1. A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

2. B. Terms Defined.

   1. (1) “Carbonate rock” means a rock primarily composed of calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate.
   2. (2) “Dewatering effects” means the lowering of ground water levels as a result of pumping ground water out of a surface mine.
   3. (3) “Sinkhole” means a sudden subsidence or collapse of the land surface in an area where the bedrock is comprised of carbonate rock.

   4. (4) “Zone of dewatering influence” means an area:

      1. (a) Approved by the Department, based on Environment Article, §15-813, Annotated Code of Maryland, around a surface mine in karst terrane;
      2. (b) In which dewatering of the surface mine may significantly interfere with water supply wells and may cause sudden subsidence of land; and

      3. (c) In which the Department may require the permittee to:

         1. (i) Replace water supplies that fail as a result of declining ground water levels;
         2. (ii) Repair property damage caused as a result of the sudden subsidence of the surface of the land; or
         3. (iii) Pay monetary compensation to the affected property owner if the subsidence cannot be repaired.

Authority: Environment Article, §§15-803 and 15-813, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: May 14, 2001 (28:9 Md. R. 891)