A. 
Word usage. For the purpose of this chapter, certain rules or word usage apply to the text as follows:
(1) 
Words used in the present tense include the future tense and the singular includes the plural, unless the context clearly indicates the contrary.
(2) 
The term "shall" is always mandatory and not discretionary; the word "may" is permissive.
(3) 
The words or terms not interpreted or defined by this article shall be used with meanings of common or standard utilization.
B. 
Terms defined. The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of this chapter unless otherwise specifically stated:
APPLICANT
A person, partnership, corporation or public agency requesting permission to engage in land disturbance activity.
APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT
A proposed subdivision of land, site plan, conditional use, zoning variance, planned development or building permit.
CERTIFICATION
A written endorsement of a plan for soil erosion and sediment control by the Somerset-Union Soil Conservation District, which indicates that the plan meets the standards promulgated by the State Soil Conservation Committee pursuant to P.L. 1975, c. 251[1] or that the time allotted in Section 7 of said Act has expired without action by the District.
COMMITTEE
The State Soil Conservation Committee in the Department of Agriculture, established pursuant to N.J.S.A. 4:24-3.
CRITICAL AREA
A sediment-producing, highly erodible soil or severely eroded area.
DISTRICT
The Somerset-Union Soil Conservation District, organized pursuant to N.J.S.A. 4:24-7 et seq.
DISTURBANCE
Any activity involving the clearing, excavating, storing, grading, filling or transporting of soil or any other activity which causes soil to be exposed to the danger of erosion.
EROSION
The detachment and movement of soil or rock fragments by water, wind, ice and gravity.
EXCAVATION or CUT
Any act by which soil or rock is cut into, dug, quarried, uncovered, removed, displaced or relocated.
FARM CONSERVATION PLAN
A plan which provides for the use of land, within its capabilities and treatment, within practical limits, according to a chosen use to prevent further deterioration of soil and water resources.
LAND
Any ground, soil or earth, including marshes, swamps, drainageways and areas not permanently covered by water within the municipality.
PLAN
A scheme which indicates land treatment measures, including a schedule of the timing for their installation, to minimize soil erosion and sedimentation.
PROJECT
The disturbance of more than 5,000 square feet of the surface area of land for the accommodation of construction for which the Standard Building Code of the State of New Jersey would require a building permit, except that the construction of a single-family dwelling unit shall not be deemed a "project" under this chapter unless such unit is part of a proposed subdivision, site plan, conditional use, zoning variance, planned development or building permit application involving two or more such single-family dwelling units.
SEDIMENT
Solid material, mineral or organic, that is in suspension, is being transported or has been moved from its site of origin by air, water or gravity as a product of erosion.
SITE
Any plot or parcel or parcels of land.
SOIL
All unconsolidated mineral and organic material of any origin.
STANDARDS
The Standards for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control in New Jersey as promulgated by the State Soil Conservation Committee.
STRIPPING
Any activity which significantly disturbs vegetated or otherwise stabilized soil surface, including clearing and grubbing operations.
[1]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 4:24-39 et seq.