(A) During the construction process, soil is highly vulnerable to erosion by wind and water. Eroded soil endangers water resources by reducing water quality and causing the siltation of aquatic habitat for fish and other desirable species. Eroded soil also necessitates repair of sewers and ditches and the dredging of lakes. In addition, clearing and grading during construction cause the loss of native vegetation necessary for terrestrial and aquatic habitat.
(B) As a result, the purpose of this local regulation is to safeguard persons, protect property, and prevent damage to the environment in town. This chapter will also promote the public welfare by guiding, regulating, and controlling the design, construction, use, and maintenance of any development or other activity that disturbs or breaks the topsoil or results in the movement of earth or land in the town.
(Ord. 2006-9, passed 11-27-06)
For the purposes of this chapter the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
CERTIFIED CONTRACTOR. A person who has received training and is licensed by IDEM to inspect and maintain erosion and sediment control practices.
CLEARING. Any activity that removes the vegetative surface cover.
DRAINAGE WAY. Any channel that conveys surface runoff throughout the site.
EROSION CONTROL. A measure that prevents erosion.
EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLAN. A set of plans prepared by or under the direction of a licensed professional engineer indicating the specific measures and sequencing to be used to control sediment and erosion on a development site during and after construction.
GRADING. Excavation or fill of material, including the resulting conditions thereof.
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.
PHASING. Clearing a parcel of land in distinct phases, with the stabilization of each phase completed before the clearing of the next.
SEDIMENT CONTROL. Measures that prevent eroded sediment from leaving the site.
SITE. A parcel of land or a contiguous combination thereof, where grading work is performed as a single unified operation.
SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT. A permit issued by the municipality for the construction or alteration of ground improvements and structures for the control of erosion, runoff, and grading.
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; installation of streets and walkways; excavation for basements, footings, piers, or foundations; erection of temporary forms; and installation of accessory buildings such as garages.
WATERCOURSE. Any body of water, including, but not limited to lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and bodies of water delineated by the town.
WATERWAY. A channel that directs surface runoff to a watercourse or to the public storm drain.
(Ord. 2006-9, passed 11-27-06)
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