Md. Code Regs. 26.20.13.10

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

Section 26.20.13.10 - Subsidence Control: Buffer Zones

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.

Md. Code Regs. 26.20.13.10

Regulations .10 were previously codified as COMAR 08.13.09.13 a A_J, 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.
Regulation .10 amended effective February 13, 1995 (22:3 Md. R. 152)