The Board of Supervisors of Salem Township finds that:
A. 
Inadequate management of accelerated runoff of stormwater resulting from development throughout a watershed increases flood flow volumes and velocities, contributes to erosion and sedimentation, overtaxes the carrying capacity of streams and storm sewers, greatly increases the costs of public facilities to carry and control stormwater, undermines floodplain management and flood control efforts in downstream communities, reduces groundwater recharge, deteriorates the water quality of receiving waters and threatens public health and safety.
B. 
A comprehensive program of stormwater management, including reasonable regulation of development and activities causing accelerated erosion, is fundamental to the public health, safety and welfare and the protection of the people of Salem Township and all the people of the commonwealth, their resources and the environment.
The purpose of this chapter is to promote the public health, safety and welfare within the Wallenpaupack Creek Watershed by minimizing the damages described in § 91-1A of this chapter. To accomplish this, this chapter establishes a comprehensive stormwater management program designed:
A. 
To control accelerated runoff and erosion and sedimentation problems at their source by regulating activities which cause such problems.
B. 
To utilize and preserve the desirable existing natural drainage systems.
C. 
To encourage recharge of groundwaters.
D. 
To maintain the existing flows and quality of streams and watercourses in Salem Township and the commonwealth.
E. 
To preserve and restore the flood-carrying capacity of streams.
F. 
To provide for proper design, installation and maintenance of all permanent stormwater management structures which are constructed in Salem Township.
Salem Township is empowered to regulate these activities by the authority of the Act of October 4, 1978, P.L. 864, (No. 167), the Stormwater Management Act, and the Act of July 31, 1968, P.L. 805, No. 247, entitled the "Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code."[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See 32 P.S. § 680.1 et seq. and 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq., respectively.
A. 
This chapter shall apply to those areas of Salem Township as delineated on an official map available for examination at the Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District office.
B. 
This chapter contains only those stormwater runoff control criteria and standards which are necessary or desirable from a total watershed perspective. Additional design standards for stormwater management facilities (i.e., inlet spacing, inlet type, collection system details, etc.) may be listed in Chapter 99, Subdivision and Land Development, or may be instituted by the Salem Township Engineer.
C. 
The following land disturbance activities are defined as "regulated activities" and shall be regulated by this chapter, except those individual land disturbance activities which meet the criteria to qualify for exemption, as described in § 91-12 of 91-36:
(1) 
General land disturbance activities, including clearing, excavation and filling.
(2) 
Land development.
(3) 
Subdivision.
(4) 
Agricultural operations.
(5) 
Construction of new or additional impervious or semipervious surfaces (driveways, parking lots, etc.).
(6) 
Construction of new buildings or additions to existing buildings.
(7) 
Forest management operations and nursery operations.
(8) 
Diversion or piping of any natural or man-made drainage channel.
(9) 
Installation of stormwater systems or appurtenances thereto.
(10) 
Oiling of roads.