[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the
Town of Tonawanda 11-19-2007 by L.L. No. 9-2007.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Excavations — See Ch. 77.
Flood Damage Prevention — See Ch. 92.
Excavation, removal and storage of materials — See Ch. 179.
Subdivision of land — See Ch. 185.
Zoning — See Ch. 215.
[1]
Editor's Note: This local law repealed former
Ch. 73, Drainage Control, adopted 3-23-1987 by L.L. No. 1-1987. This
local law also provided that it shall be effective on the first day
of January after it shall have been adopted and filed with the office
of the Secretary of State. Said local law was filed 11-23-2007.
It is hereby determined that:
A.
Construction activities and associated increases in
site impervious cover often alter the hydrologic response of local
watersheds and increase stormwater runoff rates and volumes, flooding,
stream channel erosion, or sediment transport and deposition;
B.
This stormwater runoff contributes to increased quantities
of water-borne pollutants, including siltation of aquatic habitat
for fish and other desirable species;
C.
Clearing and grading during construction tends to
increase soil erosion and add to the loss of native vegetation necessary
for terrestrial and aquatic habitat;
D.
Improper design and construction of stormwater management
practices can increase the velocity of stormwater runoff thereby increasing
streambank erosion and sedimentation;
E.
Impervious surfaces allow less water to percolate
into the soil, thereby decreasing groundwater recharge and stream
baseflow;
F.
Substantial economic losses can result from these
adverse impacts on the waters of the municipality;
G.
Stormwater runoff, soil erosion and nonpoint source
pollution can be controlled and minimized through the regulation of
stormwater runoff from construction activities;
H.
The regulation of stormwater runoff discharges from
construction activities in order to control and minimize increases
in stormwater runoff rates and volumes, soil erosion, stream channel
erosion, and nonpoint source pollution associated with stormwater
runoff is in the public interest and will minimize threats to public
health and safety.
I.
Regulation of construction activities by means of
performance standards governing stormwater management and site design
will produce development compatible with the natural functions of
a particular site or an entire watershed and thereby mitigate the
adverse effects of erosion and sedimentation from development.
It is the intention of the Town Board of Tonawanda to protect the health and welfare of those residing in the Town of Tonawanda by preventing the dangers arising from improper drainage, unwise diversion, use and obstruction of streams and watercourses and to plan for the present and future use of natural drainage systems and watercourses. The purpose of this chapter is to establish minimum stormwater management requirements and controls to protect and safeguard the general health, safety, and welfare of the public residing within this jurisdiction and to address the findings of fact in § 73-1 hereof. This chapter seeks to meet those purposes by achieving the following objectives:
A.
Meet the requirements of minimum measures 4 and 5
of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation State Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) General Permit for Stormwater
Discharges from Municipal Separate Stormwater Sewer Systems (MS4s),
Permit No. GP-02-02, or as amended or revised;
B.
Require construction activities to conform to the
substantive requirements of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
SPDES General Permit for Construction Activities, Permit No. GP-02-01,
or as amended or revised;
C.
Minimize increases in stormwater runoff from construction
activities in order to reduce flooding, siltation, increases in stream
temperature, and streambank erosion and maintain the integrity of
stream channels;
D.
Minimize increases in pollution caused by stormwater
runoff from construction activities which would otherwise degrade
local water quality;
E.
Minimize the total annual volume of stormwater runoff
which flows from any specific site during and following development
to the maximum extent practicable; and
F.
Reduce stormwater runoff rates and volumes, soil erosion
and nonpoint source pollution, wherever possible, through stormwater
management practices and ensure that these management practices are
properly maintained and eliminate threats to public safety.
This chapter shall be applicable to all construction activities, as defined in § 73-7 of this chapter that occur in the area of the Town of Tonawanda, excluding the Village of Kenmore.
A.
Each owner and occupant of property in the Town of Tonawanda shall keep any natural drainage course on such property clear and unobstructed. No such owner or occupant shall cause or permit the inhibition, alteration or obstruction of any natural drainage course without first obtaining approval of the Town Board of the Town of Tonawanda. A natural drainage course shall be deemed to be any stream, ditch, culvert or watercourse other than a sewer as defined and regulated by Chapter 165, Sewers, of the Code of the Town of Tonawanda.
B.
The Town of Tonawanda Town Board shall designate by resolution a Stormwater Management Officer who shall accept and review all stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPPs), as defined in § 73-7 of this chapter, and forward such plans to such agency, committee, department, or board of the Town of Tonawanda which may be reviewing any application for a construction activity requiring submission of a SWPPP. The Stormwater Management Officer may:
(1)
Review the plans; or
(2)
Upon approval by the Town Board of the Town of Tonawanda,
engage the services of a licensed professional to review the plans,
specifications and related documents at a cost not to exceed a fee
schedule established by the Town Board of the Town of Tonawanda; or
(3)
Accept the certification of a licensed professional
that the plans conform to the requirements of this chapter.
C.
All construction activities subject to review and
approval by the Code Enforcement Officer, Town Building Department,
or Town Board of the Town of Tonawanda under zoning, site plan, subdivision,
trailer parks and camps license application review, and/or special
use permit regulations shall be subject to the standards contained
in this chapter.
The following activities shall be exempt from
review under this chapter:
B.
Silvicultural activity except that landing areas and
log haul roads are subject to this chapter;
C.
Routine maintenance activities that disturb less than
five acres and are performed to maintain the original line and grade,
hydraulic capacity or original purpose of a facility;
D.
Repairs to any stormwater management practice or facility
deemed necessary by the Stormwater Management Officer;
E.
Any part of a subdivision if a plat for the subdivision
has been approved by the Town of Tonawanda Town Board on or before
the effective date of this chapter;
F.
Construction activities for which a building permit
has been approved on or before the effective date of this chapter;
G.
Cemetery graves;
H.
Installation of fence, sign, telephone, and electric
poles and other kinds of posts or poles;
I.
Emergency activity immediately necessary to protect
life, property or natural resources;
J.
Activities of an individual engaging in home gardening
by growing flowers, vegetables and other plants primarily for use
by that person and his or her family;
K.
Landscaping and horticultural activities in connection
with an existing structure.
Where the conditions imposed by any provisions
of this chapter are either more restrictive or less restrictive than
comparable conditions imposed by any other applicable law, ordinance,
resolution, rule or regulation of any kind, the regulations which
are more restrictive and impose higher standards or requirements shall
govern.
The terms used in this chapter or in documents
prepared or reviewed under this chapter shall have the meanings as
set forth in this section.
The activity of an active farm, including grazing and watering
livestock, irrigating crops, harvesting crops, using land for growing
agricultural products, and cutting timber for sale, but shall not
include the operation of a dude ranch or similar operation, or the
construction of new structures associated with agricultural activities.
A property owner or agent of a property owner who has filed
an application for a construction activity.
A natural or artificial watercourse with a definite bed and
banks that conducts continuously or periodically flowing water.
Any activity that removes the vegetative surface cover.
Construction activity, including clearing, grading, excavating,
soil disturbance or placement of fill, that results in land disturbance
of equal to or greater than one acre, or activities disturbing less
than one acre of total land area that is part of a larger common plan
of development or sale, even though multiple separate and distinct
construction activities may take place at different times on different
schedules.
The deliberate appropriation of property by its owner for
general public use.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
The New York State Stormwater Management Design Manual, most
recent version, including applicable updates, which serves as the
official guide for stormwater management principles, methods and practices.
A person who undertakes construction activities.
The most recent version of the New York Standards and Specifications
for Erosion and Sediment Control manual, commonly known as the "Blue
Book."
Excavation or fill of material, including the resulting conditions
thereof.
Those surfaces, improvements and structures that cannot effectively
infiltrate rainfall, snowmelt and water (e.g., building rooftops,
pavement, sidewalks, driveways, etc.).
A State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit issued
to a commercial industry or group of industries which regulates the
pollutant levels associated with industrial stormwater discharges
or specifies on-site pollution control strategies.
The process of percolating stormwater into the subsoil.
An area that is inundated or saturated by surface water or
groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support a prevalence
of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions,
commonly known as "hydrophytic vegetation."
The legal or beneficial owner of land, including those holding
the right to purchase or lease the land, or any other person holding
proprietary rights in the land.
A licensed professional shall include: a licensed professional
engineer, a certified professional in erosion and sediment control
(CPESC), a registered landscape architect, or someone working under
the direct supervision of, and at the same company as, the licensed
professional engineer or registered landscape architect, provided
they have received four hours of endorsed training in proper erosion
and sediment control principles from a Soil and Water Conservation
District and provided they are licensed to practice their profession
in New York State.
[Amended 8-29-2016 by L.L. No. 2-2016]
A legally recorded document that acts as a property deed
restriction and which provides for long-term maintenance of stormwater
management practices.
Pollution from any source other than from any discernible,
confined, and discrete conveyances, and shall include, but not be
limited to, pollutants from agricultural, silvicultural, mining, construction,
subsurface disposal and urban runoff sources.
Clearing a parcel of land in distinct pieces or parts, with
the stabilization of each piece completed before the clearing of the
next.
Sediment or a water quality measurement that addresses sediment
(such as total suspended solids, turbidity or siltation) and any other
pollutant that has been identified as a cause of impairment of any
water body that will receive a discharge from the construction activity.
Construction activity.
The replenishment of underground water reserves.
Measures that prevent eroded sediment from leaving the site.
Cold water fisheries, shellfish beds, swimming beaches, groundwater
recharge areas, water supply reservoirs, habitats for threatened,
endangered or special concern species.
A permit under the New York State Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (SPDES) issued to developers of construction activities to
regulate disturbance of one or more acres of land.
A permit under the New York State Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (SPDES) issued to municipalities to regulate discharges from
municipal separate storm sewers for compliance with EPA established
water quality standards and/or to specify stormwater control standards.
The use of practices that prevent exposed soil from eroding.
An order issued which requires that all construction activity
on a site be stopped.
Rainwater, surface runoff, snowmelt and drainage.
A land use or activity that generates higher concentrations
of hydrocarbons, trace metals or toxicants than are found in typical
stormwater runoff, based on monitoring studies.
The use of structural or nonstructural practices that are
designed to reduce stormwater runoff and mitigate its adverse impacts
on property, natural resources and the environment.
One or a series of stormwater management practices installed,
stabilized and operating for the purpose of controlling stormwater
runoff.
An employee or officer designated by resolution of the Town
Board of the Town of Tonawanda to accept and review stormwater pollution
prevention plans, forward the plans to such agency, committee, department,
or board of the Town of Tonawanda which may be reviewing any application
for a construction activity requiring submission of a SWPPP, and inspect
stormwater management practices. The Town Board of the Town of Tonawanda
shall appoint such employee or officer to act as the Stormwater Management
Officer by resolution.
Measures, either structural or nonstructural, that are determined
to be the most effective, practical means of preventing flood damage
and preventing or reducing point source or nonpoint source pollution
inputs to stormwater runoff and water bodies.
A plan for controlling stormwater runoff and pollutants from
a site during and after construction activities.
Flow on the surface of the ground, resulting from precipitation.
Lakes, bays, sounds, ponds, impounding reservoirs, springs,
wells, rivers, streams, creeks, estuaries, marshes, inlets, canals,
the Atlantic Ocean within the territorial seas of the State of New
York and all other bodies of surface water, natural or artificial,
inland or coastal, fresh or salt, public or private (except those
private waters that do not combine or effect a junction with natural
surface or underground waters), which are wholly or partially within
or bordering the state or within its jurisdiction. Storm sewers and
waste treatment systems, including treatment ponds or lagoons, which
also meet the criteria of this definition are not waters of the state.
This exclusion applies only to man-made bodies of water which neither
were originally created in waters of the state (such as a disposal
area in wetlands) nor resulted from impoundment of waters of the state.
A permanent or intermittent stream or other body of water,
either natural or man-made, which gathers or carries surface water.
A channel that directs surface runoff to a watercourse or
to the public storm drain.
A.
Stormwater pollution prevention plan requirement.
No application for approval of a construction activity shall be reviewed
until the SMO has received a stormwater pollution prevention plan
(SWPPP) prepared in accordance with the specifications in this chapter.
B.
Contents of stormwater pollution prevention plans.
(1)
All SWPPPs shall provide the following background
information and erosion and sediment controls:
(a)
Background information about the scope of the
project, including location, type and size of project.
(b)
Site map/construction drawing(s) for the project,
including a general location map. The site map should be at a scale
of no smaller than one inch to 100 feet. At a minimum, the site map
should show the total site area; all improvements; areas of disturbance;
areas that will not be disturbed; existing vegetation; on-site and
adjacent off-site surface water(s); wetlands and drainage patterns
that could be affected by the construction activity; existing and
final slopes; locations of off-site material, waste, borrow or equipment
storage areas; and location(s) of the stormwater discharges(s);
(c)
Description of the soil(s) present at the site;
(d)
Construction phasing plan describing the intended
sequence of construction activities, including clearing and grubbing,
excavation and grading, utility and infrastructure installation and
any other activity at the site that results in soil disturbance. Consistent
with the New York Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment
Control (Erosion Control Manual), not more than five acres shall be
disturbed at any one time unless pursuant to an approved SWPPP;
(e)
Description of the pollution prevention measures
that will be used to control litter, construction chemicals and construction
debris from becoming a pollutant source in stormwater runoff;
(f)
Description of construction and waste materials
expected to be stored on-site, with updates as appropriate, and a
description of controls to reduce pollutants from these materials,
including storage practices to minimize exposure of the materials
to stormwater, and spill prevention and response;
(g)
Temporary and permanent structural and vegetative
measures to be used for soil stabilization, runoff control and sediment
control for each stage of the project from initial land clearing and
grubbing to project close-out;
(h)
A site map/construction drawing(s) specifying
the location(s), size(s) and length(s) of each erosion and sediment
control practice;
(i)
Dimensions, material specifications and installation
details for all erosion and sediment control practices, including
the siting and sizing of any temporary sediment basins;
(j)
Temporary practices that will be converted to
permanent control measures;
(k)
Implementation schedule for staging temporary
erosion and sediment control practices, including the timing of initial
placement and duration that each practice should remain in place;
(l)
Maintenance schedule to ensure continuous and
effective operation of the erosion and sediment control practice;
(m)
Name(s) of the receiving water(s);
(n)
Delineation of SWPPP implementation responsibilities
for each part of the site;
(o)
Description of structural practices designed
to divert flows from exposed soils, store flows, or otherwise limit
runoff and the discharge of pollutants from exposed areas of the site
to the degree attainable; and
(p)
Any existing data that describes the stormwater
runoff at the site.
(2)
Construction activities as defined in § 73-7 of this chapter and meeting Condition A, B, or C below shall also include water quantity and water quality controls (postconstruction stormwater runoff controls) as set forth below in § 73-8B(3) of this chapter as applicable:
(a)
Condition A. Stormwater runoff from construction
activities discharging a pollutant of concern to either an impaired
water identified on the Departments 303(d) list of impaired waters
or a total maximum daily load (TMDL) designated watershed for which
pollutants in stormwater have been identified as a source of the impairment.
(b)
Condition B. Stormwater runoff from construction
activities disturbing five or more acres.
(c)
Condition C. Stormwater runoff from construction
activity disturbing between one and five acres of land during the
course of the project, exclusive of the construction of single-family
residences and construction activities at agricultural properties.
(3)
SWPPP requirements for Condition A, B or C.
(b)
Description of each postconstruction stormwater
management practice.
(c)
Site map/construction drawing(s) showing the
specific location(s) and size(s) of each postconstruction stormwater
management practice.
(d)
Hydrologic and hydraulic analysis for all structural
components of the stormwater management system for the applicable
design storms.
(e)
Comparison of postdevelopment stormwater runoff
conditions with predevelopment conditions.
(f)
Dimensions, material specifications and installation
details for each postconstruction stormwater management practice.
(g)
Maintenance schedule to ensure continuous and
effective operation of each postconstruction stormwater management
practice.
(h)
Maintenance easements to ensure access to all
stormwater management practices at the site for the purpose of inspection
and repair. Easements shall be recorded on the plan and shall remain
in effect with transfer of title to the property.
C.
The SWPPP must be prepared by a licensed professional
and must be signed by the professional preparing the plan, who shall
certify that the design of all stormwater management practices meets
the requirements in this chapter.
D.
Other environmental permits. The applicant shall assure
that all other applicable environmental permits have been or will
be acquired for the construction activity prior to approval of the
final stormwater design plan.
E.
Contractor certification.
(1)
Each contractor and subcontractor identified in the
SWPPP who will be involved in soil disturbance and/or stormwater management
practice installation shall sign and date a copy of the following
certification statement before undertaking any construction activity:
"I certify under penalty of law that I understand and agree to comply
with the terms and conditions of the stormwater pollution prevention
plan. I also understand that it is unlawful for any person to cause
or contribute to a violation of water quality standards."
(2)
The certification must include the name and title
of the person providing the signature, address and telephone number
of the contracting firm; the address (or other identifying description)
of the site; and the date the certification is made.
(3)
The certification statement(s) shall become part of
the SWPPP for the construction activity.
F.
A copy of the SWPPP shall be retained at the site
of the construction activity during construction from the date of
initiation of construction activities to the date of final stabilization.
All construction activities shall be subject
to the following performance and design criteria:
A.
Technical standards. For the purpose of this chapter,
the following documents shall serve as the official guides and specifications
for stormwater management. Stormwater management practices that are
designed and constructed in accordance with these technical documents
shall be presumed to meet the standards imposed by this chapter:
(1)
The New York State Stormwater Management Design Manual
(New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, most current
version or its successor, hereafter referred to as the Design Manual).
(2)
New York Standards and Specifications for Erosion
and Sediment Control (Empire State Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation
Society, 2004, most current version or its successor, hereafter referred
to as the Erosion Control Manual).
B.
Equivalence to technical standards. Where stormwater management practices are not in accordance with technical standards, the applicant or developer must demonstrate equivalence to the technical standards set forth in § 73-9A of this chapter and the SWPPP shall be prepared by a licensed professional.
C.
Water quality standards. Any construction activity
shall not cause an increase in turbidity that will result in substantial
visible contrast to natural conditions in surface waters of the State
of New York.
A.
Maintenance and inspection during construction.
(1)
The applicant or developer of the construction activity
or their representative shall at all times properly operate and maintain
all facilities and systems of treatment and control (and related appurtenances)
which are installed or used by the applicant or developer to achieve
compliance with the conditions of this chapter. Sediment shall be
removed from sediment traps or sediment ponds whenever their design
capacity has been reduced by 50%.
(2)
For construction activities as defined in § 73-7 of this chapter and meeting Condition A, B or C in § 73-8B(2) of this chapter, the applicant shall have a licensed professional conduct site inspections and document the effectiveness of all erosion and sediment control practices every seven days and within 24 hours of any storm event producing 0.5 inch of precipitation or more. Inspection reports shall be maintained in a site logbook.
(3)
The applicant or developer or their representative
shall be on site at all times when construction or grading activity
takes place and shall inspect and document the effectiveness of all
erosion and sediment control practices.
B.
Maintenance easement(s). Prior to the issuance of
any approval that has a stormwater management facility as one of the
requirements, the applicant or developer must execute a maintenance
easement agreement that shall be binding on all subsequent landowners
served by the stormwater management facility. The easement shall provide
for access to the facility at reasonable times for periodic inspection
by the Town of Tonawanda to ensure that the facility is maintained
in proper working condition to meet design standards and any other
provisions established by this chapter. The easement shall be recorded
by the grantor in the office of the County Clerk after approval by
the counsel for the Town of Tonawanda.
C.
Maintenance after construction. The owner or operator
of permanent stormwater management practices installed in accordance
with this chapter shall ensure they are operated and maintained to
achieve the goals of this chapter. Proper operation and maintenance
also includes as a minimum, the following:
(1)
A preventive/corrective maintenance program for all
critical facilities and systems of treatment and control (or related
appurtenances) which are installed or used by the owner or operator
to achieve the goals of this chapter.
(2)
Written procedures for operation and maintenance and
training new maintenance personnel.
D.
Maintenance agreements. The Town Board of the Town
of Tonawanda shall approve a formal maintenance agreement for stormwater
management facilities binding on all subsequent landowners and recorded
in the office of the County Clerk as a deed restriction on the property
prior to final plan approval. The maintenance agreement shall be consistent
with the terms and conditions of Attachment A of this chapter, entitled
"Sample Stormwater Control Facility Maintenance Agreement."[1] The Town of Tonawanda, in lieu of a maintenance agreement,
at its sole discretion, may accept dedication of any existing or future
stormwater management facility, provided such facility meets all the
requirements of this chapter and includes adequate and perpetual access
and sufficient area, by easement or otherwise, for inspection and
regular maintenance.
[1]
Editor's Note: Attachment A is included at the end of this chapter.
A.
Construction inspection.
(1)
Erosion and sediment control inspection.
(a)
The Town of Tonawanda Stormwater Management
Officer (SMO) may require such inspections as necessary to determine
compliance with this chapter and may either approve that portion of
the work completed or notify the applicant wherein the work fails
to comply with the requirements of this chapter and the stormwater
pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) as approved. To obtain inspections,
the applicant shall notify the Town of Tonawanda Stormwater Management
Officer at least 48 hours before any of the following, as required
by the Stormwater Management Officer:
[1]
Start of construction;
[2]
Installation of sediment and erosion control
measures;
[3]
Completion of site clearing;
[4]
Completion of rough grading;
[5]
Completion of final grading;
[6]
Close of the construction season;
[7]
Completion of final landscaping; or
[8]
Successful establishment of landscaping in public
areas.
(b)
If any violations are found, the applicant and
developer shall be notified in writing of the nature of the violation
and the required corrective actions. No further work shall be conducted
except for site stabilization until any violations are corrected and
all work previously completed has received approval by the Stormwater
Management Officer.
(2)
Stormwater management practice inspections. The Town
of Tonawanda Stormwater Management Officer, is responsible for conducting
inspections of stormwater management practices (SMPs). All applicants
are required to submit as-built plans for any stormwater management
practices located on site after final construction is completed. The
plan must show the final design specifications for all stormwater
management facilities and must be certified by a licensed professional.
(3)
Inspection of stormwater facilities after project
completion. Inspection programs shall be established on any reasonable
basis, including but not limited to: routine inspections; random inspections;
inspections based upon complaints or other notice of possible violations;
inspection of drainage basins or areas identified as higher than typical
sources of sediment or other contaminants or pollutants; inspections
of businesses or industries of a type associated with higher-than-usual
discharges of contaminants or pollutants or with discharges of a type
which are more likely than the typical discharge to cause violations
of state or federal water or sediment quality standards or the SPDES
stormwater permit; and joint inspections with other agencies inspecting
under environmental or safety laws. Inspections may include, but are
not limited to: reviewing maintenance and repair records; sampling
discharges, surface water, groundwater, and material or water in drainage
control facilities; and evaluating the condition of drainage control
facilities and other stormwater management practices.
(4)
Submission of reports. The Town of Tonawanda Stormwater
Management Officer may require monitoring and reporting from entities
subject to this chapter as are necessary to determine compliance with
this chapter.
(5)
Right-of-entry for inspection. When any new stormwater management facility is installed on private property or when any new connection is made between private property and the public storm water system, the landowner shall grant to the Town of Tonawanda the right to enter the property at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner for the purpose of inspection as specified in § 73-11A(3).
B.
Performance guarantee.
(1)
Construction completion guarantee. In order to ensure
the full and faithful completion of all construction activities related
to compliance with all conditions set forth by the Town of Tonawanda
in its approval of the stormwater pollution prevention plan, the Town
of Tonawanda may require the applicant or developer to provide, prior
to construction, a performance bond, cash escrow, or irrevocable letter
of credit from an appropriate financial or surety institution which
guarantees satisfactory completion of the project and names the Town
of Tonawanda as the beneficiary. The security shall be in an amount
to be determined by the Town of Tonawanda based on submission of final
design plans, with reference to actual construction and landscaping
costs. The performance guarantee shall remain in force until the surety
is released from liability by the Town of Tonawanda, provided that
such period shall not be less than one year from the date of final
acceptance or such other certification that the facility(ies) have
been constructed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications
and that a one-year inspection has been conducted and the facilities
have been found to be acceptable to the Town of Tonawanda. Per annum
interest on cash escrow deposits shall be reinvested in the account
until the surety is released from liability.
(2)
Maintenance guarantee. Where stormwater management
and erosion and sediment control facilities are to be operated and
maintained by the developer or by a corporation that owns or manages
a commercial or industrial facility, the developer, prior to construction,
may be required to provide the Town of Tonawanda with an irrevocable
letter of credit from an approved financial institution or surety
to ensure proper operation and maintenance of all stormwater management
and erosion control facilities both during and after construction,
and until the facilities are removed from operation. If the developer
or landowner fails to properly operate and maintain stormwater management
and erosion and sediment control facilities, the Town of Tonawanda
may draw upon the account to cover the costs of proper operation and
maintenance, including engineering and inspection costs.
(3)
Recordkeeping. Landowners and developers subject to
this chapter shall maintain records demonstrating compliance with
this chapter.
C.
Enforcement; penalties for offenses.
(1)
Notice of violation. When the SMO determines that
a construction activity is not being carried out in accordance with
the requirements of this chapter, he may issue a written notice of
violation to the landowner. The notice of violation shall contain:
(a)
The name and address of the landowner, developer
or applicant;
(b)
The address when available or a description
of the building, structure or land upon which the violation is occurring;
(c)
A statement specifying the nature of the violation;
(d)
A description of the remedial measures necessary
to bring the construction activity into compliance with this chapter
and a time schedule for the completion of such remedial action;
(e)
A statement of the penalty or penalties that
shall or may be assessed against the person to whom the notice of
violation is directed;
(f)
A statement that the determination of violation
may be appealed to the municipality by filing a written notice of
appeal within 15 days of service of notice of violation.
(2)
Stop-work orders. The SMO may issue a stop-work order
for violations of this chapter. Persons receiving a stop-work order
shall be required to halt all construction activities, except those
activities that address the violations leading to the stop-work order.
The stop-work order shall be in effect until the SMO confirms that
the construction activity is in compliance and the violation has been
satisfactorily addressed. Failure to address a stop-work order in
a timely manner may result in civil, criminal, or monetary penalties
in accordance with the enforcement measures authorized in this chapter.
(3)
Violations. Any construction activity that is commenced
or is conducted contrary to this chapter, may be restrained by injunction
or otherwise abated as provided by law.
(4)
Penalties. In addition to or as an alternative to
any penalty provided herein or by law, any person who violates the
provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a violation punishable
by a fine not exceeding $350 or imprisonment for a period not to exceed
six months, or both for conviction of a first offense; for conviction
of a second offense both of which were committed within a period of
five years, punishable by a fine not less than $350 nor more than
$700 or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or both;
and upon conviction for a third or subsequent offense all of which
were committed within a period of five years, punishable by a fine
not less than $700 nor more than $1,000 or imprisonment for a period
not to exceed six months, or both. However, for the purposes of conferring
jurisdiction upon courts and judicial officers generally, violations
of this chapter shall be deemed misdemeanors and for such purpose
only all provisions of law relating to misdemeanors shall apply to
such violations. Each week's continued violation shall constitute
a separate additional violation.
(5)
Withholding of certificate of occupancy. If any building
or construction activity is installed or conducted in violation of
this chapter the Stormwater Management Officer may prevent the occupancy
of said building or land.
(6)
Restoration of lands. Any violator may be required
to restore land to its undisturbed condition. In the event that restoration
is not undertaken within a reasonable time after notice, the Town
of Tonawanda may take necessary corrective action, the cost of which
shall become a lien upon the property until paid.
D.
Fees for services. The Town of Tonawanda may require
any person undertaking construction activities regulated by this chapter
to pay reasonable costs at prevailing rates for review of SWPPPs,
inspections, or SMP maintenance performed by the Town of Tonawanda
or performed by a third party for the Town of Tonawanda. The fee shall
be set by the Town Board of the Town of Tonawanda by resolution.