Md. Code Regs. 26.20.24.06

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

Section 26.20.24.06 - In Situ Processing

A. In situ processing activities shall be planned and conducted to minimize disturbance to the prevailing hydrologic balance by:

(1) Avoiding discharge of fluids into holes or wells, other than as approved by the Bureau;

(2) Injecting process recovery fluids only into geologic zones or intervals approved as production zones by the Bureau;

(3) Avoiding annular injection between the wall of the drill hole and the casing; and

(4) Preventing discharge of process fluid into surface waters.

B. Each person who conducts in situ processing activities shall submit for approval as part of the application for a permit, a plan that ensures that all acid-forming, toxic-forming, or radioactive gases, solids, or liquids constituting a fire, health, safety, or environmental hazard, and caused by the mining and recovery process, are promptly treated, confined, or disposed of in a manner that prevents contamination of ground and surface waters, damage to fish, wildlife, and related environmental values, and threats to the public health and safety.

C. Each person who conducts in situ processing activities shall prevent flow of the process recovery fluid:

(1) Horizontally beyond the affected area identified in the permit; and

(2) Vertically into overlying or underlying aquifers.

D. Each person who conducts in situ processing activities shall restore the quality of affected ground water in the mine plan and adjacent area, including ground water above and below the production zone, to the approximate pre-mining levels or better, to ensure that the potential for use of the ground water is not diminished.

E. Monitoring.

(1) Each person who conducts in situ processing activities shall monitor the quality and quantity of surface and ground water and the subsurface flow and storage characteristics, in a manner approved by the Bureau, to measure changes in the quantity and quality of water in surface and ground water systems in the mine plan and in adjacent areas.

(2) Air and water quality monitoring shall be conducted in accordance with monitoring programs approved by the Bureau as necessary according to appropriate federal and State air and water quality standards.

Md. Code Regs. 26.20.24.06

Regulations .06 were previously codified as COMAR 08.13.09.28 a A_G, 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.