86 MARYLAND MANUAL

such other maps as may be necessary to meet a specific need. Reports
on the extent and character of the State's mineral and water resources
are prepared by the Department. In cooperation with the United
States Government, surveys of the water resources of the State are
made. The agency investigates and recommends plans and policies for
the protection of the State's waterfront and waterways against
erosion. The Department has the further power to control and to
conserve, in so far as is practicable, the surface and underground
waters of Maryland; and to that end has Jurisdiction over the con-
struction and repairs of reservoirs, dams, and other water-way obstruc-
tions. In this regard, the Department works in cooperation with the
Bureau of Sanitary Engineering of the State Department of Health.
In order to carry out this function, the Department licenses all water
well drillers in the State and issues a permit for each well to be drilled.
The Commission also has the power to promulgate and enforce such
rules as may be necessary to conserve the State's water resources
(Code 1947 Supp., Art. 19A, sees. 12A-12C and Art. 96B).
Expenditures, 1949 (Geologic and Water

Resources only) ............................................................$101,313.88

Appropriation, 1950 (Geologic and Water

Resources only) .................................................................. 104,267.00

Staff: (Geologic and Water Resources only): 34.

..o..
BUREAU OF MINES
Frank J. Powers, Director
John J. Rutledge, Chief Consultant
City Building, Westemport Telephone: Westemport 4031

The first Mine Inspectors were appointed by the Governor in 1878
serving in Allegany and Garrett Counties. These inspectors func-
tioned independently, reporting only to the Governor, until 1916 when
they were placed within the Department of Labor and Statistics. The
inspection powers became a function of the Bureau of Mines upon its
organization in 1922 as a unit of the Department of Labor and Sta-
tistics. Upon the organization of the Board of Natural Resources in
1941, the Bureau was transferred to the newly-created Department
of Geology, Mines and Water Resources (Code 1947 Supp., Art. 89,
sec. 17). The Bureau of Mines is responsible for the inspection of all
mines within the State in order to maintain proper sanitation, ven-
tilation, and safety standards in all mining operations. The Bureau
has further jurisdiction over the weighing of all coal mined in the
State (Code 1939, Art. 89, sec. 156). All persons or corporations
engaging in open-pit or strip mining operations are required to regis-
ter with the Bureau previous to the beginning of their operations
and to report periodically during such operations. Upon the completion
of such mining operations, the cuts must be so covered as to make
possible the reclamation of the land (Code 1947 Supp., Art. 89, sees.
180-192). The Bureau of Mines examines all applicants for certificates
of competency as mine foremen, assistant mine foremen, and fire
bosses. The Bureau of Mines in cooperation with the University of
Maryland and the Boards of Education for Allegany and Garrett
counties conducts classes in mining operations throughout the Western
part of the State. The Bureau, under the Act of 1949, is required to

*Employees working on Water Resources Survey are under juris-
diction of the federal government.