Section 897.30  Definitions

"Applicant" – The person, company, or organization that proposes to apply aquatic herbicides or non-chemical treatments to the Lake Michigan public waters.

"Chemicals" – All USEPA approved and registered aquatic herbicides.

"Chemical treatment" – The single, one-time use of a USEPA approved and registered aquatic herbicide to destroy or limit the growth of aquatic plants.

"Client" – The person who contracts with the pest control operator for the described aquatic plant management treatment.

"Department" – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

"Illinois public waters of Lake Michigan" – All the open waters of Lake Michigan from the Wisconsin state line south to the Indiana state line and from the Michigan state line west to the Illinois shore, all harbors of the body of water that are or were navigable and are open or dedicated to public use, and the navigation channels connecting these harbors to Lake Michigan

"Letter of Permission" – Document drafted by the Department that specifies the location, date, and method of treatment.

"Non-chemical treatment" – Utilization of plant screens, sediment covers, bottom barriers, blanketing materials that are gas-permeable, or mechanical cutting or removal to destroy or limit the growth of aquatic plants.  A non-chemical treatment may consist of a series of actions in the case of mechanical cutting or removal of aquatic plants.

"Non-target organisms" – Any plant, other than nuisance-causing aquatic plants specified on the application, or animal species within the treatment area or adjacent areas that may be adversely affected by the chemical or non-chemical treatment.

"Sensitive area"– Areas of aquatic vegetation identified by the Department as offering critical or unique fish and wildlife habitat, including seasonal or life stage requirements, or offering water quality or erosion control benefits to the body of water.  This also includes areas included by the Department on the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory, or registered or dedicated pursuant to the Illinois Natural Areas Preservation Act [525 ILCS 30].