[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.