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<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".08-3" citation="COMAR 27.02.05.08-3" title_num="27" subtitle_num="02" chapter_num="05" heading="Surface Mining — Criteria.">
  <text>When surface mining occurs on State-owned land, the agency administering the land shall:</text>
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Designate each portion of the Critical Area that is unsuitable for surface mining and prohibit surface mining in those locations, including:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>In accordance with the provisions of COMAR 27.01.09, a habitat protection area;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>An area where highly erodible soil exists; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>An area that is within 100 feet landward from the mean high water line of tidal waters, from the landward boundary of a tidal wetland, or from the edge of each bank of a tributary stream, unless:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>A license, permit, or other approval to conduct a specific aspect of surface mining was issued before June 11, 1988; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>If expansion of the scope or size of the surface mining activity has occurred since June 11, 1988, the expansion complies with State law and local program requirements;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Require the reclamation of a wash pond in accordance with State law and local program requirements;</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Prohibit the location of a wash plant within the buffer in accordance with COMAR 27.01.09; and</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>If applicable, ensure that a lessee of the affected land obtains all licenses, permits, and other approvals in accordance with State law and local program requirements.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>