<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" citation="COMAR 27.01.03.04" title_num="27" subtitle_num="01" chapter_num="03" heading="General Requirements for the Location of Water-Dependent Facilities or Activities.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>The provisions of this regulation are in addition to the provisions of Regulation .03 of this chapter.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>In accordance with the provisions of this chapter and in conjunction with, as applicable, the Departments of Agriculture, the Environment, and Natural Resources, and any other appropriate federal or State agency, a local jurisdiction shall develop a plan for the approval of an area as suitable for the location of a new or expanded water-dependent facility or activity.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>In developing the plan required under §B of this regulation, a local jurisdiction shall document how each of the following siting factors is accorded due consideration:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The impact on the water body upon which the water-dependent facility or activity is proposed that would likely result from the approval of that location, including:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Alteration of an existing water circulation pattern or salinity regime;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Adequacy of area flushing characteristics;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Necessity of, and proximity to, a dredging operation; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Interference with the natural transport of sand;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Disturbance to:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>An oyster harvest area, as defined in COMAR 08.02.04.11;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>An area covered in a current aquaculture lease, as defined in Natural Resources Article, §4-11A-01, Annotated Code of Maryland;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>A harvest reserve area, as designated under Natural Resources Article, §4-1009.1, Annotated Code of Maryland;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>An oyster sanctuary, as established in COMAR 08.02.04.15A; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Any other shellfish located in a shellfish area regulated by the Department of Natural Resources;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Avoidance of disturbance to water quality and aquatic or terrestrial habitat resulting from the method or manner of dredging; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>The avoidance or, if avoidance is not possible, the minimization of:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Disturbance to:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>A wetland;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Submerged aquatic vegetation;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iii)">
          <text>A habitat of threatened or endangered species or species in need of conservation;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iv)">
          <text>In accordance with COMAR 26.08.02.04-2, a water body identified by the Department of the Environment as a Tier II, high quality water body and its watershed;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(v)">
          <text>In accordance with COMAR 26.08.02.04-3, a water body identified by the Department of the Environment as a Tier III, outstanding natural resource water body and its watershed; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(vi)">
          <text>A nontidal wetland of special State concern, as set forth in COMAR 26.23.01.01 and .04, and   COMAR 26.23.06; and</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Adverse impact on water quality that would likely result from the facility or activity, such as nonpoint source pollution, sewage discharge, or other pollution related to vessel maintenance.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>