[Ord. No. 383, 8/27/2019]
North Strabane Township strongly encourages developers and other
persons engaged in regulated activities to provide riparian buffers
for the protection of watersheds and to promote the health, safety
and public welfare.
[Ord. No. 383, 8/27/2019]
1. For any regulated activity, the minimum riparian buffer shall be
as follows with the buffer being measured perpendicularly from the
top of the stream bank landward:
A. For all watersheds other than high-quality or exceptional value watersheds
or impaired watersheds, a minimum of 50 feet; or
B. As determined by a stream corridor study approved by PADEP and the
Township.
[Ord. No. 383, 8/27/2019]
1. For any regulated activity, the minimum riparian buffer should be
as follows with the buffer being measured perpendicularly from the
top of the stream bank landward.
A. High-quality or exceptional value watersheds: a minimum of 150 feet;
B. For impaired watersheds: a minimum of 150 feet.
2. Developers are encouraged to have a riparian buffer located on both
sides of all perennial and intermittent streams. The perennial and
intermittent streams and the proposed riparian buffer boundaries,
if any, should be shown on all applications for building permits,
subdivision, or land development. Existing uses within the buffer
are permitted to continue but it is encouraged that they not be expanded.
3. The buffer should be undisturbed forest consisting of appropriate
native species.
4. Where wetlands are located partially or entirely within a buffer,
the buffer should be extended to encompass the wetland and shall be
widened by a distance sufficient to provide a twenty-five-foot forested
buffer measured perpendicularly from the wetland boundary.
5. The following uses shall be permitted in the buffer:
A. Footpaths, trails and bike paths provided that:
(1)
Width is limited to five feet;
(2)
Width may be increased provided a corresponding increase in
the buffer is provided;
(3)
Construction shall have minimal impact to the buffer.
B. Stream crossings, provided the crossing is designed and constructed
in such a manner as to minimize the impact to the buffer. The riparian
buffer should be restored to its original condition, to the maximum
extent practical, upon completion of construction.
C. Utility lines, provided that the crossing is designed and constructed
in such a manner as to minimize the impact to the inner buffer and
provided that there is no practical alternative to locating the utility
line within the buffer. The riparian buffer should be restored to
its original condition, to the maximum extent practical, upon completion
of construction.
D. Maintenance and restoration of the riparian buffer.
E. Projects conducted with the objective of improvement, stabilization,
restoration, or enhancement of the stream bank, stream channel, floodplain,
watershed hydrology, riparian buffers, or aquatic habitat and maintenance
activities associated with such projects. These projects include,
but are not limited to, agricultural and stormwater management best
management practices. Such projects must receive appropriate permits
and approvals from PADEP prior to starting the project.
F. Minor private recreational uses for the property owner. Such uses
include benches, fire rings, and similar uses. Such uses do not include
structures such as cabins, sheds, pavilions, garages, dwellings or
similar structures.
6. Disturbance of the riparian buffer should be limited to the area
necessary to perform an allowable use.
7. Where possible and practical, disturbances should be phased with
each phase restored prior to beginning the next phase.
8. Allowable activities should not cause stormwater flow to concentrate.
9. Any vegetation removed for an allowable activity should be replaced
immediately upon completion of the activity. Where mature trees are
removed, such trees should be replaced with the largest practical
tree of acceptable native species.
10. Erosion and sediment pollution control shall be installed and maintained
during construction. Evidence of an approved erosion and sediment
control plan, NPDES permit or other PADEP permit, where required,
shall be submitted prior to issuance of local permits.
11. Riparian buffers should be maintained in a manner consistent with
sound forest management practices. In the absence of a site specific
management plan, the following maintenance guidelines apply:
A. Buffers should be inspected periodically for evidence of excessive
sediment deposition, erosion or concentrated flow channels. Prompt
action should be taken to correct these problems and prevent future
occurrence.
B. Trees presenting an unusual hazard of creating downstream obstructions
should be removed. Such material should be removed from the floodplain
or the riparian buffer (whichever is widest); or cut into sections
small enough so as to prevent the possibility of creating obstructions
downstream. Wherever possible, large stable debris should be conserved.
C. Vegetation should be inspected periodically to ensure diverse vegetative
cover and vigorous plant growth consistent with buffering objectives.
(1)
Remove invasive plant species that may threaten the integrity
of the buffer.
(2)
Periodic cutting of trees may be necessary to promote vigorous
growth and encourage regeneration.
D. Excessive use of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals
should be avoided. These products should be used only when absolutely
necessary to maintain buffer vegetation.