CO AMWS Setbacks Glossary: Key Terms & Definitions for Developers and Consultants

CO AMWS Setbacks Key Terms & Definitions

Aquatic Life: The aquatic organisms, such as fish, macroinvertebrates, and aquatic vegetation, that live in or depend on water bodies for survival. The Colorado Aquatic Management Waters Setbacks aim to protect these organisms and their habitats.

Aquatic Management Waters: High-quality surface waters designated by the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission that require additional protection from the potential negative impacts of human activities and development. These waters are the focus of the Colorado Aquatic Management Waters Setbacks.

Best Management Practices (BMPs): Methods, measures, or practices designed to minimize adverse impacts on water quality and aquatic habitat. The Colorado Aquatic Management Waters Setbacks require the implementation of BMPs for activities within the setback areas.

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE): The state agency responsible for administering and enforcing the Colorado Aquatic Management Waters Setbacks.

Colorado Division of Water Resources (DWR): A state agency that oversees water administration, water rights, and other water-related matters in Colorado. The DWR may be involved in the implementation and enforcement of the Colorado Aquatic Management Waters Setbacks.

Colorado Water Quality Control Act: The state law that provides the statutory authority for the Colorado Aquatic Management Waters Setbacks and other water quality regulations in Colorado.

Colorado Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC): A division of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment responsible for developing and enforcing water quality regulations, including the Colorado Aquatic Management Waters Setbacks.

Ecological Integrity: The condition of an ecosystem where its structure, composition, and natural processes are intact and self-sustaining. The Colorado Aquatic Management Waters Setbacks aim to protect the ecological integrity of designated water bodies.

Impervious Surface: A surface that prevents or significantly impedes the infiltration of water into the soil, such as rooftops, roads, and parking lots. The Colorado Aquatic Management Waters Setbacks prohibit the construction of impervious surfaces within the designated setback areas.

Riparian Buffer: A vegetated area along a watercourse that helps to filter pollutants, stabilize banks, and provide habitat for aquatic and terrestrial species. The Colorado Aquatic Management Waters Setbacks prohibit the removal of native vegetation or riparian buffers within the designated setback areas.

Setback: A designated distance from a water body within which certain activities and development are prohibited or restricted to protect water quality and aquatic habitat. The Colorado Aquatic Management Waters Setbacks establish setback requirements for designated water bodies.

Setback Area: The land area within the specified setback distance from a designated aquatic management water body, where certain activities and development are prohibited or restricted.

Stormwater Discharge: The runoff of precipitation from land and impervious surfaces, such as paved streets, parking lots, and rooftops. The Colorado Aquatic Management Waters Setbacks regulate stormwater discharge to minimize its impact on aquatic management waters.

Surface Water: Water that is present on the earth's surface, such as rivers, lakes, and streams. The Colorado Aquatic Management Waters Setbacks specifically focus on protecting high-quality surface waters designated as aquatic management waters.

Water Quality: The physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of water that determine its suitability for various uses, such as drinking, recreation, and aquatic life support. The Colorado Aquatic Management Waters Setbacks aim to protect and maintain the high water quality of designated aquatic management waters.

Water Quality Standards: The legal limits and narrative requirements established by the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission to protect and maintain the quality of surface waters in the state. The Colorado Aquatic Management Waters Setbacks are designed to help achieve and maintain these standards for designated water bodies.

Watercourse: A channel or depression through which water flows, such as a river, stream, or creek. The Colorado Aquatic Management Waters Setbacks establish setback requirements from watercourses to protect water quality and aquatic habitat.