[Added 7-20-2011 by Ord. No. 248]
It is the purpose of these regulations to promote the safe, effective and efficient use of renewable energy systems to reduce the consumption of utility-supplied energy, heat, hot water, or any combination of the above, while protecting the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the Township, and while protecting adjacent land uses through appropriate zoning and land-use controls. Renewable energy systems include, but are not limited to, geothermal, solar, and wind energy systems; as well as manure digesters and outdoor wood-fired boilers (OWBs). Where general standards and specific criteria conflict, the specific criteria shall supersede the general standards.
A. Geothermal energy systems shall be permitted in all zoning districts, subject to the following regulations:
[Amended 5-7-2014 by Ord. No. 263]
(1) Accessory use. A geothermal energy system shall be permitted by right in all zoning districts as an accessory use.
(2) Design and permitting. The design and installation of geothermal systems and related boreholes for geothermal heat pump systems shall conform to all applicable industry standards, including those of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), or other similar certifying organizations, and shall comply with the Township Building Code and with all other applicable Township requirements. The manufacturer specifications shall be submitted as part of the application. A zoning permit and building permit, under the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, shall be required.
(3) Permitted types. Only the following types of geothermal energy systems shall be permitted:
(b) Closed vertical loop; and
(c) Open horizontal loop systems relying upon injection wells or watercourses.
(4) Wellhead protection areas. All geothermal energy systems, due to their potential for contaminating, via surface water, the groundwater supplies upon which the residents of Warwick Township depend, shall be prohibited from construction and use within Zone 1 of the designated wellhead protection area. Within Zone 2 of the designated wellhead protection area, geothermal systems are limited to closed-loop systems as defined within this section. [Note: A map of the designated wellhead protection areas, Zones 1 and 2 as established by the WTMA, may be obtained from the WTMA office or the Township's website.]
(5) Karst geology and sinkholes. Recognizing that Warwick Township is a region rich in karst geology and prone to the formation of sinkholes, all applicants for geothermal energy systems shall acknowledge, and by virtue of the application for and installation of a geothermal energy system agree to, the following:
(a) In all situations when boreholes or trenches are (or have been) excavated, or natural conditions have otherwise been disturbed (such as through the withdrawal of groundwater in an open-loop system), the likelihood of sinkhole formation increases;
(b) The applicant (or subsequent owner) accepts all responsibility and liability for any sinkholes that do form in association with the applicant's geothermal energy system; and
(c) The applicant (or subsequent owner) agrees to repair any and all sinkholes that form in association with the geothermal energy system.
(6) Appurtenances. All or any mechanical equipment (appurtenances) associated with and necessary for the operation of the geothermal energy system shall comply with all accessory setbacks for the district in which the system is installed.
(7) Setback requirements. Unless otherwise specified, geothermal systems shall be set back a minimum distance of 25 feet from any property line.
(a) Potential pollution sources. Geothermal boreholes or trenches (in the case of horizontal loop systems) shall be set back a minimum of 100 feet from on-lot sewage disposal systems or potable wells.
(8) Closed-loop geothermal systems. The following regulations shall apply to all closed-loop geothermal systems:
(a) Permitted fluids. Unless otherwise specified, for all closed-loop geothermal systems relying upon circulating fluids, the heat transfer fluid is potable or beneficial reuse water and may have approved nontoxic antifreeze, such as propylene glycol added, as defined within this ordinance. A permanent sign must be attached to the heat pump specifying that only approved heat-transfer fluids can be used.
(b) Horizontal systems maximum depth. All closed horizontal loop systems shall be no more than 20 feet deep.
(c) Geothermal heating and/or cooling system vertical heat exchange boreholes containing loop pipes shall be tremie grouted for the total depth of the borehole utilizing the IGSHPA Manual Grouting Procedure for Ground Source Heat Pumps.
(d) Construction standard. All materials and construction practices shall conform to all applicable industry standards for closed-loop geothermal heat pump systems, such as, but not limited to, standards for pressure testing, heat transfer fluids, etc. All materials and construction practices shall effectively prevent contamination of groundwater.
(e) The assembled loop system shall be pressure tested with water at 100 psi (690 kPa) for one hour with no observed leaks before connection (header) trenches are backfilled. Flow rates and pressure drops shall be compared to calculated values. If actual flow rate or pressure drop figures differ from calculated values by more than 10%, the problem shall be identified and corrected.
(f) The applicant shall be required to submit complete specifications for the entire system (including well drilling and grouting procedures). In Zone 2, the project shall be reviewed and requires approval by the Township (Zoning Department or Township's Engineer) and a certified geologist as part of the permit process.
(g) In Zone 2, no drilling or grouting shall be performed without inspections by the Township's inspection department or Township Engineer and a certified geologist. A twenty-four-hour notice is required prior to starting the project, and to schedule inspections.
(h) Discharge of water:
[1] Discharge of water from drill boreholes into sanitary sewer systems shall be prohibited, except upon approval by the Warwick Township Municipal Authority.
[2] Discharge of water from drilling boreholes into storm sewers, neighboring properties and onto roads, shall not be permitted.
[3] Discharge of water from drilling boreholes into a watercourse shall comply with all federal, state, county and Township laws and regulations.
(9) Open-loop geothermal systems. The following regulations shall apply to all open-loop geothermal systems:
(a) Water extraction:
[1] Watercourses. Open-loop systems may utilize a watercourse to the extent permissible under federal, state, county and Township laws and regulations.
[2] Groundwater. All open-loop systems which extract water from groundwater sources shall comply with extraction limitations set for potable water wells under federal, state, county and Township laws and regulations. Installation requirements for extraction wells shall be the same as those for potable water wells, with respect to those regulations designed to prevent aquifer contamination (grouting, etc.), or in conformance with IGSHPA standards, as determined by the Township Engineer.
(b) Discharge of water:
[1] Discharge of water from open-loop systems into sanitary sewer systems shall be prohibited, except upon approval by the Warwick Township Municipal Authority.
[2] Discharge of water from open-loop systems into storm sewers, neighboring properties and onto roads shall not be permitted.
[3] Discharge of water from open-loop systems into a watercourse shall require certification by a licensed professional engineer registered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that the condition of the watercourse is such that the watercourse can be expected to retain its capacity to meet the needs of the geothermal system over the lifetime of the system and of any other water discharges for which it is used.
[4] Discharge of water from open-loop systems into a watercourse shall comply with all federal, state, county and Township laws and regulations.
(c) Underground injection of water. Underground injection of water from an open-loop system shall be subject to the following conditions:
[1] Returned water shall contain no treatment additives or other introduced chemicals.
[2] The return well shall be located a minimum distance of 200 feet from wells on adjacent properties.
[3] The return well shall be located a minimum distance of 100 feet from the on-site well.
[4] The return well shall recharge the groundwater from which supply water is extracted.
[5] Because such return wells are included as "Class V underground injection wells," the applicant shall submit an "inventory of injection wells" form, available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and shall comply with all federal, state, county and Township laws and regulations.
(10) Abandonment or disrepair. If the geothermal energy system is ever abandoned or enters into a state of disrepair, it shall be the responsibility of the property owner to remove, permanently seal, or properly maintain the geothermal energy system within six months from the date the system enters such a state.
(11) Decommissioning. Any earth disturbance as a result of the removal or permanent sealing of the geothermal energy system shall be graded and reseeded.
B. Outdoor wood-fired boilers, also known as OWBs or outdoor hydronic heaters, shall be permitted in the Agricultural (A) and Rural Estate (RE) Zones, subject to the following regulations:
(1) Accessory use. OWBs shall be permitted by right as accessory uses and accessory structures in only the Agricultural (A) and Rural Estate (RE) Zones.
(2) Design and permitting. The design and installation of OWBs shall conform to all applicable industry standards, including those of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), or other similar certifying organizations, and shall comply with the Township Building Code and with all other applicable fire and life safety requirements. The manufacturer specifications shall be submitted as part of the application. A zoning permit and building permit, under the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, shall be required.
(3) Compliance with other regulations. The owner of the OWB shall provide evidence indicating that the maintenance and operation of the OWB will be in compliance with the operations and performance standards of this ordinance (see §§
340-25 and
340-42), as well as in compliance with all air emissions quality standards promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PA DEP, or other relevant state or federal agency including emissions of dust and particulates.
(4) Setback requirements. All OWBs shall be located a minimum distance of 150 feet from any property line, street right-of-way, or any inhabited dwelling not located on the lot on which the OWB is proposed.
(5) Stack. All OWBs shall have a permanent attached stack. The minimum height of all stacks shall be 20 feet above the ground and otherwise installed according to the manufacturer's specifications.
(6) Abandonment or disrepair. If the OWB is ever abandoned or enters into a state of disrepair, it shall be the responsibility of the property owner to remove or properly maintain the OWB within six months from the date the system enters such a state.
C. Solar energy systems shall be permitted, subject to the following regulations:
(1) Accessory uses. A solar energy system shall be permitted by right in all zones as a permitted accessory use. A system is considered an accessory solar energy system only if it supplies electrical or thermal power primarily for on-site use. When a property upon which the facility is installed also receives electrical power supplied by a utility company, excess electrical power generated and not presently needed for on-site use may be used by the utility company, as long as the electrical power generated is used primarily for on-site use. The owner of the accessory solar energy system shall provide written confirmation that the public utility company has been informed of the customer's intent to install an interconnected customer-owned generator and also approves of such connection. Off-grid systems shall be exempt from this requirement. When a provision below does not specifically refer to either accessory or principal uses, it shall apply to both.
(a) Minimize impacts. Whenever practical, all accessory solar energy systems shall be attached to a building, or located on an existing impervious surface. If not designed to be attached to the building, the applicant shall demonstrate, to the Zoning Officer by credible evidence, that such systems cannot feasibly be attached to a building due to structural or other limitations of the building.
(2) Principal uses. A solar energy system shall be permitted by conditional use in the Agricultural (A), Industrial (I-1) and Campus Industrial (I-2) Zones as a principal use.
(3) Design and permitting. The design and installation of the solar energy system shall conform to all applicable industry standards, such as those of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Underwriters Laboratories, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), or other similar certifying organizations, and shall comply with the Township Building Code and with all other applicable fire and life safety requirements. The manufacturer's specifications shall be submitted as part of the application. A zoning permit and building permit, under the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, shall be required.
(4) Grid interconnection. A solar energy system connected to the utility grid shall provide written authorization from the local utility company acknowledging and approving such connection.
(5) Transmission lines. All power transmission lines from the solar energy system to any building or other structure shall be located underground, unless it can be demonstrated, to the satisfaction of the Zoning Officer, in consultation with the Township Engineer, that this is infeasible.
(6) Appurtenances. All or any mechanical equipment (appurtenances) associated with and necessary for the operation of the solar energy system shall comply with all accessory setbacks for the zone in which the system is installed.
(7) Glare. Solar collectors shall be placed such that concentrated solar radiation or glare shall not be directed onto nearby properties or roadways.
(8) Mounting location. A solar energy system may be roof- or ground-mounted (freestanding).
(9) Setback requirements.
(a) Accessory solar energy systems. No part of any accessory solar energy system shall be located within any front yard, along any street frontage, or within any required setback or easement of any property, except as provided for under Subsection
C(11)(b).
(b) Principal solar energy systems. Principal solar energy systems shall meet the setback requirements of the underlying zone in which they are located.
(10) Roof-mounted systems:
(a) Under no circumstance shall the solar energy system extend beyond the plane of the roof.
(b) Height exemption for roof-mounted systems. In the I-1, I-2, and CC Zones, a roof-mounted system may exceed, by no more than four feet, the maximum building height or accessory building height (as applicable) specified for the building type in the underlying zone. In no instance shall any part of the solar energy system extend beyond the edge of the roof.
(11) Ground-mounted (freestanding) systems:
(a) Zones. Ground-mounted solar energy systems are prohibited in the R-2 and R-3 Zones. They are permitted in all other zones, subject to the following regulations.
(b) Setback requirements. All accessory ground-mounted solar energy systems must meet all setback requirements for an accessory structure for the zone in which it is installed, shall not be installed within the front yard setback (except in the Agricultural Zone), nor shall be located along any street frontage (except in the Agricultural Zone).
(c) Height limitation for ground-mounted systems:
[1] In the R-1 and RE Residential Zones, no ground-mounted system shall exceed 10 feet in height. In the R-1 and RE Residential Zones, the horizontal length of any ground-mounted system shall not exceed 25% of the length of the side or rear yard on which the system is sited, and no system shall be sited along more than one side or rear yard.
[2] In all other zones, a ground-mounted system may not exceed the maximum building height for accessory buildings.
(d) Impervious coverage. For the purposes of this section, all "at grade" or "above grade" features and facilities relating to ground-mounted solar energy systems, including appurtenances, shall be considered impervious surface and subject to the maximum impervious coverage requirements of the underlying zone, unless the applicant can demonstrate, to the Township Engineer by credible evidence, that stormwater will infiltrate into the ground beneath the solar collection system at a rate equal to that of the infiltration prior to placement of the system.
(e) Lot coverage. The footprint of a ground-mounted system shall be calculated as part of the overall lot coverage, regardless of whether it is determined to be impervious. Furthermore, in the Agricultural (A) Zone, ground-mounted systems shall be limited in coverage to a maximum of 2% of total lot size, or two acres, whichever is less, and shall comply with all applicable agricultural preservation laws, rules, regulations and restrictive covenants. Furthermore, an applicant for ground-mounted systems in the Agricultural Zone shall demonstrate, to the Zoning Officer by credible evidence, that:
[1] The area proposed for the principal solar energy systems does not predominantly consist of Class I, II and/or III soils, as identified in the soil survey, and is generally unsuitable for agricultural purposes; and
[2] Such facilities cannot feasibly be attached to a building due to structural limitations, or inappropriate solar orientation, of the building.
(12) Safety warnings for principal solar energy systems. A clearly visible warning sign concerning voltage shall be placed at the base of all pad-mounted transformers and substations or fences.
(13) Security of principal solar energy systems. All access doors to electrical equipment for principal solar energy systems shall be locked or fenced, as appropriate, to prevent entry by nonauthorized personnel.
(14) Abandonment or disrepair. If the solar energy system is ever abandoned or enters into a state of disrepair, it shall be the responsibility of the property owner to remove or properly maintain the solar energy system within six months from the date the system enters such a state.
(15) Decommissioning. If a ground-mounted solar energy system is ever removed, any earth disturbance as a result of the removal of the ground-mounted solar energy system shall be graded and reseeded.
D. Wind energy systems shall be permitted in all zones, subject to the following regulations:
(1) Accessory uses. Accessory wind energy systems shall be permitted by right in all zoning districts as a permitted accessory use. A system is considered an accessory wind energy system only if it supplies electrical power primarily for on-site use. When a property upon which the facility is installed also receives electrical power supplied by a utility company, excess electrical power generated and not presently needed for on-site use may be used by the utility company, as long as the electrical power generated is used primarily for on-site use. The owner of the accessory solar energy system shall provide written confirmation that the public utility company has been informed of the customer's intent to install an interconnected customer-owned generator and also approves of such connection. Off-grid systems shall be exempt from this requirement.
(2) Principal uses. Principal wind energy systems shall be allowed, by conditional use, in the Agricultural (A), Industrial (I-1), and Campus Industrial (I-2) Zones.
(3) Design and permitting. The design and installation of the wind energy system shall conform to all applicable industry standards, such as those of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Underwriters Laboratories, Det Norske Veritas, Germanischer Lloyd Wind Energies, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), or other similar certifying organizations, and shall comply with the Township Building Code and with all other applicable fire and life safety requirements. The manufacturer specifications shall be submitted as part of the application. A zoning permit and building permit, under the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, shall be required.
(4) Grid interconnection. A wind energy system connected to the utility grid shall provide written authorization from the local utility company acknowledging and approving such connection.
(5) Transmission lines. All power transmission lines from the wind energy system to any building or other structure shall be located underground.
(6) Appurtenances. All or any mechanical equipment associated with and necessary for the operation of the wind energy system shall comply with all accessory setbacks for the zone in which the system is installed.
(7) Height limitations.
(a) Maximum. The maximum height for a wind energy system shall not exceed 85 feet.
(b) Minimum. The minimum height of the lowest position of the wind turbine blade shall be 15 feet above the ground. If the wind turbine proposed is a vertical axis wind turbine (also referred to as a "helix-type" turbine or VAT), the height between the lowest point of the turbine and the ground may be reduced to 10 feet.
(8) Setback requirements. Minimally, all wind energy systems must meet the setback requirements for accessory structures for the underlying zone. Wind energy systems shall be set back a horizontal distance equal to their height from any property line or residential dwelling, excluding any dwelling on the lot on which the wind energy system is located. No wind energy systems shall be installed within the front yard setback nor along any street frontage, except within the Agricultural (A), Industrial (I-1), Campus Industrial (I-2) or Community Commercial (CC) Zones. Additionally, all wind energy systems must be set back sufficiently from any aboveground utility lines, radio, television, or telecommunication towers so as to present no danger to those lines or structures, as certified by the applicant's engineer.
(a) No portion of any accessory wind energy system shall extend over parking areas, access drives, driveways or sidewalks.
(9) Noise limitations. Wind energy systems shall not generate noise which exceeds 55 decibels, or 10 decibels above ambient noise, in any hour, whichever is higher. Noise is measured from the property line of the closest neighboring inhabited structure or nearest habitable structure setback line on any abutting property. The ambient sound measurement, known as "A-weighted sound level," is taken where the noise from the wind turbine cannot be heard, or with the wind turbine shut down. The ambient sound level shall be considered the level that is exceeded 90% of the time when the noise measurements are taken. The 55 decibel or 10 decibel over ambient level may be exceeded during short-term events such as utility outages and/or severe wind storms.
(10) Lot coverage. The footprint of a wind energy system shall be calculated as part of the overall lot coverage. In the Agricultural (A) Zone, wind energy systems shall be limited in coverage to a maximum of 2%, or two acres, whichever is less, and shall comply with all applicable agricultural preservation laws, rules, regulations and restrictive covenants. Furthermore, an applicant for a wind energy system in the Agricultural Zone shall demonstrate, to the Zoning Officer by credible evidence, that the area proposed for the wind energy system does not predominantly consist of Class I, II and/or III soils, as identified in the latest edition of the Lancaster County Soil Survey, and is generally unsuitable for agricultural purposes.
(11) Structural integrity. For any roof-mounted wind energy systems, such as micro-turbine systems or horizontal- or vertical-axis turbines, the applicant must demonstrate, to the Building Code Inspector by credible evidence, that the structural integrity of the structure is such that it can adequately support the system being considered.
(12) Storage structures. When an accessory building is necessary for storage cells or related mechanical equipment, the accessory building shall not have a floor area exceeding 200 square feet, and shall comply with the accessory building requirements specified within the underlying zone.
(13) Limitations for residential uses. In the Village Overlay (VO), Mixed Use (MU), or R-1, R-2 or R-3 Residential Zones, no more than one wind energy system (wind turbine) shall be permitted per lot. A wind energy system made up of a number of adjacent micro-turbine panels is considered one system for the purposes of this chapter.
(14) Braking for principal wind energy systems. All principal wind energy systems shall be equipped with a redundant braking system. This includes both aerodynamic overspeed controls (including variable pitch, tip, and other similar systems) and mechanical brakes. Mechanical brakes shall be operated in a fail-safe mode. Manual regulation by wind energy system personnel shall not be considered a sufficient braking system for overspeed protection.
(15) Lighting. Wind energy systems shall not be artificially lighted, except to the extent required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
(16) Colors. Wind turbines and towers shall be a nonobtrusive color such as white, off-white or gray.
(17) Shadow flicker. All wind energy systems shall, to the extent feasible, be sited to prevent shadow flicker on any occupied building on adjacent properties.
(18) Climbing. Wind energy systems shall be equipped with an appropriate anticlimbing device, or otherwise made unclimbable, to prevent unauthorized access to the system.
(19) Advertising and signage. Wind energy systems shall not be used to display advertising, signage, banners or similar materials, with the exception of any manufacturer's labels or warning placards. Such signs shall have an area not to exceed four square feet.
(20) Safety warnings for principal wind energy systems. A clearly visible warning sign concerning voltage shall be placed at the base of all pad-mounted transformers and substations or fences.
(21) Security of principal wind energy systems. All access doors to wind turbines and electrical equipment for principal wind energy systems shall be locked or fenced, as appropriate, to prevent entry by nonauthorized personnel.
(22) Abandonment or disrepair. If the wind energy system is ever abandoned or enters into a state of disrepair, it shall be the responsibility of the property owner to remove or properly maintain the wind energy system within six months from the date the system enters such a state.
(23) Decommissioning. If a wind energy system is ever removed, any earth disturbance as a result of the removal of the ground-mounted solar energy system shall be graded and reseeded.
E. Accessory manure digesters (also known as accessory anaerobic digesters) shall be permitted by right in the Agricultural (A) Zone, subject to the following regulations:
(1) Accessory use. A manure digester shall be considered an accessory use only if it supplies electrical or thermal power primarily for on-site use. When a property upon which the facility is installed also receives electrical power supplied by a utility company, excess electrical power generated and not presently needed for on-site use may be used by the utility company, as long as the electrical power generated is used primarily for on-site use. The owner of the accessory manure digester shall provide written confirmation that the public utility company has been informed of the customer's intent to install an interconnected customer-owned generator and also approves of such connection. Off-grid systems shall be exempt from this requirement.
(2) Design and installation.
(a) The applicant shall address and document performance standards for siting to minimize impacts on neighboring properties which shall include considerations of odor, prevailing wind patterns, proximity to nonagricultural properties, operational noise, and specific hours of operation.
(b) Accessory manure digesters shall be designed and constructed in compliance with the applicable guidelines outlined in the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Water Quality Management publication(s), and any revisions, supplements and replacements thereto by the PA DEP.
(c) Accessory manure digesters shall also be designed and constructed in compliance with applicable federal, state, county and Township laws and regulations. Evidence of all federal and state regulatory agencies' approvals shall be included with the application.
(d) A certified professional, qualified to do such, shall furnish and demonstrate compliance with all details of construction, operation, maintenance and necessary controls related to the accessory manure digester.
(e) Lancaster County Conservation District. The applicant shall provide either: 1) a letter from the Lancaster County Conservation District (LCCD) stating that the applicant's accessory manure digester design has been reviewed and approved by the LCCD and that all regulations and requirements of the state manure management program have been satisfied; or 2) submit a letter from the LCCD stating that it will not review the plan or that no review is required under applicable laws and regulations; or 3) submit evidence that such a letter has been requested and that the LCCD has failed to respond within 60 days.
(3) Minimum lot size. The minimum lot size shall be 10 acres.
(4) Geographic range. The maximum radius from which the accessory manure digester can procure its feedstock shall be three miles.
(5) Operation and performance standards. The proposed use shall be subject to the operation and performance standards of this ordinance (see §§
340-25 and
340-42).
(6) Setback requirements. Accessory manure digesters shall not be located within 50 feet of any side property line, within 75 feet of any rear property line, less than 150 feet from any residential structure other than that of the property owner, and less than 100 feet from any public road right-of-way.
(7) Lot coverage. The footprint of an accessory manure digester shall be calculated as part of the overall lot coverage. Accessory manure digesters shall be limited in coverage to a maximum of 2%, or two acres, whichever is less, and shall comply with all applicable agricultural preservation laws, rules, regulations and restrictive covenants. Furthermore, an applicant for an accessory manure digester shall demonstrate, to the Zoning Officer by credible evidence, that the area proposed for the accessory manure digester does not predominantly consist of Class I, II and/or III soils, as identified in the latest edition of the Lancaster County Soil Survey, and is generally unsuitable for agricultural purposes.
(8) Abandonment or disrepair. If the accessory manure digester is ever abandoned or enters into a state of disrepair, it shall be the responsibility of the property owner to remove or properly maintain the accessory manure digester within six months from the date the system enters such a state.
(9) Decommissioning. If an accessory manure digester is ever removed, any earth disturbance as a result of the removal of the accessory manure digester shall be graded and reseeded.
F. Principal manure digesters (also known as principal anaerobic digesters) shall be permitted by conditional use in the Agricultural (A) Zone, subject to the following regulations:
(1) Land use and development. The applicant shall provide a detailed description of the nature of the on-site activities and operations, the types of materials stored, used and generated, the frequency and duration period of storage of materials and the methods for use and disposal of materials of the proposed use and a complete land development application shall be submitted to the Township if the conditional use application is approved. The applicant shall also describe the general scale of operation in terms of its market area, specific space and area requirements for each activity, and the total number of employees of each shift.
(2) Design and installation.
(a) The applicant shall address, document and agree to comply with performance standards for siting to minimize impacts on neighboring properties which shall include considerations of odor, prevailing wind patterns, proximity to nonagricultural properties, operational noise, traffic and specific hours of operation.
(b) Principal manure digesters shall be designed and constructed in compliance with the applicable guidelines outlined in the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Water Quality Management publication(s), and any revisions, supplements and replacements thereto by the PA DEP.
(c) Principal manure digesters shall be designed and constructed in compliance with applicable federal, state, county and Township laws and regulations. Evidence of all federal and state regulatory agencies' approvals shall be included with the application.
(d) A certified professional, qualified to do such, shall furnish and demonstrate compliance with all details of construction, operation, maintenance and necessary controls related to the principal manure digester.
(e) Lancaster County Conservation District. The applicant shall provide either: 1) a letter from the Lancaster County Conservation District (LCCD) stating that the applicant's principal manure digester design has been reviewed and approved by the LCCD and that all regulations and requirements of the state manure management program have been satisfied; or 2) submit a letter from the LCCD stating that it will not review the plan or that no review is required under applicable laws and regulations; or 3) submit evidence that such a letter has been requested and that the LCCD has failed to respond within 60 days.
(3) Setback requirements. Except as otherwise provided for under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Nutrient Management Act, the proposed use shall comply with all the requirements of the applicable zone, except that all buildings, structures and facilities used as part of the manure digesting operations shall be set back at least 200 feet from any property line. Additionally, no building, structure, or facility shall be located nearer than 300 feet to an existing residential building unless the owner of such residence waives this restriction in writing to the Township.
(4) Minimum lot size. The minimum lot size for a principal manure digester shall be 60 acres.
(5) Lot coverage. The footprint of principal manure digester shall be calculated as part of the overall lot coverage. Principal manure digesters shall be limited in coverage to a maximum of 2%, or two acres, whichever is less, and shall comply with all applicable agricultural preservation laws, rules, regulations and restrictive covenants. Furthermore, an applicant for a principal manure digester shall demonstrate, to the Zoning Officer by credible evidence, that the area proposed for the principal manure digester does not predominantly consist of Class I, II and/or III soils, as identified in the latest edition of the Lancaster County Soil Survey, and is generally unsuitable for agricultural purposes.
(6) Geographic range. The maximum radius from which the principal manure digester can procure its feedstock shall be 10 miles.
(7) Operation and performance standards. The proposed use shall be subject to the operation and performance standards of this ordinance (see §
340-42).
(8) Traffic impact study. A traffic impact study analysis shall be provided, showing the following:
(a) Existing traffic volume data for all roadways within 1,000 feet.
(b) Anticipated traffic volumes for the area identified in Subsection
F(8)(a) above, resulting from the proposed use as well as background traffic growth.
(c) Analysis of current and future levels of service for all intersections identified in Subsection
F(8)(a) above.
(d) Physical analysis of all roadways identified in Subsection
F(8)(a) above, including cartway width, shoulder width, pavement conditions, horizontal and vertical curves, anticipated stormwater drainage characteristics, and sight distances.
(e) The traffic analysis shall be reviewed by the Township Engineer.
(f) The applicant shall submit a transportation study detailing the impacts of the principal manure digester on local roadways, including effect of vehicle weight, congestion and noise, and setting forth the manner in which these impacts will be addressed.
(g) All uses shall provide sufficiently long stacking lanes into the facility, so that vehicles waiting to be loaded or unloaded will not back up onto public roads.
(9) Abandonment or disrepair. If the principal manure digester is ever abandoned or enters into a state of disrepair, it shall be the responsibility of the property owner to notify the Township immediately; and to remove or properly maintain the principal manure digester within six months from the date the system enters such a state.
(10) Decommissioning. The applicant shall submit a plan for the removal of the manure digestion facility when it becomes functionally obsolete or is no longer in use. At the time of issuance of the permit for the construction of the principal manure digester facility, the owner shall provide financial security in form and amount acceptable to the Township to secure the expense of dismantling and removing said structure.
(11) Additional conditions. The Board of Supervisors can attach conditions which it feels are necessary to protect nearby properties, the intent of the Zoning Ordinance and/or the general public welfare.