# COMAR Title 26 — Department of the Environment

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

### Chapter 27 — Waste Handling

#### Regulation .10 Site Preparation for Coal Mine Waste Impounding Structures.

*COMAR 26.20.27.10*

Before coal mine waste is placed at a dam or embankment site:

A. All vegetative and organic materials shall be removed from the site and disposed of in an approved manner and location. All topsoil shall be removed and handled in accordance with COMAR 26.20.25.02.

B. Surface drainage that may cause instability or erosion to the embankment area, or the embankment features, whether during construction or after completion, shall be diverted away from the embankment by diversion ditches. Diversions that are designed to divert drainage from the upstream area or from the surface of the facility shall be designed to carry the peak runoff from a 100-year, 6-hour precipitation event. The diversion shall be maintained to prevent blockage, and sediment control measures shall be provided at the discharge of each diversion ditch before entry into natural watercourses.