# Sec. 32-224. Water Quality and Watershed Management Plans

Codified through Bill No. CB-018-2026, adopted May 12, 2026, effective July 24, 2026. Source: Municode, Supplement 2026 Update 2. Editorial notes and legislative history omitted.

## Sec. 32-224. Water Quality and Watershed Management Plans

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 32-224 (2026)

(a) To meet the requirements of Section 32-222(a)(3), a regulated activity may not:

  (1) As determined by the Department, MDNR or MDE, cause an individual or cumulative effect that degrades:

    (A) Aquatic ecosystem diversity, productivity and stability;

    (B) Plankton, fish, shellfish and wildlife;

    (C) Recreational and economic values; and

    (D) Public welfare; or

  (2) As determined by MDE or the Department, cause an individual or cumulative effect that;

    (A) Violates any applicable State water quality standard, the Environment Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, or the Clean Water Act; and

    (B) Degrades surface and groundwater quality.

(b) To meet the requirements of Section 32-222(a)(4), a regulated activity shall be consistent with the applicable comprehensive watershed management plan. Comprehensive watershed management plans shall meet the following criteria:

  (1) Comprehensive watershed management plans may be prepared by Federal, State and local agencies;

  (2) A private property owner may request to assist in the preparation of a comprehensive watershed management plan when the entire watershed is owned by the private property owner; and:

    (A) When the Department, after consultation with MDNR and appropriate Federal, State and local government agencies, approves the request;

    (B) A private property owner agrees to assist in the preparation of the comprehensive watershed management plan in accordance with this subsection; and

    (C) The comprehensive watershed management plan meets the requirements of subsection (b)(3) through (5).

  (3) Comprehensive watershed management plans shall be prepared in cooperation with Federal, State and local agencies and approved by the County and MDNR.

  (4) The County and MDNR may not adopt or approve a comprehensive watershed management plan before conducting a public informational hearing on the proposed plan.

  (5) A comprehensive watershed management plan shall include the following elements:

    (A) A functional assessment of nontidal wetlands within the watershed;

    (B) The location of potential mitigation sites;

    (C) Protection of nontidal wetlands;

    (D) A plan for limiting cumulative impacts to nontidal wetlands;

    (E) Water supply management; and

    (F) Flood management.