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Township of Willistown, PA
Chester County
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Code
New Laws (2) Index
In addition to the requirements of Chapter 123, Subdivision and Land Development, and Article IX, Soil Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control, the conservation measures set forth in this article shall be taken during all site preparation activities. At the discretion of the Township and in addition to the measures listed below, the Township may require a prior-to-construction meeting with the applicant or site contractor to further determine methods to minimize environmental damage.
A. 
Heavy equipment operators shall not damage existing tree trunks and root systems by driving heavy equipment within or otherwise disturbing the area circumscribed by the dripline of any tree. In addition, roots shall not be cut or disturbed within the area circumscribed by the dripline of any tree. If there is no alternative but to locate a utility line within the tree dripline, it is strongly encouraged that tunneling, rather than trenching, be used to minimize potential damage to tree root systems. In such cases, the Township shall determine the most desirable location for the survival of the tree(s). Where trenching is unavoidable, trenched holes shall be filled as soon as possible and tamped lightly to avoid the creation of air spaces.
B. 
Tree trunks and exposed roots damaged during construction shall be protected from further damage by fencing or other structural barrier. Treatment of damaged areas shall be dictated by the nature of the injury, e.g., damaged bark shall be cut back to a point where the bark is intact and tight to the tree; exposed roots shall be cleaned up and covered with topsoil; tree limbs shall be cut back in proportion to root area loss. In some cases, it may be prudent to apply liquid or dry fertilizer to trees with disturbed root zones (so as to compensate for loss of roots).
C. 
Trees shall not be used for roping, cables, signs, fencing or lighting. Nails and spikes shall not be driven into trees.
D. 
The area around the base of existing woody vegetation shall be left open. Storage of equipment, materials, debris or fill shall not be allowed within the dripline of any existing tree.
E. 
Grade changes to occur at any location on the property shall not result in an alteration to soil or drainage conditions which would adversely affect existing vegetation to be retained following site disturbance unless adequate provisions are made to protect such vegetation and its root systems.
F. 
The Township may, at its discretion, encourage that specimen plants with significant historic, visual or environmental qualities which would otherwise be removed during site preparation under the provisions of Article IV, Conservation of Valued Woodlands and Other Vegetation, be transplanted elsewhere on the site.
A. 
When digging trenches for utility lines or similar uses, disturbance to the root zones of all woody vegetation shall be minimized.
B. 
If trenches must be excavated in the root zone, all disturbed roots shall be cut as cleanly as possible. The trench shall be backfilled as quickly as possible, avoiding soil compaction. Tree limbs shall be cut back in proportion to root area loss.
A. 
No topsoil shall be removed from a site unless a sufficient amount is retained to provide at least four inches of topsoil cover over all of the site's exposed earth surfaces. More than four inches may be required if the Township determines that a greater amount is needed for the long-term viability of certain plantings. Sufficient soil shall be retained for planting under Article X, Landscaping, Buffering and Screening; Development and Construction Standards, of this chapter.
B. 
Topsoil removed by grading operations shall be redistributed and stabilized as quickly as possible following the completion of a project or project phase. All exposed earth surfaces shall be stabilized by the following methods or approved equal:
(1) 
Seeding, sodding, hydroseeding, geotextiles or planting on slopes of 10% or less.
(2) 
Sodding, hydroseeding, riprap or geotextiles on slopes exceeding 10%.
C. 
Grading and earthmoving operations shall be scheduled to minimize site disturbance during the period November 15 to April 1, when revegetation of exposed ground surfaces is difficult.
A. 
All construction debris shall be hauled away from the property prior to final inspection, as required in Chapter 123, Subdivision and Land Development, § 123-49, Inspections, unless provisions acceptable to the Township are made for the on-site disposal of such debris.
B. 
The Township shall require that fences and barriers placed around woody vegetation during construction be removed or relocated if they impede the growth and maintenance of such vegetation. All such protection materials shall be removed at completion of final stabilization.
No hazardous or toxic materials shall be stored within or around groupings of woody vegetation or within 100 feet of the dripline of any existing tree or within or around any other environmentally sensitive areas. Hazardous or toxic contaminants, including but not limited to petroleum hydrocarbons, oils, pesticides, herbicides, thinners, solvents, cleaners, abrasives, acids and bases, are strictly prohibited within or around woody vegetation or within 100 feet of the dripline of any existing tree.