# COMAR Title 15 — Maryland Department of Agriculture

## Subtitle 20 — Soil and Water Conservation

### Chapter 01 — Agricultural Drainage Projects

#### Regulation .06 Construction and Maintenance Criteria.

*COMAR 15.20.01.06*

A. In-stream Excavation. Except with the written permission of the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources, in-stream excavation or clearing is prohibited between the following dates:

  (1) October 1 through April 30 in natural trout waters;

  (2) March 1 through May 31 in recreational trout waters; and

  (3) March 15 through June 15 in anadromous fish spawning waters.

B. Clearing and Snagging.

  (1) Clearing and snagging of a channel may not endanger channel stability.

  (2) The areas to be cleared and snagged shall be limited to:

    (a) The channel bottom, banks, and berms;

    (b) Adjacent trees or other objects that may fall into a channel;

    (c) Access roads;

    (d) Temporary disposal areas; and

    (e) Areas designated by a soil conservation district for planned conservation areas.

C. Revegetation.

  (1) On each project, a species of erosion controlling vegetation adapted to the area and a proven method of vegetation establishment shall be used for revegetation.

  (2) Provisions shall be taken on a project to reduce soil erosion until effective revegetation can be accomplished.

  (3) During the growing season, at a minimum:

    (a) Channel banks shall be seeded at the end of each day's excavation; and

    (b) Other areas where soil has been disturbed shall be seeded within 7 days of final soil disturbance.

  (4) The progress of revegetation shall be monitored by the association and corrective action taken when necessary.