postmining land uses, and the water rights of other users have been protected or replaced; or

(2) Monitoring is no longer necessary to achieve the purposes of the monitoring plan.

E. When surface mining activities may affect the ground water systems which serve as aquifers which significantly impact the hydrologic balance of water use on or off the mine plan area, ground water levels and ground water quality shall be periodically monitored. Monitoring shall include a sufficient number of measurements from wells, and mineralogical and chemical analyses of aquifers, overburden, and spoil to reflect changes in ground water quantity and quality. Monitoring shall be adequate to plan for modification of surface mining activities, if necessary, to minimize disturbance of the prevailing hydrologic balance.

F. As required by the Bureau, the person who conducts surface mining activities shall conduct additional hydrologic tests, including drilling, infiltration tests, and aquifer tests, and shall submit the results to the Bureau, to demonstrate compliance with the Regulatory Program.

G. The Bureau may waive the ground water monitoring requirements under §§A-D of this regulation when it is not feasible to determine pre-mining ground water conditions because:

(1) Previous surface or deep mines, or both, within the permit area or adjacent area have affected ground water quantity or quality;

(2) Deep mine underdrainage has resulted in an absence of ground water within the stratigraphic sequence of the proposed mining operation;

(3) A preexisting mine operation, with a significant degree of completion, has affected ground water quantity or quality and the effects of the proposed mine operation would be inseparable from previous mining impacts;

(4) The location of the mining operation with respect to topographic or stratigraphic constraints, or both, precludes the installation of an effective monitoring system.

Md. Code Regs. 26.20.20.04

Regulations .04 were previously codified as COMAR 08.13.09.23 a A_K, 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.
Regulations .04 amended effective October 23, 1995 (22:21 Md. R. 1614)