# COMAR Title 26 — Department of the Environment

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

### Chapter 29 — Revegetation

#### Regulation .03 Plant Species Selection and Land Treatment.

*COMAR 26.20.29.03*

A. All planting plans, including trees and shrubs, shall include provisions for a herbaceous cover. The selection of plant species shall be based on proposed postmining land use, elevation, and soil conditions.

B. Establishment of a temporary or permanent herbaceous vegetative cover requires the following treatment:

  (1) Preparation of a seed bed by discing, harrowing, or other methods, if an adequate seed bed does not exist;

  (2) Application of lime to obtain a proper pH for the seed mixture to be planted, with minimum rate of 4 tons of lime per acre required, although a liming rate based on a soil analysis may be substituted for the minimum rate;

  (3) Application of fertilizer to ensure proper nutrients for plant growth, with minimum rate of 400 pounds per acre of 10-20-20 or equivalent required, although a fertilizer rate based on soil analysis may be substituted for the minimum rate;

  (4) Inoculation of legume seed with proper strain, and triple the inoculation rate if hydroseeded;

  (5) Protection of seeded area from livestock grazing and harvesting;

  (6) Fall seeding of legumes to be completed by September 1; and

  (7) Spring planting of seedlings to be completed before May 1.