Regulation .07 Agriculture.
Regulation .07 Agriculture.LinkCopy Citation
A.
Applicability. The provisions of this regulation do not apply to an agricultural activity that is conducted for an experimental purpose on State-owned land in the Critical Area if:
(1)
Adverse impact to a habitat protection area covered in Regulations .09—.13 of this chapter, as applicable, is avoided; and
(2)
The experimental activity is approved by the State Department of Agriculture and the University of Maryland.
B.
Criteria. When agriculture occurs on State-owned land, the agency administering the land shall assure that:
(1)
Each agricultural operation has in place and is implementing a current:
(a)
Soil conservation and water quality plan; and
(b)
Nutrient management plan prepared by a certified nutrient management consultant or certified farm operator in accordance with COMAR 15.20.04.07 and .08;
(2)
Agricultural activities authorized in the buffer are in accordance with Regulation .09 of this chapter; and
(3)
The creation of new agricultural land is not accomplished:
(a)
By diking, draining, or filling of a nontidal wetland, except in accordance with the requirements of COMAR 26.23.05.01;
(b)
By clearing of forest or developed woodland on soil with a slope greater than 15 percent or on soil with a K-factor greater than 0.35 and a slope greater than 5 percent;
(c)
If clearing will adversely affect water quality or will destroy plant or wildlife habitat covered in Regulations .10—.13 of this chapter, as applicable; or
(d)
By clearing of existing natural vegetation within the buffer.