The language set forth in this chapter shall be interpreted
in accordance with the following rules of construction:
A.Â
Words used or defined in one tense or form shall include other tenses
or derivative forms.
B.Â
Words in the singular number shall include the plural number, and
words in the plural number shall include the singular number.
C.Â
The masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter. The feminine
gender shall include the masculine and neuter. The neuter gender shall
include the masculine and feminine.
D.Â
The word "person" includes individuals, firms, partnerships, joint
ventures, trusts, trustees, estates, corporations, associations and
any other similar entities.
E.Â
The word "lot" includes the words "plot," "tract," and "parcel."
F.Â
The words "shall," "must" and "will" are mandatory in nature and
establish an obligation or duty to comply with the particular provision.
The words "may" and "should" are permissive.
G.Â
The time within which any act required by this chapter is to be performed
shall be computed by excluding the first day and including the last
day. However, if the last day is a Saturday or Sunday or a holiday
declared by the United States Congress or the Pennsylvania General
Assembly, it shall also be excluded. The word "day" shall mean a calendar
day, unless otherwise indicated.
H.Â
Any words not defined in this chapter or in Section 107 of the MPC
shall be construed as defined in standard dictionary usage.
I.Â
References to officially adopted regulations, standards, or publications
of DEP or other governmental agencies shall include the regulation,
publication, or standard in effect on the date when a SWM site plan
is first filed. It is the intent of the Board of Supervisors in enacting
this section to incorporate such changes to statutes, regulations,
and publications to the extent authorized by 1 Pa.C.S.A. § 1937.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
The removal of the surface of the land through the combined
action of man's activity and the natural processes at a rate greater
than would occur because of the natural process alone.
A right granted by a landowner to a grantee, allowing entry
for the purpose of inspecting, maintaining and repairing SWM facilities.
A plan prepared under the authority of the Stormwater Management
Act.
Activities associated with agriculture such as agricultural
cultivation, agricultural operation, and animal heavy use areas. This
includes the work of producing crops and raising livestock including
tillage, land clearing, plowing, disking, harrowing, planting, harvesting
crops, or pasturing and raising of livestock and installation of conservation
practices. Construction of new buildings or impervious areas is not
considered an agricultural activity.
The use of land exclusively for the cultivation of soil,
the production of crops or livestock, or the science of forestry;
also land which has been diverted from agricultural use by an active
federal program, provided that the land has a conservation cover of
grass, legumes, trees or wildlife shrubs.
The cultivation of the soil and the raising and harvesting
of the products of the soil, including but not limited to nursery,
horticulture, forestry and animal husbandry activities.
As applied to land, a change in topography as a result of
the moving of soil and rock from one location or position to another;
also the changing of surface conditions by causing the surface to
be more or less impervious; earth disturbance activity.
A barnyard, feedlot, loafing area, exercise lot, or other
similar area on an agricultural operation where, due to the concentration
of animals, it is not possible to establish and maintain vegetative
cover of a density capable of minimizing accelerated erosion and sedimentation
by usual planting methods. The term does not include entrances, pathways
and walkways between areas where animals are housed or kept in concentration.
A landowner and/or developer, including his heirs, successors
and assigns, who has filed an application to the Township for approval
to engage in any regulated activity at a development site located
within the Township.
Sets of prints of the original facilities showing those changes
made during the construction process.
Activities, facilities, control measures, planning or procedures
used to minimize accelerated erosion and sedimentation and manage
stormwater to protect, maintain, reclaim, and restore the quality
of waters and the existing and designated uses of waters within this
commonwealth before, during, and after earth disturbance activities.
See also "nonstructural BMP" and "structural BMP."
The Pennsylvania Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual
of December 2006, or most recent version thereof.
The governing body of the Township.
Any enclosed or open structure, other than a boundary wall
or fence, occupying more than four square feet of area and/or having
a roof supported by columns, piers, or walls.
Limestone or dolomite bedrock. Carbonate geology is often
associated with karst topography.
Documentation verifying that all permanent SWM facilities
have been constructed according to the plans and specifications and
approved revisions thereto.
A natural or artificial watercourse with a definite bed and
banks that confine and conduct continuously or periodically flowing
water.
25 Pa. Code Chapter 102, Erosion and Sediment Control.
25 Pa. Code Chapter 105, Dam Safety and Waterway Management.
25 Pa. Code Chapter 106, Floodplain Management.
A reservoir or tank for storing rainwater.
The 1972 Amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control
Act, P.L. 92-500 of 1972, 33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq.
The Lancaster County Conservation District or any agency
successor.
A plan written by an NRCS-certified planner that identifies
conservation practices and includes site specific BMPs for agricultural
plowing or tilling activities and animal heavy use areas.
Practices installed on agricultural lands to improve farmland,
soil and/or water quality which have been identified in a current
conservation plan.
A structure with appurtenant works which can convey a stream
under or through an embankment or fill.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection or
any agency successor to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection.
The magnitude and temporal distribution of precipitation
from a storm event measured in probability of occurrence (e.g., a
five-year storm) and duration (e.g., 24 hours), used in the design
and evaluation of SWM systems.
The agent of the Township involved with the administration,
review or enforcement of any provisions of this chapter by appointment
by the Board of Supervisors.
An impoundment structure designed to manage stormwater runoff
by temporarily storing the runoff and releasing it at a controlled
rate.
A person who undertakes any regulated activity.
Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate,
including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining,
dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation, or drilling operations.
The specific area of land where regulated activities in the
Township are planned, conducted or maintained.
A stream in an area underlain by limestone or dolomite that
flows underground for a portion of its length.
A land area where an earth disturbance activity is occurring
or has occurred.
That portion of a property line of a parent tract located
at the topographically lowest point of the parent tract such that
some or all overland, swale, or pipe flow from a development site
would be directed toward it.
A stormwater management facility designed to transmit stormwater
runoff and shall include streams, channels, swales, pipes, conduits,
storm sewers, etc.
Rights to occupy and use another person's real property for
the installation and operation of stormwater management facilities,
or for the maintenance of natural drainageways to preserve and maintain
a channel for the flow of stormwater therein, or to safeguard health,
safety, property, and facilities.
Erosion and sediment.
The Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Program Manual,
Number 363-2134-008, prepared by DEP.
A site-specific plan consisting of both drawings and a narrative
that identifies BMPs to minimize accelerated erosion and sedimentation
before, during and after earth disturbance activities.
A construction or other human activity which disturbs the
surface of the land, including, but not limited to, clearing and grubbing;
grading; excavations; embankments; land development; agricultural
plowing or tilling; operation of animal heavy use areas; timber harvesting
activities; road maintenance activities; oil and gas activities; well
drilling; mineral extraction; building construction; and the moving,
depositing, stockpiling, or storing of soil, rock, or earth materials.
Slopes greater than 15%, shallow bedrock (located within
six feet of ground surface2), wetlands,
Natural Heritage Areas and other areas designated as "conservation"
or "preservation" in Greenscapes, the Green Infrastructure Element
of the County Comprehensive Plan, where encroachment by land development
or land disturbance results in degradation of the natural resource.
A transient stream, one that flows for a relatively short
time.
The natural process by which the surface of the land is worn
away by water, wind, or chemical action. See also "accelerated erosion"
as defined above.
The dominant land cover during the five-year period immediately
preceding a proposed regulated activity.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency or any agency successor
thereto.
A general but temporary condition of partial or complete
inundation of normally dry land areas from the overflow of streams,
rivers, and other waters of this commonwealth.
That portion of the floodplain outside of the floodway.
As defined by Chapter 285, Zoning.
Act of October 4, 1978, P.L. 851, No. 166, as amended, 32
P.S. § 679.101 et seq.
The channel of the watercourse and those portions of the
adjoining floodplains which are reasonably required to carry and discharge
the one-hundred-year frequency flood. Unless otherwise specified,
the boundary of the floodway is as indicated on maps and flood insurance
studies provided by FEMA. In an area where no FEMA maps or studies
have defined the boundary of the one-hundred-year frequency floodway,
it is assumed, absent evidence to the contrary, that the floodway
extends from the stream to 50 feet from the top of the bank of the
stream.
The elevation of the lowest level of a particular building,
including the basement.
Planning and activities necessary for the management of forest
land. These include conducting a timber inventory and preparation
of forest management plans, silvicultural treatment, cutting budgets,
logging road design and construction, timber harvesting, site preparation
and reforestation.
A vertical distance between the maximum design highwater
elevation and the top of a dam, levee, tank, basin, or diversion ridge.
The probability or chance that a given storm event/flood
will be equaled or exceeded in a given year.
A natural or constructed waterway, usually broad and shallow,
covered with erosion-resistant grasses, used to conduct surface water
from cropland.
The process by which water from above the ground surface
is added to the saturated zone of an aquifer, either directly or indirectly.
Refers to soils grouped according to their runoff-producing
characteristics by NRCS. There are four runoff potential groups ranging
from A to D.
(Low runoff potential) Soils having high infiltration rates
even when thoroughly wetted and consisting chiefly of deep, well to
excessively drained sands or gravels. These soils have a high rate
of water transmission (greater than 0.30 inches/hour).
Soils having moderate infiltration rates when thoroughly wetted
and consisting chiefly of moderately deep to deep, moderately well
drained to well drained soils with moderately fine to moderately coarse
textures. These soils have a moderate rate of water transmission (from
0.15 to 0.30 inches/hour).
Soils having slow infiltration rates when thoroughly wetted
and consisting chiefly of soils with a layer that impedes downward
movement of water, or soils with moderately fine to fine texture.
These soils have a slow rate of water transmission (from 0.05 to 0.15
inches/hour).
(High runoff potential) Soils having very slow infiltration
rates when thoroughly wetted and consisting chiefly of clay soils
with a high swelling potential, soils with a permanent high water
table, soils with a clay pan or clay layer at or near the surface,
and shallow soils over nearly impervious material. These soils have
a very slow rate of water transmission (from 0 to 0.05 inches/hour).
Any man-made physical connection or prohibited connection
to the MS4 that conveys an illicit discharge.
[Added 9-12-2022 by Ord. No. 268]
Any discharge to the MS4 that is not composed entirely of stormwater or polluted stormwater, except for discharges allowed under an NPDES permit, discharges conditionally allowed under the MS4 permit, and discharges authorized by this chapter as set forth in § 230-81E.
[Added 9-12-2022 by Ord. No. 268]
Surfaces which prevent the infiltration of water into the
ground. All structures, buildings, parking areas, driveways, roads,
streets, sidewalks, and any areas of concrete, asphalt, packed stone,
and compacted soil shall be considered impervious surface if they
prevent infiltration.
A retention or detention facility designed to retain stormwater
runoff and infiltrate it into the ground (in the case of a retention
basin) or release it at a controlled rate (in the case of a detention
basin).
A structure designed to direct runoff into the ground (e.g.,
french drains, seepage pits, seepage trench, rain gardens, vegetated
swales, pervious paving, infiltration basins, etc.).
A surface connection to a closed drain. The upstream end
of any structure through which water may flow.
A natural, transient body or conveyance of water that exists
for a relatively long time, but for weeks or months of the year is
below the local water table and obtains its flow from both surface
runoff and groundwater discharges.
Plants which grow quickly and aggressively, spreading, and
displacing other plants. Invasives typically are introduced into a
region far from their native habitat. See "Invasive Plants in Pennsylvania"
by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
A type of topography or landscape characterized by features
including but not limited to surface depressions, sinkholes, rock
pinnacles/uneven bedrock surface, underground drainage, and caves.
Karst is formed on carbonate rocks, such as limestone or dolomite.
Any activity meeting the definition of "land development" in Chapter 240, Subdivision and Land Development.
Any activity involving grading, tilling, digging, or filling
of ground or stripping of vegetation or any other activity that causes
an alteration to the natural condition of land.
MAJOR LAND DISTURBANCEThe use of land for any purpose involving:
Installation of new impervious or semi-impervious surface that
is either in excess of 5,000 square feet or 2/3 of the total lot area;
Diversion of piping of any natural or man-made watercourse;
or
Removal of ground cover, grading filing, or excavation in excess
of five acres, except for the agricultural use of land when operated
in accordance with a farm conservation plan approved by the conservation
district.
SMALL PROJECTSThe use of land for any purpose involving:
Regulated activities that, measured on a cumulative basis from
May 2014, create new impervious areas of more than 1,000 square feet
and less than 5,000 square feet or involve earth disturbance activity
of an area less than 5,000 square feet and do not involve the alteration
of stormwater facilities or watercourses.
The legal or beneficial owner or owners of land including
the holder of an option or contract to purchase (whether or not such
option or contract is subject to any condition), a lessee if he is
authorized under the lease to exercise the rights of the landowner,
or other person having a proprietary interest in land.
A rock formation, other stratum, or soil condition which
is so slowly permeable that it effectively limits downward passage
of effluent12. Season high water tables,
whether perched or regional also constitute a limiting zone.
A linear feature in a landscape which is an expression of
an underlying geological structure such as a fault.
Site design approaches and small-scale stormwater management
practices that promote the use of natural systems for infiltration,
evapotranspiration, and reuse of rainwater. LID can be applied to
new development, urban retrofits, and revitalization projects. LID
utilizes design techniques that infiltrate, filter, evaporate, and
store runoff close to its source. Rather than rely on costly large-scale
conveyance and treatment systems, LID addresses stormwater through
a variety of small, cost-effective landscape features located on-site.
[Added 9-12-2022 by Ord. No. 268]
Any stream segment or other runoff conveyance facility used
as a reach in the applicable Act 167 plan hydrological model.
An equation for calculation of velocity of flow (e.g., feet
per second) and flow rate (e.g., cubic feet per second) in open channels
based upon channel shape, roughness, depth of flow and slope. Manning's
Equation assumes steady, gradually varied flow.
Applies when the applicant demonstrates to the Township's
satisfaction that the performance standard is not achievable. The
applicant shall take into account the best available technology, cost
effectiveness, geographic features, and other competing interests
such as protection of human safety and welfare, protection of endangered
and threatened resources, and preservation of historic properties
in making the assertion that the performance standard cannot be met
and that a different means of control is appropriate.
The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act of July
31, 1968, P.L. 805, No. 247, as reenacted and amended, 53 P.S. § 10101
et seq.
A conveyance or system of conveyances (including roads with
drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters,
ditches, man-made channels, or storm drains), which is all of the
following:
Owned or operated by a state, city, town, borough, township,
county, district, association or other public body (created under
state law) having jurisdiction over disposal of sewage, industrial
wastes, stormwater or other wastes;
Designed or used for collecting or conveying stormwater;
Not a combined sewer; and
Not part of a publicly owned treatment works as defined at 40
CFR 122.2.
All separate storm sewers that are defined as "large" or
"medium" or "small" municipal separate storm sewer systems pursuant
to 40 CFR 122.26(b)(18), or designated as regulated under 40 CFR 122.26(a)(1)(v).
The NPDES permit regulating discharges from the MS4 issued
to Township by DEP.
[Added 9-12-2022 by Ord. No. 268]
A permit issued under 25 Pa. Code Chapter 92a (relating to
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permitting, monitoring
and compliance) for the discharge or potential discharge of pollutants
from a point source to surface waters.
Plant species that have evolved or are indigenous to a specific
geographical area. These plants are adapted to local soil and weather
conditions as well as pests and diseases.
An existing channel for water runoff that was formed by natural
processes.
Ground cover which mimics the infiltration characteristics
of predominant hydrologic soil group found at the site.
Any source of water pollution that does not meet the legal
definition of "point source" in Section 502(14) of the Clean Water
Act.
Planning and design approaches, operational and/or behavior-related
practices which minimize stormwater runoff generation resulting from
an alteration of the land surface or limit contact of pollutants with
stormwater runoff.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (previously Soil Conservation
Service, or SCS).
A drainage element in which stormwater flows with an open
surface. Open channels include, but shall not be limited to, natural
and man-made drainage ways, swales, streams, ditches, canals, and
pipes flowing partly full. Open channels may include closed conduits
so long as the flow is not under pressure.
Point where water flows from a conduit, stream, pipe, or
drain.
Points of water disposal from a stream, river, lake, tidewater
or artificial drain.
The maximum rate of stormwater runoff from a specific storm
event.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation or any agency
successor thereto.
Any material/surface that allows water to pass through at
a rate equal to or greater than natural ground cover.
A culvert, closed conduit, or similar structure (including
appurtenances) that conveys stormwater.
The Planning Commission of West Lampeter Township Lancaster
County, Pennsylvania.
The SWM and erosion and sediment control plans and narratives.
Water that comes in contact with any raw material, product,
by-product, or waste during any production or industrial process.
Any person licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of State
or otherwise qualified by law to perform the work required by this
chapter.
SWM controls used to manage the peak flows for the purposes
of channel protection and flood mitigation.
A rainfall-runoff relation used to estimate peak flow.
Any physical improvement to a previously developed lot that
involves earthmoving, removal, or addition of impervious surfaces.
A plan to manage stormwater runoff from an area larger than
a single development site. A regional stormwater management plan could
include two adjacent parcels, an entire watershed, or some defined
area in between. Regional stormwater management plans can be prepared
for new development, or as a retrofit to manage runoff from already
developed areas.
Activities, including earth disturbance activities that involve
the alteration or development of land in a manner that may affect
stormwater runoff. Regulated activities shall include, but not be
limited to:
Land development subject to the requirements of Chapter 240, Subdivision and Land Development;
Removal of ground cover, grading, filling or excavation;
Construction of new or additional impervious or semi-impervious
surfaces (driveways, parking lots, etc.), and associated improvements;
Construction of new buildings or additions to existing buildings;
Installation or alteration of stormwater management facilities
and appurtenances thereto;
Diversion or piping of any watercourse; and
Any other regulated activities where the Township determines
that said activities may affect any existing watercourse's stormwater
management facilities, or stormwater drainage patterns; and
Any activities where the Township determines that said activities
may affect the water quality of stormwater discharges or generate
nonstormwater discharges to the MS4 and/or receiving water bodies.
[Added 9-12-2022 by Ord. No. 268]
For a specific design storm or list of design storms, the
percentage of peak flow rate for existing conditions which may not
be exceeded for the proposed conditions.
A graphical representation of the release rates for a specific
area.
A stormwater management facility that includes a permanent
pool for water quality treatment and additional capacity above the
permanent pool for temporary runoff storage.
Pertaining to a stream, river or other watercourse. Also,
plant communities occurring in association with any spring, lake,
river, stream or creek through which waters flow at least periodically.
A BMP that is an area of permanent vegetation along a watercourse.
A narrow strip of land, centered on a stream or river that
includes the floodplain as well as related riparian habitats adjacent
to the floodplain.
An easement created for the purpose of protecting and preserving
a riparian corridor.
A type of riparian buffer that consists of permanent vegetation
that is predominantly native trees, shrubs and forbs along a watercourse
that is maintained in a natural state or sustainably managed to protect
and enhance water quality, stabilize stream channels and banks, and
separate land use activities from surface waters.
A vertical pipe extending from the bottom of a pond that
is used to control the discharge rate from the pond for a specified
design storm.
Temporary ponding and gradual release of stormwater falling
directly onto roof surfaces by incorporating controlled-flow roof
drains into building designs.
Any part of precipitation that flows over the land surface.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service
(now known as NRCS).
Soils or other materials transported by stormwater as a product
of erosion.
The action or process of forming or depositing sediment in
waters of this commonwealth.
A barrier, dam, retention or detention basin located and
designed to retain rock, sand, gravel, silt, or other material transported
by water.
The placement, discharge or any other introduction of sediment
into the waters of the commonwealth occurring from the failure to
design, construct, implement or maintain control measures and control
facilities in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.
An area of excavated earth filled with loose stone or similar
coarse material, into which surface water is directed for infiltration
into the ground.
A surface which prevents some infiltration of water into
the ground.
Runoff which flows over the ground surface as a thin, even
layer, not concentrated in a channel.
See "land disturbance."
A storm having a frequency of recurrence of once every two
years or smaller.
A method of runoff computation developed by the SCS (now
NRCS) that is based on relating soil type and land use/cover to a
runoff parameter called Curve Number (CN). For more information, see
"Urban Hydrology for Small Watersheds," Second edition, Technical
Release No. 55, SCS, June 1986 (or most current edition).
See "hydrologic soil group."
A depression in the embankment of a pond or basin which is
used to pass a postdevelopment one-hundred-year storm peak flow rate.
The regulatory requirements to protect, maintain, reclaim,
and restore water quality under Title 25 of the Pennsylvania Code,
the Clean Streams Law and the Clean Water Act.
A volume above or below ground that is available to hold
stormwater.
A storm of a specific duration, intensity, and frequency.
A system of pipes and/or open channels designed to convey
stormwater.
Drainage runoff from the surface of the land resulting from
precipitation or snow or ice melt.
Act of October 4, 1978, P.L. 864, No. 167, as amended, 32
P.S. § 680.1 et seq.
See "BMPs."
Any structure, natural or man-made, that, due to its condition,
design, or construction, conveys, stores, infiltrates/evaporates/transpires,
cleans or otherwise affects stormwater runoff. Typical SWM facilities
include, but are not limited to, detention and retention basins, open
channels, watercourses, road gutters, swales, storm sewers, pipes,
BMPs, and infiltration structures.
A plan, including a narrative, to ensure proper functioning of the SWM facilities in accordance with Article VI of this chapter.
The plan prepared by the developer or his representative
indicating how stormwater runoff will be managed at a particular development
site according to this chapter.
A watercourse.
A bridge, culvert or other structure in excess of 100 feet
in length upstream to downstream which encloses a regulated water
of this commonwealth.
Physical devices and practices that capture and treat stormwater
runoff. Structural stormwater BMPs are permanent appurtenances to
the development site.
Any man-made object having an ascertainable stationary location
on or in land or water, whether or not affixed to the land.
Any activity meeting the definition of "subdivision" in the
MPC.
A low-lying stretch of land which gathers or carries surface
water runoff.
Stormwater management.
A stormwater management site plan.
See "forest management."
The time for surface runoff to travel from the hydraulically
most distant point of the watershed to a point of interest within
the watershed. This time is the combined total of overland flow time
and flow time in pipes or channels, if any.
First substantial break in slope between the edge of the
bed of the stream and the surrounding terrain. The top of streambank
can either be a natural or constructed (that is, road or railroad
grade) feature, lying generally parallel to the watercourse.
West Lampeter Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
The sequencing of structural best management practices to
achieve optimal flow management and pollutant removal from urban stormwater.
United States Department of Agriculture or any agency successor
thereto.
SWM controls, or BMPs, used to remove a predetermined amount
of runoff or the increase in volume between the pre- and post-development
design storm.
A channel or conveyance of surface water having defined bed
and banks, whether natural or artificial, with perennial or intermittent
flow.
The entire region or area drained by a watercourse.
Any and all rivers, streams, creeks, rivulets, impoundments,
ditches, watercourses, storm sewers, lakes, dammed water, wetlands,
ponds, springs, and all other bodies or channels of conveyance of
surface and underground water, or parts thereof, whether natural or
artificial, within or on the boundaries of Pennsylvania.
Those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or
ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and
that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation
typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions, including
swamps, marshes, bogs, ferns, and similar areas.
Land predominantly covered with trees and shrubs. Without
limiting the foregoing, "woodlands" include all land areas of 10,000
square feet or greater, supporting at least 100 trees per acre, so
that either:
