MD SB688

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 forests

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

Stormwater management plans that include in-stream construction must include an alternatives analysis identifying non-stream-disturbing practices (bioretention, permeable pavement, tree plantings, bioswales, green roofs, infrastructure repair) and can only be approved if those alternatives are found technically infeasible

Pollution reduction or mitigation credits cannot be awarded based solely on completion of stream restoration construction; projects must demonstrate measurable functional lift through postconstruction monitoring of biological habitat or ecological function improvements

Effective date: October 1, 2026