758

LAWS OF MARYLAND

[Ch. 91

(1974 Volume and 1974 Supplement)

BY adding to

Article - Natural Resources
Section 8—1105.1
Annotated Code of Maryland
(1974 Volume and 1974 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That [[Sections 8-1101 and 8-1105]] Section
8—1101 of Article — Natural Resources, of the Annotated
Code of Maryland (1974 Volume and 1974 Supplement) be and
[[they are]] it is hereby repealed and re—enacted, with
amendments, to read as follows:

Article — Natural Resources

8-1101.

The General Assembly determines and finds that lands
and waters comprising the watersheds of the State are
great natural assets and resources. As a result of
erosion and sediment deposit on lands and in waters
within the watersheds of the State, these waters are
being polluted and despoiled to such a degree that fish,
marine life, and recreational use of the waters are being
affected adversely. IN ADDITION THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
FINDS AND DECLARES THAT LAND MOVEMENT AND DISTURBANCE
ACTIVITIES ON ATLANTIC COAST BEACHES EAST OF [[THE
DUNES]] CERTAIN NATURAL AND PHYSICAL CONTOURS AND
ELEVATIONS OF THE BEACH ENDANGERS THE INTEGRITY AND
CONTINUITY OF THE [[DUNE]] BEACH SYSTEM WHICH INCLUDES A
DUNAL SYSTEM, PREVENTS ADEQUATE MAINTENANCE, SHORE
EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL, AND STORM PROTECTION OF
THESE AND ADJACENT AREAS, AND RESULTS IN THE IMPOSITION
OF ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL BURDENS ON THE CITIZENS OF THE
STATE. To protect the natural resources of the State,
the Secretary shall adopt criteria and procedures for the
counties and the local soil conservation districts to
implement soil and shore erosion control programs. These
procedures may provide for Departmental review and
approval of major grading, sediment, and erosion control
plans.

[[8-1105.

(a) The provisions of § 8—1104 do not apply to    any

State unit. If a State unit undertakes any     land

clearing, soil movement, or construction activity,     the
Department shall review and approve this action.