This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Township
of Dallas Stormwater Management Ordinance."
The governing body of the municipality finds that:
A. Inadequate
management of accelerated runoff of stormwater resulting from development
throughout a watershed increases 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, threatens public health and safety, and increases nonpoint
source pollution of water resources.
B. A
comprehensive program of stormwater management, including reasonable
regulation of development and activities causing accelerated runoff,
is fundamental to the public health, safety, and welfare and the protection
of people of the commonwealth, their resources, and the environment.
C. Stormwater
is an important water resource, which provides groundwater recharge
for water supplies and base flow of streams, which also protects and
maintains surface water quality.
D. Federal
and state regulations require certain municipalities to implement
a program of stormwater controls. These municipalities are required
to obtain a permit for stormwater discharges from their separate storm
sewer systems under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES).
The purpose of this chapter is to promote health, safety, and welfare within the municipality and its watershed by minimizing the harms and maximizing the benefits described in §
72-2 of this chapter, through provisions designed to:
A. Meet legal water quality requirements under state law, including
regulations at 25 Pa. Code 93 to protect, maintain, reclaim, and restore
the existing and designated uses of the waters of this commonwealth.
B. Preserve the natural drainage systems as much as possible.
C. Manage stormwater runoff close to the source.
D. Provide procedures and performance standards for stormwater planning
and management.
E. Maintain groundwater recharge to prevent degradation of surface and
groundwater quality and to otherwise protect water resources.
F. Prevent scour and erosion of stream banks and stream beds.
G. Provide proper operation and maintenance of all permanent SWM BMPs
that are implemented within the municipality.
H. Provide standards to meet NPDES permit requirements.
Any other ordinance provision(s) or regulation of the municipality
inconsistent with any of the provisions of this chapter is hereby
repealed to the extent of the inconsistency only.
In the event that a court of competent jurisdiction declares
any section or provision of this chapter invalid, such decision shall
not affect the validity of any of the remaining provisions of this
chapter.