Md. Code Regs. 26.20.08.01

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 21, October 18, 2024

Section 26.20.08.01 - Notice of Intent to Prospect

A. A person may not conduct any prospecting without filing a written notice of intent to prospect with the Bureau at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any surface disturbance.

B. A notice of intent to prospect shall be submitted in triplicate and contain the following information:

(1) The name, address, and telephone number of the person seeking to prospect.

(2) The name and address of all surface and mineral owners of the land on which prospecting is to be conducted.

(3) The name, address, and telephone number of the person who will be present at and responsible for conducting the prospecting activities.

(4) A description of the legal basis upon which the person who intends to prospect claims the right to enter and conduct prospecting operations, including reclamation, on the area.

(5) A description and map of the area to be prospected. The map shall be a U.S. Geological Survey 7.5 minute topographic survey map or equivalent map, and the scale of the map shall be as follows:

(a) If the prospecting involves only air or core drilling operations and does not cause substantial disturbance to the natural land surface the scale of the map shall be 2,000 feet to the inch or larger. The map shall show the following information:

(i) The proposed prospecting area and all access roads to the area; and

(ii) The approximate location of all drill holes.

(b) If the prospecting involves the removal of the overburden to expose the coal seam or will cause substantial disturbance to the natural land surface or cause serious harm to water supply or water quality, the scale of the map shall be 500 feet to the inch or larger. The map shall show the following information:

(i) The boundaries of the property and the names of the surface and mineral owners of the tract or tracts;

(ii) The name of the quadrangle, a north arrow, and the Maryland coordinates of the area to be prospected;

(iii) The names of all receiving streams;

(iv) The approximate location of the seam or seams to be prospected; and

(v) The number of acres to be disturbed and their approximate location, including all excavations and roads to be used or constructed to facilitate the prospecting.

(6) A copy of an approved county grading or sediment and erosion control permit, if applicable.

(7) A schedule indicating the estimated period of prospecting, including the anticipated dates of beginning and completion of prospecting.

(8) A description of the intended prospecting operations.

(9) A reclamation plan for the prospecting area. The reclamation plan shall include a plan for haul roads, sediment control, method of operation, casing or sealing wells, boreholes, or other underground opening, regrading, topsoil handling, and revegetation.

Md. Code Regs. 26.20.08.01

Regulations .01 were previously codified as COMAR 08.13.09.07 a A and B, C_E, and F_I, 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.