Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 26 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT › Part 2 - SUBTITLES 08-12 › Subtitle 08 - WATER POLLUTION › Chapter 26.08.02 - Water Quality › Section 26.08.02.08 - Stream Segment Designations and Existing Uses

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. General.
(1) All geographic coordinates provided
				  within this regulation are expressed in decimal degrees latitude and longitude
				  using the North American Datum of 1983. In this Regulation, Maryland's -waters
				  are organized by sub-basin. For most Class I, I-P, III, III-P, IV, or IV-P
				  waters, the limits indicate the most downstream boundary point or line for the
				  segment. In some cases, an upstream point and a downstream point are provided
				  to describe those uses that may apply only to a limited segment of a water
				  body. In tidal areas, the segments are defined by polygons defined by three or
				  more points as numbered and expressed in narrative format in column four and
				  defined by latitude and longitude point locations in columns two and tree. Any
				  waterbody not specifically listed in the table is a Class I water.
(2) Tidal Segmentation Rationale. Water
				  quality standards for the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries will be
				  assessed on a "Bay Segment" scale. The segmentation is based on decisions made
				  by the Chesapeake Bay Program in 1998 and 2003, and documented in Chesapeake
				  Bay Program Analytical Segmentation Scheme Revisions, Decisions, and
				  Rationales: 1983-2003 (EPA 903-R-04-008) as adjusted by the Chesapeake Bay
				  Program after discussions with the affected State jurisdictions.
(3) Tidal Segment Boundaries. When using
				  latitude and longitude to delineate Chesapeake Bay tidal segments, the limits
				  are narrative descriptions that delineate the base points of reference.
				  Chesapeake Bay tidal segments generally follow the shoreline contour at mean
				  low water, and include all major bays, creeks, and branches present within the
				  narrative limits of a given segment. The origin of latitudes and longitudes
				  used for the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries is NAD83.
(4) Application of Chesapeake Bay
				  Segmentation Scheme. The tidal boundaries set forth in this regulation are
				  defined for water quality standards purposes within the Department only, and
				  are not applicable to other agency regulations identified for other
				  purposes.
(5) No Grow Zones.
				  Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) "No-Grow" Zones (NGZ) are present in some
				  shallow water designated use segments. The SAV "No Grow Zones" are identified
				  in Technical Support Document for Identification of Chesapeake Bay Designated
				  Uses and Attainability-2004 Addendum (EPA 903-R-04-006), Figures V-1 to V-12,
				  which is incorporated by reference. The no grow zones shall be excluded from
				  the assessment of the shallow water designated use.
(6) Existing Uses. Several of the sub-basins
				  in this regulation contain stream segments that support existing uses that
				  require different water quality than the designated use. These existing uses
				  have been determined in accordance with Regulation .04-1 of this chapter. The
				  existing uses for these stream segments are described both in terms of the
				  existing uses supported (e.g., naturalized reproducing brown trout population)
				  and the water quality currently known to sustain them. For determining effluent
				  limits, closure periods, and other regulatory protection measures, these
				  existing uses and the water quality necessary to maintain them must be
				  protected consistent with Regulation .04-1 of this chapter. These existing uses
				  are maintained and can be accessed on the Department's website.