For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ADMINISTRATION. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Water Management Administration (WMA).
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, which are or may potentially be harmful or injurious to human health, welfare, safety or property, biological productivity, diversity, or stability or that unreasonably interfere with the enjoyment of life or property, including outdoor recreation.
AGRICULTURAL LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES. Those 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 are not to be considered a part of this definition.
AGRICULTURAL STRUCTURES. Buildings or structures on farms which are zoned or assessed agricultural and used only for agricultural pursuits if such buildings and/or structures are not intended for nor used for human occupancy.
APPLICANT. Any person, firm, or government agency that executes the necessary forms to apply for a permit or approval to carry out construction of a project.
APPROVAL AUTHORITY. The entity responsible for the review and approval of erosion and sediment control plans.
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE (BMP). A structural device or nonstructural practice designed to temporarily store or treat stormwater runoff in order to mitigate flooding, reduce pollution, and provide other amenities.
CLEAR. To remove the vegetative ground cover while leaving the root mat intact.
CONCEPT PLAN. The first of 3 plans submitted under the comprehensive review and approval process required by the Act and described in COMAR 26.17.02 and shall include the information necessary to allow an initial evaluation of proposed project.
DEPARTMENT. The Department of the Environment.
DRAINAGE AREA. That area contributing runoff to a single point measured in a horizontal plan that is enclosed by a ridge line.
ENVIRONMENTAL SITE DESIGN (ESD). Using small-scale stormwater management practices, nonstructural techniques, and better site planning to mimic natural hydrologic runoff characteristics and minimize the impact of land development on water resources.
EROSION. The process by which the land surface is worn away by the action of wind, water, ice, or gravity.
EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL. A system of structural and vegetative measures that minimizes soil erosion and off-site sedimentation.
EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLAN. An erosion and sediment control strategy or plan designed to minimize erosion and prevent off-site sedimentation.
EXEMPTION. Those land development activities that are not subject to the erosion and sediment control requirements contained in this chapter.
FINAL EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLAN. Along with the final stormwater management plan, the last of 3 plans submitted under the comprehensive review and approval process required by the Act and described in COMAR 26.17.02. FINAL EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLANS shall be prepared and approved in accordance with the specific requirements of the Garrett Soil Conservation District (GSCD) and this chapter and designed in accordance with the Standards and Specifications.
GRADE. To disturb earth by, including but not limited to , excavating, filling, stockpiling, grubbing, removing root mat or topsoil, or any combination thereof.
GRADING UNIT. The maximum contiguous area allowed to be graded at a given time. For the purposes of this chapter, a GRADING UNIT is 20 acres or less.
HIGHLY ERODIBLE SOILS. Those soils on steep slopes or those soils with a soil erodability factor, K, greater than 0.35 and with slopes greater than 5%.
INSPECTION AGENCY. The Administration.
MAXIMUM EXTENT PRACTICABLE (MEP). Designing stormwater management systems so that all reasonable opportunities for using ESD planning techniques and treatment practices are exhausted and only where absolutely necessary is a structural BMP implemented.
OWNER/DEVELOPER. A person undertaking, or for whose benefit, activities covered by this chapter are carried on. General contractors or subcontractors, or both, without a proprietary interest in a project are not included within this definition.
PERMITTEE. Any person to whom a 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. Any foreman, superintendent, or project engineer who is in charge of on-site clearing and grading operations or the implementation and maintenance of an erosion and sediment control plan.
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 that are in 1 ownership, or are contiguous and in diverse ownership, where development is to be performed as part of a unit, subdivision, or project.
SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN. The second of 3 plans submitted under the comprehensive review and approval process required by the Act and described in COMAR 26.17.02. A SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN shall include the information necessary to allow a detailed evaluation of a proposed project.
STABILIZATION. The protection of exposed soils from erosion by the application of seed and mulch, seed and matting, sod, other vegetative measures, and/or structural means.
STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS. The “2011 Maryland Standards and Specifications for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control” or any subsequent revisions.
STORMWATER. Water that originates from a precipitation event.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. Natural areas, ESD practices, stormwater management measures, and any other structure through which stormwater flows, infiltrates, or discharges from a site.
VARIANCE. The modification of the minimum erosion and sediment control requirements for exceptional circumstances such that strict adherence to the requirements would result in unnecessary hardship and to fulfill the intent of this chapter.
WATERSHED. The total drainage area contributing runoff to a single point.
(Ord. —, passed 2-5-2013)