§ 33-3-101. DEFINITIONS.

(a)

In general. In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b)

Agricultural operation. "Agricultural operation" means properties used for the production of agricultural products in accordance with a soil conservation and water quality plan approved by the County Soil Conservation District.

(c)

Agriculture.

(1)

"Agriculture" means all methods of production, processing, storage, and management of livestock, crops, vegetation, and soil.

(2)

"Agriculture" includes:

(i)

The related activities of tillage, fertilization, pest control, harvesting, and marketing; and

(ii)

The activities of feeding, housing, maintaining animals, including cattle, dairy cows, sheep, goats, hogs, horses, and poultry and handling their by-products.

(d)

Applicant.

(1)

"Applicant" means a person requesting approval of development under this title or Article 32, Title 4 of the Code.

(2)

"Applicant" includes an owner, contract purchaser, or the legally authorized representative of either.

(e)

Best management practices (BMPs). "Best management practices (BMPs)" means conservation practices or systems of practices and management measures that control soil loss and reduce water quality degradation caused by nutrients, animal wastes, toxins, sediment, and runoff.

(f)

Department. "Department" means the Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability.

(g)

Development. "Development" means:

(1)

The improvement of property for any purpose involving building;

(2)

Subdivision;

(3)

The combination of any two or more lots, tracts, or parcels of property for any purpose;

(4)

Subjecting property to the provisions of the Maryland Condominium Act; and

(5)

The preparation of land for any of the purposes listed in items (1) through (4) of this subsection.

(h)

Forest buffer.

(1)

"Forest buffer" means a wooded area that exists or is established to protect a stream system.

(2)

"Forest buffer" includes trees, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation.

(i)

Plan. "Plan" means a written and graphic representation of all proposed development, forest harvesting operations, surface mining operations, agricultural operations, and other land use activities not otherwise exempt from the provisions of this title that is prepared in accordance with § 33-3-108 of this title.

(j)

Pollutant. "Pollutant" means:

(1)

Any waste or wastewater that is discharged from:

(i)

Any publicly-owned treatment works, or

(ii)

An industrial source; or

(2)

Any other liquid, gaseous, solid, or other substance that will pollute any waters of this state.

(k)

Public improvement. "Public improvement" means any improvement, facility, or service together with its associated public site or right-of-way necessary to provide transportation, drainage, public or private utilities, energy, or similar essential services.

(l)

Waste. "Waste" means industrial waste and all other liquid, gaseous, solid, and other substances that will pollute any waters of this state.

(m)

Wastewater. "Wastewater" means:

(1)

Liquid waste substance derived from industrial, commercial, municipal, residential, agricultural, recreational, or other operations or establishments; or

(2)

Other liquid waste substance containing liquid, gaseous, or solid matter and having characteristics that will pollute any waters of this state.

(1988 Code, § 14-336) (Bill No. 224, 1990, § 1, 1-1-1991; Bill No. 10-96, § 3, 3-23-1996; Bill No. 94-02, § 2, 7-1-2004; Bill No. 122-10, § 13, 1-16-2011)