For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE (BMP). A measure that is implemented to protect water quality and reduce the potential for pollution associated with storm water runoff.
BLUE LINE STREAMS. Streams that are represented on the United States Department of the Interior Geological Survey 1:24,000 quadrangle maps.
CHANNEL. A natural or constructed/human-made watercourse with definite bed and banks to confine and conduct continuously or periodically flowing water. CHANNEL FLOW is that water which is flowing within the limits of the defined channel.
CITY. The City of Elizabethtown, Kentucky.
CLEAN WATER ACT (CWA). Federal regulation that prohibits the discharge of pollutants to Waters of the United States unless said discharge is in accordance with an NPDES permit.
CLEARING. Any activity that removes the vegetative surface cover to expose erodible soil.
CRITICAL AREA. A site difficult to stabilize due to exposed subsoil, steep slope, extent of exposure or other conditions.
DETENTION. The temporary delay of storm runoff prior to its discharge into receiving waters.
DEVELOPER. Any individual, firm, corporation, association, partnership or trust involved in commencing proceedings to effect development of land.
DRAINAGE BASIN. A part of the surface of the earth that is occupied by and provides surface water runoff, consisting of a surface stream or a body of impounded surface water together with all tributary surface streams, bodies of impounded surface water and contributing land area.
DRAINAGE WAY. Any channel that conveys surface runoff throughout the site.
DRAINAGE/DRY WELL. A bored, drilled, driven, dug or naturally occurring shaft or hole with a depth greater than the largest surface dimension; used to drain surface water into a subsurface formation.
EPHEMERAL STREAM. A stream or part of a stream that flows only in direct response to rain, other forms of precipitation and snowmelt. Its channel is above the water table at all times.
EROSION. The wearing away of land surface by the action of wind, water, gravity, ice or any combination of those forces.
EPSC. Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control.
EPSC CONTRACTOR. A person or other entity responsible for the installation, inspection, recordkeeping and maintenance of erosion and sediment control BMPs.
EPSC PLAN. A set of plans indicating the specific measures and sequencing to be used to control sediment and erosion on a development site during and after construction.
EXCAVATION. Any portion of land surface or area from which earth has been removed or will be removed; the depth below original ground surface to remaining surface.
EXISTING GRADE. The slope or elevation of existing ground surface prior to cutting or filling.
FILL. Portion of land surface or area to which soil, rock or other materials have been or will be added; height above original ground surface after the material has been or will be added.
FINISHED GRADE. The final slope or elevation of the ground surface after cutting or filling.
FLOODPLAIN. The relatively flat or lowland area adjoining a watercourse or a body of water which has been or may be covered temporarily by flood water. FLOODPLAINS are often found along rivers, streams, creeks, ditches and storm water piping systems and in proximity to lakes, ponds and sinkholes.
GRADING. Any stripping, cutting, filling or stockpiling of earth or land, including the land in its cut or filled condition, to create new grades.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE. A term applied to any ground or structural surface that water cannot penetrate or through which water penetrates with great difficulty.
KYDOW GENERAL PERMIT (KGP). An agreement between the KYDOW, the city and the permittee which specifies conservation practices that shall be implemented in conjunction with the construction activities specified in the terms and conditions of the general permit.
LAND DISTURBANCE. The purposeful act of clearing, grubbing, excavating or grading; disrupting ground surface by or for construction activities, including construction access/roads, staging and storage sites producing significant areas of exposed soil and soils piles.
NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES). The EPA’s program to control the discharge of pollutants to waters of the United States. NPDES is a part of the Federal CWA, which requires point and non-point source dischargers to obtain permits. These permits are referred to as NPDES permits nationally and KPDES permits within the state.
NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI). A formal notice to the EPA or the KYDOW that a construction project seeking coverage under a general permit is about to begin.
NOTICE OF TERMINATION (NOT). A formal notice to the KYDOW that construction project is complete and seeking release for the EPSC and the state general permit.
PERIMETER CONTROL. A barrier that prevents sediment from leaving a site by filtering sediment-laden runoff or diverting it to a sediment trap or basin.
PERMIT PHASING. Clearing a parcel of land sequentially in distinct phases, with the stabilization of each phase completed before the clearing of the next.
PERMITTEE. The person responsible for the land disturbing activity.
PLOT PLAN. A limited plan depicting proposed improvements and other physical features of the site.
PUBLIC STORM DRAIN. Drainage system that is maintained by the city.
SEDIMENT. Solid materials, both mineral and organic, that is in suspension, is being transported, or has been moved from its site of origin by air, water or gravity as a product of erosion.
SEDIMENT CONTROL. Measures that prevent eroded sediment from leaving a site.
SITE. A parcel or contiguous parcels of land where grading work is performed that is subject to erosion of sediments as a result of cutting, filling, grading or other disturbance of the soil.
sMS4. Small municipal separate storm sewer system, as established in the state’s Pollution Discharge Elimination System (KPDES).
STABILIZATION. The use of practices that prevent exposed soil from eroding.
START OF CONSTRUCTION. The first land-disturbing activity associated with a development, including land preparation such as clearing, grading and filling; stockpiling topsoil; installation of streets and sidewalks; utilities installation; excavation for basements, footings, piers or foundations; erection of temporary forms; and installation of accessory buildings such as garages.
STORM WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN (SWMP). A plan based on hydrologic and hydraulic calculations that determines flood stage and required improvements to minimize impact from development. The SWMP shall be prepared by or under the direction of a licensed professional engineer.
STORM WATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN (SWPPP). A plan required by storm water regulations or permits that includes site map(s), an identification of construction/contractor activities that could cause pollutants in the storm water and a description of measures or practices to control these pollutants. This is synonymous with the term BMP PLAN used in the KYDOW general permit. The SWPPP shall be prepared by or under the direction of a licensed professional engineer.
TEMPORARY PROTECTION. Short-term stabilization of erosive or sediment producing areas.
VEGETATIVE PROTECTION. Stabilization of erosive or sediment producing areas by covering the soil with any of the following materials: permanent seeding for long-term vegetative cover, short-term seeding for temporary vegetative cover, sodding, producing areas covered with a turf of perennial sod-forming grass, tree planting or other planting.
WATERCOURSE. Any body of water, including, but not limited to, lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and other bodies of water as delineated by the city, state or federal government.
WATERWAY. A channel that directs surface runoff to a watercourse or to the public storm drain.
(Prior Code, § 157.02) (Ord. 01-2007, passed 3-5-2007)