# COMAR Title 26 — Department of the Environment

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

### Chapter 21 — Ponds and Sediment Control Measures

#### Regulation .05 Sediment Control Measures.

*COMAR 26.20.21.05*

A. Appropriate sediment control measures shall be designed, constructed, and maintained using the best technology currently available to:

  (1) Prevent, to the extent possible, additional contributions of sediment to streamflow or to runoff outside the permit area;

  (2) Meet the more stringent of applicable State or federal effluent limitations; and

  (3) Minimize erosion to the extent possible.

B. Sediment control measures include practices carried out within and adjacent to the disturbed area. Sediment control methods include but are not limited to:

  (1) Disturbing the smallest practicable area at any one time during the mining operation through progressive backfilling, grading, and prompt revegetation;

  (2) Diverting runoff away from disturbed areas;

  (3) Diverting runoff using protected channels or pipes through disturbed areas so as not to cause additional erosion;

  (4) Using straw dikes, riprap, check dams, mulches, vegetative sediment filters, and other measures that reduce overland flow velocity, reduce runoff volume, or trap sediment;

  (5) Treating with chemicals.