(A) For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. Words in the singular number include the plural, and words in the plural number include the singular. Present tense includes the future. The word “building” shall be deemed to include the word “structure”.
CUT. An excavation. The difference between a point on the original ground and a designated point of lower elevation on the final grade. Also, the material removed in excavation.
EROSION. The removal of surface materials by the action of natural elements.
EXCAVATION. Any act by which earth, sand, gravel, rock or any other similar material is dug into, cut, quarried, uncovered, removed, displaced, relocated or bulldozed and shall include the conditions resulting therefrom.
FILL. Any act by which earth, sand, gravel, rock or any other material is placed, pushed, dumped, pulled, transported or moved to a new location above the natural surface of the ground or on top of the stripped surface and shall include the conditions resulting therefrom. The difference in elevation between a point on the original ground and a designated point of higher elevation on the final grade. The material used to make a fill.
FLOODPLAIN. The area along a natural watercourse which is periodically overflowed by water therefrom.
QUALIFYING TRACT. Any tract where 20 or more cubic yards of earth is moved.
RUNOFF. The surface water discharge or rate of discharge of a given watershed after a fall of rain or snow that does not enter the soil, but runs off the surface of the land.
RUNOFF FROM A FULLY DEVELOPED AREA UPSTREAM. The surface water runoff that can be reasonably anticipated upon maximum development of that area of the watershed located upstream from the subject tract, as permitted by prevailing zoning or the township comprehensive plan.
SEDIMENTATION. The process by which mineral or organic matter is accumulated or deposited by moving wind, water or gravity. Once this matter is deposited (or remains suspended in water), it is usually referred to as SEDIMENT.
SLOPE. The face of an embankment or cut section; any ground whose surface makes an angle with the plane of the horizon. SLOPES are usually expressed in a percentage based upon vertical difference in feet per 100 feet of horizontal distance.
SOIL STABILIZATION. Chemical or structural treatment of a mass of soil to increase or maintain its stability or otherwise improve its engineering properties.
SWALE. A low lying stretch of land which gathers or carries surface water runoff.
TOPSOIL. Surface soils and subsurface soils which presumably are fertile soils and soil material, ordinarily rich in organic matter or humus debris. TOPSOIL is usually found in the uppermost soil layer called the “A Horizon”.
WATERCOURSE. A permanent stream, intermittent stream, river, brook, creek, channel or ditch for water whether natural or human-made.
(B) No changes shall be made in the contour of the land; or grading, excavating, removal or destruction of the topsoil, trees or other vegetative cover of the land shall be commenced until such time that a plan for minimizing erosion and sedimentation has been reviewed by the Building Commissioner, or there has been a determination by the Building Commissioner that such plans are necessary.
(C) No development plan shall be approved unless:
(1) There has been a plan approved by the Building Commissioner that provides for drainage and minimizing erosion and sedimentation consistent with this section, and an improvement bond or other acceptable securities are deposited with the town or county in the form of an escrow guarantee satisfactory for the planning which will ensure installation and completion of the required improvements; or
(2) There has been a determination by the Building Commissioner that a plan for drainage and minimizing erosion and sedimentation is not necessary.
(D) (1) Measures used to control erosion and reduce sedimentation and to provide drainage shall as a minimum meet the standards and specifications of the County Soil and Water Conservation District.
(2) The Building Commissioner shall ensure compliance with the appropriate specifications, copies of which are available from the County Soil and Water Conservation District or the Building Commissioner.
(Ord. passed 10-19-1977)