For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ACTIVE CHANNEL.
The area of the stream channel that is subject to continuous flows and that includes the portion of the channel below where the floodplain flattens.
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMPS).
Conservation practices or management measures which control soil loss and reduce water quality degradation caused by nutrients, animal wastes, toxins, sediment and runoff.
BUFFER.
A vegetated area, including trees, shrubs and herbaceous vegetation, which exists or is established to protect a stream system, lake and reservoir. Alteration of this natural area is strictly limited.
DEVELOPMENT.
The improvement of property for any purpose involving building; subdivision or the division of a tract or parcel of land into two or more parcels; the combination of any two or more lots, tracts or parcels of property for any purpose; the preparation of land for any of the above purposes.
NON-POINT SOURCE POLLUTION.
Pollution which is generated by various land use activities rather than from an identifiable or discrete source and is conveyed to waterways through natural processes, such as rainfall, storm runoff or ground water seepage rather than direct discharge.
100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN.
The area of land adjacent to a stream that is subject to inundation during a storm event that has a recurrence interval of 100 years as delineated by flood maps.
POLLUTION.
Any contamination or alteration of the physical, chemical, or biological properties of any waters that will render the waters harmful or detrimental to: public health, safety or welfare; domestic, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreational or other legitimate beneficial uses.
STREAM CHANNEL.
Part of a water course either naturally or artificially created which contains a perennial base flow of groundwater origin. Base flows of groundwater origin can be distinguished by any of the following physical indicators:
(1) Hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soil or other hydrologic indicators in the area(s) where groundwater enters the stream channel, in the vicinity of the stream headwaters, channel bed or channel banks;
(2) Flowing water not directly related to a storm event; or
(3) Historical records of a local high groundwater table, such as well and stream gauge records.
STREAM ORDER.
A classification system for streams based on stream hierarchy. The smaller the stream, the lower its numerical classification. For example, a first order stream does not have tributaries and normally originates from springs and/or seeps. At the confluence of two first order streams, a second order stream begins, and so on.
STREAM SYSTEM.
A stream channel together with the 100-year floodplain.
STREAMS.
Perennial and intermittent watercourses identified through site inspection and USGS maps. Perennial STREAMS are those which are depicted on a USGS 7.5 minute maps with a solid blue line. Intermittent STREAMS are those which are depicted on a USGS 7.5 minute maps with a dotted blue line.
WATER POLLUTION HAZARD.
A land use or activity that causes a relatively high risk of potential water pollution.
(Ord. passed 8-13-03)