Md. Code Regs. 26.21.01.18

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024

Section 26.21.01.18 - Roads

A. Construction. The permittee:

(1) Shall construct and maintain access and haul roads in a manner that minimizes erosion and does not cause sedimentation or flooding;

(2) Shall obtain prior approval from the Department for all stream crossings;

(3) May clear vegetation for the essential width necessary for road and associated ditch construction;

(4) Shall stabilize all fill and cut slopes.

B. Drainage.

(1) The permittee shall drain any access or haul road using ditches, water barriers, pipe culverts, cross drains, ditch relief drains, or similar structures.

(2) For an access or haul road that is to be maintained for more than 1 year, the permittee shall design and construct water control structures in accordance with the current Maryland Standards and Specifications for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control, which is incorporated by reference in COMAR 26.17.01.11 a.

(3) The permittee shall construct drainage pipes and culverts to minimize plugging, collapse, and erosion at inlets and outlets.

(4) The permittee shall construct a drainage ditch at the toe of any cut slope formed by the construction of a road.

C. Maintenance.

(1) The permittee shall routinely maintain access and haul roads for dust and mud control, proper drainage, and stability.

(2) The permittee shall maintain ditches, culverts, drains, trash racks, and other structures draining an access or haul road to prevent conditions that adversely affect the purpose of the structure.

D. Removal and Reclamation.

(1) Upon termination of mining the permittee shall remove access or haul roads and shall grade and vegetate the land affected to be consistent with the approved mining and reclamation plan, unless retention of a road is approved as part of the postmining land use.

(2) If a road is to remain permanently, the permittee shall leave it drained, and in a stable condition.

Md. Code Regs. 26.21.01.18