Code of Maryland Regulations (Last Updated: April 6, 2021) |
Title 26. Department of Environment |
Part 4. |
Subtitle 20. SURFACE COAL MINING AND RECLAMATION UNDER FEDERALLY APPROVED PROGRAM |
Chapter 26.20.19. Roads |
Sec. 26.20.19.07. Reclamation of Roads
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A road not to be retained under an approved postmining land use shall be reclaimed in accordance with the approved reclamation plan as soon as practicable after it is no longer needed for mining and reclamation operations. This reclamation shall include:
(1) Closing the road to traffic;
(2) Removing all bridges and culverts, unless approved as part of the postmining land use;
(3) Removing or disposing of road surfacing materials that are incompatible with the postmining land use and revegetation requirements;
(4) Reshaping cut and fill slopes as necessary to be compatible with the postmining land use and to complement the natural drainage pattern of the surrounding terrain;
(5) Protecting the natural drainage pattern by installing dikes or cross drains, as necessary, to control surface runoff and erosion; and
(6) Scarifying or ripping the roadbed, replacing topsoil or substitute material, and revegetating disturbed surfaces.