1948

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 481

(2)  [to] TO aid in preventing pollution of
rivers and streams;

(3)  TO prevent combustion of unmined coal;

(4)  TO provide for reclamation of the stripped
areas;

(5)   [generally] TO improve GENERALLY the use and
enjoyment of these lands; and

(6)   [generally] TO improve GENERALLY the health,
welfare, and living conditions in the communities and
counties in which coal mining is an important industry.

7-503.

(c) The Department is authorized to administer a
surface mining control program consistent with the
requirements of the federal Surface Mining Control and
Reclamation Act, any amendments to that Act, and [rules and
regulations] ANY RULE OR REGULATION promulgated [pursuant
thereto] UNDER THAT ACT.

7-511.

(a) (1) Within 2 weeks after any affected area is
backfilled and regraded [pursuant to] UNDER this subtitle
and in accordance with the approved reclamation plan, the
operator shall submit a backfilling report on a form
furnished by the Department. The report shall provide the
following information:

(I)   [the] THE number of acres- affected on
the permit;

(II)   [the] THE number of acres backfilled
for the period of the report; and

(III)   [the] THE number of backfilled acres
previously reported.

(2) Based upon inspection and approval by the
Department of this report and the planting report required
by subsection (b) OF THIS SECTION, the Department may
release a portion of the liability on the bond required by §
7-506(b) of this subtitle in accordance with provisions set
forth in § 7-506(h) of this subtitle. The Department shall
at all times retain bonds in an amount sufficient to insure
completion of the reclamation plan by the Department in the
event of forfeiture, which amount may not be less than
$10,000.

(b) (1) Within 2 weeks after planting is completed,
the operator shall file a planting report with the
Department on a form furnished by the Department, giving the
following information: