# Environment (GEN)

## Title 4. Water Management

### Subtitle 8. Report on Environmental Violations

#### Section 4-801

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Compliance assistance" means an action taken by a jurisdiction with delegated authority under Subtitle 1 of this title that:

  (1) Corrects a violation before a formal enforcement action is necessary; or

  (2) Was voluntarily taken to prevent future violations.

(c) "Critical Area" has the meaning stated in Sec. 8-1802 of the Natural Resources Article.

(d)

  (1) "Sensitive area" means an area of critical concern.

  (2) "Sensitive area" includes:

    (i) Buffers, as defined in COMAR 27.01.01.01;

    (ii) Habitat protection areas, as defined in COMAR 27.01.01.01;

    (iii) Modified buffer areas, as defined in COMAR 27.01.01.01;

    (iv) Nontidal wetlands, as defined in COMAR 26.23.01.01;

    (v) Tidal wetlands, as defined in COMAR 26.24.01.02;

    (vi) 100-year floodplains, as defined in COMAR 08.19.03.01; and

    (vii) Stream buffers, as defined in COMAR 08.19.03.01.

---

Md. Code Ann., Envir. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)