Regulation .02 Definitions.

In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

Terms Defined.

(1)

“Carbonate rock” means a rock primarily composed of calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate.

(2)

“Dewatering effects” means the lowering of ground water levels as a result of pumping ground water out of a surface mine.

(3)

“Sinkhole” means a sudden subsidence or collapse of the land surface in an area where the bedrock is comprised of carbonate rock.

(4)

“Zone of dewatering influence” means an area:

(a)

Approved by the Department, based on Environment Article, §15-813, Annotated Code of Maryland, around a surface mine in karst terrane;

(b)

In which dewatering of the surface mine may significantly interfere with water supply wells and may cause sudden subsidence of land; and

(c)

In which the Department may require the permittee to:

(i)

Replace water supplies that fail as a result of declining ground water levels;

(ii)

Repair property damage caused as a result of the sudden subsidence of the surface of the land; or

(iii)

Pay monetary compensation to the affected property owner if the subsidence cannot be repaired.