<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" citation="COMAR 26.20.20.02" title_num="26" subtitle_num="20" chapter_num="20" heading="Protection of Ground Water Recharge Capacity.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>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.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>The recharge capacity shall be restored to a condition which:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Supports the approved postmining land use;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Minimizes disturbances to the prevailing hydrologic balance in the mine plan area and in adjacent areas; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Provides a rate of recharge that approximates the pre-mining recharge rate.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>