CODE OF VIRGINIA

DEFINITIONS (§ 10.1-650)

As used in this article, unless the context clearly requires a different
meaning:”Continual accelerated erosion” means a rapid increase in
the erosion rate of stream banks caused by loss of vegetation, diversion of
water by constrictions, undermining, and other resultant effects of severe
floods.”Natural streams” means nontidal waterways which are part of
the natural topography. They usually maintain a continuous or seasonal flow
during the year and are characterized as being irregular in cross-section with a
meandering course. Constructed channels such as drainage ditches or swales shall
not be considered natural streams.”Program” means the Stream
Restoration Assistance Program.”Stream restoration” means any
combination of structural and vegetative measures which may be taken to restore,
stabilize, and protect a natural stream which has been damaged by severe
flooding and is consequently subject to continual accelerated erosion or other
detrimental effects. The term shall also include measures to return stream flow
to its original channel in cases where the stream course has been changed as a
result of flooding.

HISTORY: 1981, c. 450, § 21-11.23; 1988, c. 891.