# COMAR Title 26 — Department of the Environment

## Subtitle 21 — Mining

### Chapter 02 — Zone of Dewatering Influence

#### Regulation .02 Definitions.

*COMAR 26.21.02.02*

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

B. 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.