The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement
of this chapter.
CLEARING
Any activity that removes the vegetative surface cover.
DEVELOPMENT
The modification of land to accommodate a new use, revised
use, or expansion of use, usually involving construction.
EROSION
The wearing away of the land surface by natural or artificial
forces, such as wind, water, ice, gravity, or vehicle traffic and
the subsequent detachment and transportation of soil particles.
LAND-DISTURBING ACTIVITY
Any activity that causes a change in the existing soil cover
which includes the position or location of soil, sand, rock, gravel,
or similar earth material. Land-disturbing activities include, but
are not limited to, clearing, clearing of trees, grubbing, grading,
filling and excavation.
MASSACHUSETTS STORMWATER HANDBOOKS
The Massachusetts Stormwater Handbooks (handbooks) that were
produced by Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and
the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management are to be used
as guidance for controlling stormwater. The handbooks, all published
in February 2008 and as amended from time to time, consist of three
volumes: Volume 1: Overview of Massachusetts Stormwater Standards;
Volume 2: Technical Guide for Compliance with the Massachusetts Stormwater
Management Standards; and Volume 3: Documenting Compliance with the
Massachusetts Stormwater Management Standards.
MASSACHUSETTS STORMWATER MANAGEMENT POLICY
The policy issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department
of Environmental Protection, as amended from time to time, that coordinates
the requirements prescribed by state regulations promulgated under
the authority of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, MGL c.
131, § 40, and Massachusetts Clean Waters Act, MGL c. 21,
§§ 23 through 56. The policy addresses stormwater impacts
through implementation of performance standards to reduce or prevent
pollutants from reaching water bodies and to control the quantity
of runoff from a site.
MUNICIPAL STORM DRAIN SYSTEM
A conveyance or a system of conveyances designed or used
for collecting or conveying stormwater, which is not a combined sewer,
including any road with a drainage system, municipal street, catch
basins, gutter, curb, inlet, piped storm drain, pumping facility,
retention or detention basin, natural or man-made or altered drainage
channel, ditch, reservoir, and other drainage structure that together
comprise the storm drainage system owned or operated by the City.
RUNOFF
Rainfall, snowmelt, or irrigation water flowing over the
ground surface.
SITE
Any lot or parcel of land or area of property where land-disturbing
activities are, were, or will be performed.
SOIL
Any earth, dirt, sand, rock, gravel, clay or similar material.
STORMWATER
Stormwater runoff, snowmelt runoff, and surface water runoff
and drainage.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PERMIT
A permit issued by the City Engineer, after review of an
application, plans, calculations, and other supporting documents,
which is designed to protect the environment or the City from the
deleterious effects of uncontrolled and untreated stormwater runoff.