The Board of Supervisors of Lehigh Township,
Northampton County, finds that:
A. Inadequate management of accelerated runoff of stormwater
resulting from development throughout a watershed increases flood
flows and velocities, contributes to erosion and sedimentation, overtaxes
the carrying capacity of streams and storm sewers, greatly increases
the cost of public facilities to carry and control stormwater, undermines
floodplain management and flood control efforts in downstream communities,
reduces groundwater recharge, 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 Lehigh 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 Lehigh Township by minimizing the damages described in §
138-1A of this chapter by enacting provisions designed to:
A. Control accelerated runoff and erosion and sedimentation
problems at their source by regulating activities which cause such
problems.
B. Utilize and preserve the desirable existing natural
drainage systems.
C. Encourage recharge of groundwaters where appropriate.
D. Maintain the existing flows and quality of streams
and watercourses in Lehigh Township and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
E. Preserve and restore the flood carrying capacity of
streams.
F. Provide for proper maintenance of all permanent stormwater
management structures which are constructed in Lehigh Township.
The Township is empowered to regulate these
activities by the authority of the Act of October 4, 1978, P.L. 864
(Act 167), the "Storm Water Management Act," and the Act of the 1968
General Assembly No. 247, the "Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning
Code."
Approvals issued pursuant to this chapter do
not relieve the applicant of the responsibility to secure required
permits or approvals for activities regulated by any other applicable
code, rule, act or ordinance.