For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ADVERSE IMPACT. Any deleterious effect on waters or wetlands, including their quality, quantity, surface area, species composition, aesthetics, or usefulness for human or natural uses. The deleterious effect is or may potentially be harmful or injurious to human health, welfare, safety, or property, to biological productivity, diversity, or stability, or which may unreasonably interfere with the enjoyment of life or property, including outdoor recreation.
AGRICULTURAL LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES. Methods and procedures used in the cultivation of land in order to further crop and livestock production and conservation of related soil and water resources. Logging and timber removal operations may not be considered a part of this definition.
APPLICANT. Person who executes the necessary forms to procure official approval of a project or a permit to carry out construction of a project.
CLEAR. Activity which removes the vegetative ground cover.
DEPARTMENT. The state Department of the Environment.
DEVELOPER. Person undertaking, or for whose benefit, any or all the activities covered by this chapter are commenced or carried on. General contractors or subcontractors, or both, without a proprietary interest in a project are not included within this definition.
DRAINAGE AREA. Area contributing runoff to a single point measured in a horizontal plane, which is enclosed by a ridge line.
EROSION. Process by which the land surface is worn away by the action of wind, water, ice, or gravity.
EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL. System of structural and vegetative measures that minimize soil erosion and off-site sedimentation.
EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLAN. Erosion and sediment control strategy or plan to minimize erosion and prevent off-site sedimentation by containing sediment on-site or by passing sediment-laden runoff through a sediment control measure prepared and approved in accordance with the specific requirements of the county Soil Conservation District and this chapter, and designed in accordance with the standards and specifications.
EXEMPTION. Land development activities that are not subject to the erosion and sediment control requirements contained in this chapter.
GRADE. Cause disturbance of the earth. This shall include, but not be limited to, any excavating, filling, stockpiling of earth materials, grubbing or root mat or topsoil disturbance, or any combination of them.
INSPECTION AGENCY. The State Water Resources Administration or, if delegation of enforcement authority is granted, then the appropriate local inspection agency.
PERMITTEE. Person to whom a building or grading permit has been issued.
PERSON. Includes the federal government, the state, any county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision of the state, or any of their units, or an individual, receiver, trustee, guardian, executor, administrator, fiduciary or representative of any kind, or any partnership, firm, association, public or private corporation or any of their affiliates, or any other entity.
RESPONSIBLE PERSONNEL. Foreperson, superintendent, or project engineer who is in charge of on-site clearing and grading operations or sediment control associated with earth changes or disturbances.
SEDIMENT. Soils or other surficial materials transported or deposited by the action of wind, water, ice, gravity, or artificial means.
SITE. Any tract, lot, or parcel of land, or combination of tracts, lots, or parcels of land which are in one ownership or are contiguous and in diverse ownership where development is to be performed as part of a unit, subdivision, or project.
STABILIZATION. The prevention of soil movement by any of various vegetative and/or structural means.
STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS. The 1983 Maryland Standards and Specifications for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control, or any subsequent revisions.
VARIANCE. Modification of the criteria set forth in the Standards and Specifications.
WATERSHED. Total drainage area contributing runoff to a single point.
WETLANDS. Area that has saturated soils or periodic high groundwater levels and vegetation adapted to wet conditions and periodic flooding.
(Prior Code, § 88-2) (Ord. 2-88, passed 2-16-1988)