[Ord. 114, 10/13/1996, Art. I, § 1]
This Part shall be known and may be cited as the "Ralpho Township
Stormwater Management Ordinance."
[Ord. 114, 10/13/1996, Art. I, § 2]
Act 209 of December 19, 1990, the Pennsylvania Municipalities
Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq., as amended, has
authorized that the governing body of each municipality may regulate
subdivision and land developments. In addition, Act 167 of October
4, 1978, the Stormwater Management Act, 32 P.S. § 680.1
et seq., authorizes the regulation of land and water use for flood
control and stormwater management purposes, imposing duties and conferring
powers on the Department of Environmental Protection, municipalities
and counties.
[Ord. 114, 10/13/1996, Art. I, § 3]
This Part is enacted for the following purposes:
A.
To control accelerated runoff and erosion and sedimentation problems
at their source by regulating activities which cause such problems;
to utilize and preserve desirable existing natural drainage systems;
to encourage recharge of groundwater; to prevent the deterioration
of groundwater quality; to maintain the existing flows and quality
of streams and watercourses in the Township; to preserve and restore
the flood-carrying capacity of streams.
B.
To provide for the design, installation and proper maintenance of
all permanent stormwater management structures which are constructed
in the Township.
C.
To assure that the peak rate of stormwater runoff (peak discharge)
is no greater after development than prior to development within any
redevelopment drainage subarea.
D.
To minimize danger to public health and safety and damages to property
by providing for management of stormwater runoff.
[Ord. 114, 10/13/1996, Art. I, § 4]
This Part shall apply to all land and watercourses within the
Township in conjunction with the following activities: land development;
land disturbance and alteration; construction of additional impervious
surfaces, new structures, and additions to existing structures; changes
or alterations of any watercourse or drainageway; diversion or piping
of any natural or man-made stream channel; installation of stormwater
systems or appurtenances thereto; and logging or mining operations.
[Ord. 114, 10/13/1996, Art. I, § 6]
Permits and approvals issued pursuant to this Part 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. If more stringent requirements concerning regulation
of stormwater, erosion and sedimentation pollution control and floodplain
management are contained in the other code, rule, act or ordinance,
the more-stringent regulation shall apply.
[Ord. 114, 10/13/1996, Art. I, § 7]
The degree of stormwater management sought by the provisions
of this Part is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes. This
Part shall not create liability on the part of the Township, any appointed
or elected official of the Township, the Northumberland County Conservation
District, or any officer, engineer or employee thereof for any erosion,
sedimentation or flood damage that results from reliance on this Part
or any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder.
[Ord. 114, 10/13/1996, Art. I, § 8]
Definitions of terms used in this Part may be found in Subpart
E.
[Ord. 114, 10/13/1996, Art. I, § 9]
Specific methods and publications indicated in this Part shall,
in all cases, refer to the latest available edition and include revisions
or amendments thereto.
