MD HB1465

Maryland Department of the Environment must prioritize stormwater management practices that capture runoff at or near the source and minimize disturbance to existing streams, floodplains, and riparian forests.

Stream restoration projects involving heavy equipment and mechanical alteration of stream channels cannot be used for compliance with municipal stormwater permits, total maximum daily load requirements, or compensatory mitigation—except as authorized under Title 18.

Stormwater management plans proposing in-stream construction must include an alternatives analysis evaluating non-stream-disturbing practices such as bioretention, permeable pavement, tree plantings, bioswales, green roofs, or stormwater infrastructure repair.

Counties and municipalities may only approve stream-disturbing projects if non-stream alternatives are found technically infeasible due to physical or engineering constraints (not costs or administrative convenience) and the project addresses documented public safety or infrastructure challenges.

Stream restoration projects seeking pollution reduction or mitigation credit must demonstrate measurable functional lift through postconstruction monitoring of biological habitat or ecological function—not solely through modeled pollution reductions or physical channel stability.