# COMAR Title 26 — Department of the Environment

## Subtitle 20 — Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Under Federally Approved Program

### Chapter 20 — Hydrologic Balance

#### Regulation .01 Ground Water Protection.

*COMAR 26.20.20.01*

A. Backfilled materials shall be placed so as to:

  (1) Minimize contamination of ground water systems with acid, toxic, or otherwise harmful mine drainage;

  (2) Minimize adverse effects of mining on ground water systems outside the permit area; and

  (3) Support approved postmining land uses.

B. Pits, cuts, and other mine excavations or disturbances shall be located, designed, constructed, and utilized in such a manner as to prevent or control discharge of acid, toxic, or otherwise harmful mine drainage waters into ground water systems, and to prevent adverse impacts on the ground water systems or on approved postmining land uses.