Md. Code Regs. 26.20.28.05

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

Section 26.20.28.05 - Overburden

Surface mining activities shall be conducted to meet, at a minimum, the following standards:

A. All spoil and wastes not required to achieve the approximate original contour of the mine plan area shall be hauled or conveyed, backfilled, or graded to the lowest practicable grade, to achieve a static factor of safety of 1.3 and cover all acid-forming and other toxic-forming materials;

B. Haul or convey, backfill, and grade excess spoil and wastes only within the permit area and dispose of the materials in accordance with COMAR 26.20.26.

C. Haul or convey, backfill, and grade excess spoil and wastes to maintain the hydrologic balance and to provide long term stability by preventing slides, erosion, and water pollution;

D. Haul or convey, backfill, grade, and revegetate wastes and excess spoil to achieve an ecologically sound land use approved by the Bureau as compatible with the prevailing land uses in unmined areas surrounding the mine plan area;

E. Eliminate all highwalls and depressions by backfilling with spoil and suitable waste materials; and

F. Meet the revegetation requirements for all disturbed areas.

Md. Code Regs. 26.20.28.05

Regulations .05 were previously codified as COMAR 08.13.09.34 a A_F, 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.