(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

(2)    (i)    “Compost–based product” means an item that is manufactured from compost.

(ii)    “Compost–based product” includes:

1.    Compost berms;

2.    Compost filter socks; and

3.    Compost blankets.

(3)    “Specification” means a standard for the compost or compost–based product used by the Administration in a highway construction project, including:

(i)    Application instructions; and

(ii)    Compost characteristics.

(b)    To promote the use of compost for landscaping and as a recycled material in highway construction projects in the State, the use of compost and compost–based products in highway construction projects in the State shall be a best management practice for:

(1)    Erosion and sediment control; and

(2)    Postconstruction stormwater management.

(c)    The Administration shall:

(1)    On or before December 30, 2014, establish a specification for the acquisition and use of compost and compost–based products for:

(i)    Erosion and sediment control practices identified in the most recent Maryland Standards and Specifications for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control; and

(ii)    Postconstruction stormwater management practices identified in the most recent Maryland Stormwater Design Manual;

(2)    Update the specifications established under item (1) of this subsection as necessary; and

(3)    Post the specifications established under item (1) of this subsection on the Administration’s Web site.

(d)    Beginning December 1, 2015, the Administration shall report each year to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on:

(1)    The volume of compost used in State highway construction projects;

(2)    The status of compost and compost–based products used in State highway construction projects; and

(3)    Recommendations to maximize the use of compost as a recycled material in State highway construction projects.