# COMAR Title 15 — Maryland Department of Agriculture

## Subtitle 20 — Soil and Water Conservation

### Chapter 12 — Agricultural Nutrient and Sediment Credit Certification Program

#### Regulation .10 Verifier Approval Protocol.

*COMAR 15.20.12.10*

A. An individual may not be approved to act as a verifier as provided by this chapter unless the individual meets the following requirements to be established by the Department:

  (1) Education and experience;

  (2) Training; and

  (3) Continuing education.

B. The Department may approve a verifier who meets the following eligibility requirements:

  (1) Has 3 or more years of experience developing SCWQPs or qualifies as a U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service Conservation Planner level II;

  (2) Is certified in Maryland to prepare NMPs in accordance with applicable Department regulations COMAR 15.20.04; and

  (3) Has completed Department training in the use of the MNTT.

C. A verifier may only remain eligible to perform verifications by completing at least 6 hours of Department approved training within the first year, and 12 hours thereafter every 3 years.

D. After the opportunity for a hearing, the Department may deny, suspend, or revoke the approval of any verifier who:

  (1) No longer meets eligibility requirements;

  (2) Violates any of the regulatory requirements of this chapter;

  (3) Provides the Department with any misleading, false, or fraudulent report;

  (4) Fails to promptly provide any report or any record required to be kept by this chapter;

  (5) Fails to meet the continuing education requirements for verifiers;

  (6) Is determined to be negligent or incompetent; or

  (7) Fails to act in such a manner that the Department determines provides other good cause to deny, suspend, or revoke approval.