<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".08" citation="COMAR 26.23.02.08" title_num="26" subtitle_num="23" chapter_num="02" heading="Temporary Emergency Nontidal Wetland Authorizations.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>The Department may issue a temporary emergency nontidal wetland permit or letter of authorization for a regulated activity if:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A threat to life, severe loss or damage of property, or threat to public safety or public works is imminent; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The anticipated threat, loss, or damage may occur before a permit or letter of authorization can be issued under the procedures otherwise required by this subtitle.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Emergency Authorization Requirements. The temporary emergency permit or letter of authorization shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Incorporate, to the greatest extent practical and feasible, the standards and criteria required for nonemergency regulated activities;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Be limited in duration to the time required to complete the authorized emergency activity, not to exceed 90 days;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Require rectification for nontidal wetlands with temporary adverse impacts; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Require mitigation for nontidal wetland losses, unless exempt under COMAR 26.23.04.02.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Temporary Emergency Procedure.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Not later than the next business day after beginning an emergency regulated activity, a temporary emergency permit or letter of authorization shall be requested.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A temporary emergency permit or letter of authorization request may be made orally. However, the applicant shall submit a written request to the Department within 3 business days of the oral request.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The request in §C(2) of this regulation shall include the:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Applicant's name;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Location of the emergency activity;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Extent of work to be done;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Anticipated adverse impact on nontidal wetlands; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Reason for the emergency.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>The temporary emergency permit or letter of authorization may be granted orally or in writing. If oral approval is granted, the Department shall issue a written emergency permit or letter of authorization within 3 business days of the approval.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>If oral approval is not granted, the Department shall issue a written temporary emergency permit or letter of authorization within 10 business days of the request if the temporary emergency permit or letter of authorization is approved by the Department.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>For activities which do not qualify for a letter of authorization under Chapter .03 of this subtitle, the Department shall provide public notice and opportunity for comment on the issuance of a temporary emergency permit in a local newspaper of general circulation, not later than 15 days after the issuance of a permit.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Upon written request by a permittee, or authorized person, the Department may extend the temporary emergency permit or letter of authorization if more time is required to complete the work authorized or to rectify the site.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>The Department may suspend or revoke a temporary emergency permit or letter of authorization in conformance with Regulation .09 of this chapter.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>Work performed under a temporary emergency permit or letter of authorization shall conform to conditions specified by the Department.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="H.">
    <text>A person shall apply for a nontidal wetland permit or letter of authorization pursuant to Regulation .01 of this chapter if:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The person intends to conduct an additional regulated activity at the site which does not qualify for a temporary emergency permit or letter of authorization;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A temporary emergency permit or letter of authorization is denied;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Work authorized under the temporary emergency permit or letter of authorization is conducted beyond the 90-day period in §B(2) of this regulation without approval from the Department;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>The activity does not qualify for a temporary emergency permit or letter of authorization; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Mitigation is required under §B(4) of this regulation.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>