Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 26 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT › Part 4 - SUBTITLES 19-30 › Subtitle 20 - SURFACE COAL MINING AND RECLAMATION UNDER FEDERALLY APPROVED PROGRAM › Chapter 26.20.13 - Surface Effects of Deep Mines › Section 26.20.13.10 - Subsidence Control: Buffer Zones

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Underground mining activities may not be
				  conducted beneath or adjacent to any perennial stream, or impoundment having a
				  storage volume of 20 acre-feet or more, unless the Bureau, on the basis of
				  detailed subsurface information submitted by the applicant, determines that
				  subsidence will not cause material damage to streams, water bodies and
				  associated structures. If subsidence causes material damage, measures will be
				  taken to correct the damage and to prevent additional subsidence from
				  occurring.
B. Underground mining
				  activities beneath any aquifer that serves as a significant source of water
				  supply to any public water system shall be conducted so as to avoid disruption
				  of the aquifer and consequent exchange of ground water between the aquifer and
				  other strata. The Bureau may prohibit mining in the vicinity of the aquifer or
				  may limit the percentage of coal extraction to protect the aquifer and water
				  supply.
C. Underground mining
				  activities may not be conducted beneath or adjacent to any public buildings or
				  facilities, including but not limited to churches, schools, hospitals,
				  courthouses, and government offices, unless the Bureau, on the basis of
				  detailed subsurface information, determines that subsidence from those
				  activities will not cause material damage to these structures and specifically
				  authorizes the mining activities. If the Bureau determines that it is necessary
				  in order to minimize the potential for material damage to the features or
				  facilities described above or to any aquifer or body of water that serves as a
				  significant water source for any public water supply system, it may limit the
				  percentage of coal extracted under or adjacent to it.
D. Underground mining activities may not be
				  conducted within the subjacent area where mining is predicted to result in
				  subsidence of any public bridge.
E.
				  If subsidence causes material damage to any of the features or facilities
				  covered under this regulation, the Bureau may suspend mining under or adjacent
				  to those features or facilities until the subsidence control plan is modified
				  to ensure prevention of further material damage.
F. The Bureau shall suspend underground coal
				  mining under urbanized areas, cities, towns, and communities, and adjacent to
				  industrial or commercial buildings, major impoundments, or permanent streams,
				  if imminent danger is found to inhabitants of the urbanized areas, cities,
				  towns, or communities.
G. Within a
				  schedule approved by the Bureau, the operator shall submit a detailed plan of
				  the underground workings. The detailed plan shall include maps and
				  descriptions, as appropriate, of significant features of the underground mine,
				  including:
(1) The size, configuration, and
				  approximate location of pillars and entries;
(2) Extraction ratios;
(3) Measures taken to prevent or minimize
				  subsidence and related damage;
(4)
				  Areas of full extraction; and
(5)
				  Other information required by the Bureau.