# COMAR Title 26 — Department of the Environment

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

### Chapter 20 — Hydrologic Balance

#### Regulation .02 Protection of Ground Water Recharge Capacity.

*COMAR 26.20.20.02*

A. Surface mining activities shall be conducted in a manner that facilities restoration of the approximate pre-mining recharge capacity, through restoration of the capability of the reclaimed areas as a whole (excluding coal processing waste and underground development waste disposal areas and fills) to transmit water to the ground water system.

B. The recharge capacity shall be restored to a condition which:

  (1) Supports the approved postmining land use;

  (2) Minimizes disturbances to the prevailing hydrologic balance in the mine plan area and in adjacent areas; and

  (3) Provides a rate of recharge that approximates the pre-mining recharge rate.