Article III Stormwater Management Standards

§ 165-15 General requirements.

Any person or entity intending to engage in a regulated activity shall, prior to commencing the regulated activity, apply for and obtain a stormwater management permit and comply with the requirements of this chapter. An application for stormwater management permit and SWM site plan approval shall be submitted on a form prescribed by the municipality accompanied by the required fee. Prior to the commencement of any of the regulated activities set forth in § 165-4 of this chapter, a stormwater management permit and SWM site plan must be approved in writing by the Township. SWM site plans approved by the municipality shall be on site throughout the duration of the regulated activity.

The stormwater management and runoff control criteria and standards in this chapter shall apply to the total proposed regulated activity, even if it is to take place in stages. The measurement of impervious surfaces shall include all of the impervious surfaces in the total proposed regulated activity even if the development is to take place in stages.

No regulated activity within the municipality shall commence until:

(1)

The municipality issues the stormwater management permit and approval of a SWM site plan which demonstrates compliance with the requirements of this chapter; and

(2)

The applicant has received a letter of adequacy or approval for the erosion and sediment control plan review by the municipality and the Conservation District (if required), and has received all other local, state and federal permit approvals required for the project involving the regulated activity.

Neither submission of an SWM site plan under the provisions herein nor compliance with the provisions of this chapter shall relieve any person from responsibility for damage to any person or property otherwise imposed by law.

The applicant shall design the site to minimize disturbances to land, site hydrology, and natural resources, and to maintain the natural hydrologic regime, drainage patterns and flow conditions. The applicant shall apply the procedures set forth in § 165-18 for the overall site design and for selection, location and design of features and BMPs to be used to comply with the requirements of this chapter.

To the maximum extent practicable, postconstruction stormwater shall be discharged within the drainage area of the same stream or water body receiving the runoff prior to construction of the proposed regulated activity.

For regulated activities with one acre or more of proposed earth disturbance, existing drainage peak rate discharges up to and including the one-hundred-year storm onto or through adjacent properties or downgradient properties, including diffuse drainage discharge, shall not be altered in any manner without written permission from, and where applicable as determined by the municipality an easement and agreement with, the affected landowners for conveyance of discharges onto or through their properties. Such discharge shall be subject to any applicable discharge criteria specified in this chapter.

(1)

For regulated activities with one acre or less of proposed earth disturbance the applicant shall provide written notification to the affected landowners describing the proposed regulated activity and proposed discharge(s), unless otherwise required by the municipality.

Areas located outside of the site (i.e., areas outside of the regulated activity) that drain through a proposed site are not subject to water quality and volume control, infiltration, stream channel protection, or peak flow rate control requirements (as presented in §§ 165-19, 165-20, 165-21 and 165-22). Drainage facilities located on the site shall be designed to safely convey flows from outside of the site through the site.

If site conditions preclude capture of runoff from limited portions of the disturbed area for achieving water quality volume control standards, stream channel protection standards, and the two-year storm event peak runoff rate reduction standards for new development required by this chapter, the applicant shall propose alternate methods to mitigate the bypass of the BMPs, subject to the approval of the Municipal Engineer. In no case shall resulting peak rate be greater than the predevelopment peak rate for the equivalent design storm.

For all regulated activities, erosion and sediment control BMPs shall be designed, implemented, operated, and maintained during the regulated activities (i.e., during construction) as required to meet the purposes and requirements of this chapter, to meet the erosion and sediment control requirements of the municipality, if applicable, and to meet all requirements under Title 25 of the Pa. Code and the Clean Streams Law.

For all regulated activities, permanent BMPs and conveyances shall be designed, implemented, operated, and maintained to meet the purposes and requirements of this chapter and to meet all requirements under Title 25 of the Pennsylvania Code, the Clean Streams Law, and the Storm Water Management Act.[1]

[1]

Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 691.1 et seq. and 32 P.S. § 680.1 et seq., respectively.

The design of all BMPs and conveyances shall incorporate sound engineering principles and practices in a manner that does not aggravate existing stormwater problems as identified by the municipality. The municipality reserves the right to disapprove any design that would result in construction in an area affected by existing stormwater problems or continuation of an existing stormwater problem.

Existing wetlands, either on the site or on an adjacent property, shall not be used to meet the minimum design requirements for stormwater management or stormwater runoff quality treatment. Stormwater discharges to existing wetlands shall not degrade the quality or hydrologic integrity of the wetland.

Hotspot runoff controls. Specific structural or pollution prevention practices may be required, as determined to be necessary by the Municipal Engineer, to pretreat runoff from hotspots prior to infiltration. Following is a list of examples of hotspots:

(1)

Vehicle salvage yards and recycling facilities;

(2)

Vehicle fueling stations;

(3)

Vehicle service and maintenance facilities;

(4)

Vehicle and equipment cleaning facilities;

(5)

Fleet storage areas (bus, truck, etc.);

(6)

Industrial sites based on Standard Industrial Classification codes;

(7)

Marinas (service and maintenance areas);

(8)

Outdoor liquid container storage;

(9)

Outdoor loading/unloading facilities;

(10)

Public works storage areas;

(11)

Facilities that generate or store hazardous materials;

(12)

Commercial container nursery;

(13)

Contaminated sites/brownfields;

(14)

Other land uses and activities as designated by the municipality.

Contaminated and brownfield sites. Where BMPs may contribute to the migration of contaminants in groundwater, the water quality and runoff volume, stream channel protection, and peak rate control standards shall be met; however, at the Municipal Engineer's discretion, the minimum infiltration requirement may be reduced or eliminated commensurate with the contaminated area, and the required water quality and runoff control measures may be increased to mitigate the reduced infiltration requirement for the contaminated area.

Additional water quality requirements. The municipality may require additional stormwater control measures for stormwater discharges to special management areas, including but not limited to:

(1)

Water bodies listed as "impaired" by PADEP.

(2)

Any water body or watershed with an approved total maximum daily load (TMDL).

(3)

Areas of known existing flooding problems.

(4)

Critical areas with sensitive resources (e.g., state-designated special protection waters, cold-water fisheries, carbonate geology or other groundwater recharge areas that may be highly vulnerable to contamination, drainage areas to water supply reservoirs, etc.).

Applicants shall utilize the Pennsylvania Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual (PA BMP Manual), as amended, or other sources acceptable to the Municipal Engineer, for testing and design standards for BMPs, and where there is a conflict with the provisions of this chapter, the most restrictive applies.

For areas underlain by karst or carbonate geology that may be susceptible to the formation of sinkholes and other karst features, the location, type, and design of infiltration BMPs shall be based on a site evaluation conducted by a qualified licensed professional and based on the PA BMP Manual or other design guidance acceptable to the Municipal Engineer.

All regulated activities located within a special flood hazard area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) shall comply with Chapter 96, Floodplain Management, and Chapter 200, Article XII, Flood Hazard District, and shall be designed to maintain the flood-carrying capacity of the floodway such that the base flood elevations are not increased, either upstream or downstream. The natural conveyance characteristics of the site and the receiving floodplain shall be incorporated into the stormwater management practices proposed for the site.

Compliance with the riparian buffer requirements of Chapter 200, Article XXII, Natural Resources Protection, shall be demonstrated.

§ 165-16 Permit requirements by other governmental entities.

The following permit or other regulatory requirements may apply to certain regulated activities and shall be met prior to (or as a condition of) final approval by the municipality of the SWM site plan and prior to commencement of any regulated activities, as applicable:

All regulated activities subject to permit or regulatory requirements by PADEP under regulations at Title 25 Pennsylvania Code Chapter 102, or erosion and sediment control requirements of the municipality.

Work within natural drainageways subject to permit by PADEP under Title 25 Pennsylvania Code Chapter 105.

Any BMP or conveyance that would be located in or adjacent to surface waters of the commonwealth, including wetlands, subject to permit by PADEP under Title 25 Pennsylvania Code Chapter 105.

Any BMP or conveyance that would be located on or discharge to a state highway right-of-way or require access to or from a state highway and be subject to approval by PennDOT.

Culverts, bridges, storm sewers, or any other facilities which must pass or convey flows from the tributary area and any facility which may constitute a dam subject to permit by PADEP under Title 25 Pennsylvania Code Chapter 105.

§ 165-17 Erosion and sediment control.

No regulated activity within the municipality shall commence until:

(1)

The municipality receives documentation that the applicant has received:

(a)

A letter of adequacy from the Conservation District, or other approval from PADEP in compliance with Title 25, Chapter 102, of the Pennsylvania Code, of an erosion and sediment control plan for construction activities, if applicable;

(b)

A PADEP NPDES construction activities permit as required under Title 25 Pennsylvania Code Chapter 92, if applicable;

(c)

Evidence of any other permits or approvals required for the regulated activities; and

(2)

An erosion and sediment control plan has been approved by the municipality, if required.

A copy of the erosion and sediment control plan and any required permits, as required by PADEP regulations, shall be available on the site at all times.

Additional erosion and sediment control measures shall be applied where infiltration BMPs are proposed, at a minimum including those required in § 165-20M.

§ 165-18 Site design process.

The applicant shall design the site to minimize the disturbances to land, site hydrology, and natural resources, and to maintain the natural hydrologic regime, drainage patterns and flow conditions. For regulated activities with 10,000 or more square feet of proposed earth disturbance or 2,000 or more square feet of proposed impervious surfaces, the applicant shall demonstrate in its SWM site plan (as required in § 165-27C) that the design sequence, objectives and techniques described below were applied to the maximum extent practicable in the site design of the regulated activity while complying with all other requirements of this chapter.

The site design shall:

(1)

First, identify and delineate all existing natural resources and natural and man-made hydrologic features listed in § 165-27B(8) that are located within the site, or receive discharge from, or may be impacted by the proposed regulated activity.

(2)

Second, provide a prioritized listing of these resources and features to identify:

(a)

Those to be incorporated into the site design in a manner that provides protection from any disturbance or impact from the proposed regulated activity;

(b)

Those to be protected from further disturbance or impact but for which the proposed regulated activity will provide improvement to existing conditions;

(c)

Those that can be incorporated into and utilized as components of the overall site design in a manner that protects or improves their existing conditions while utilizing their hydrologic function within the limits of their available capacity (e.g., for infiltration, evapotranspiration, or reducing pollutant loads, runoff volume or peak discharge rates, etc.) to reduce the need for or size of constructed BMPs; and

(d)

Those that may be considered for alteration, disturbance or removal.

(3)

Third, develop the site design to achieve the following:

(a)

Recognize and incorporate the priorities identified in § 165-18B(2) as the basis for the proposed site layout, grading, construction, and permanent ground cover design;

(b)

Minimize earth disturbance (both surface and subsurface);

(c)

Maximize protection of or improvement to natural resources and special management areas;

(d)

Minimize the disturbance of natural site hydrology, in particular natural drainage features and patterns, discharge points and flow characteristics, natural infiltration patterns and characteristics, and natural channel and floodplain conveyance capacity;

(e)

Incorporate natural hydrologic features and functions identified in § 165-18B(2) into the site design to protect and utilize those features and their hydrologic functions to reduce the need for or size of constructed BMPs;

(f)

Maximize infiltration and the use of natural site infiltration features, patterns and conditions, and evapotranspiration features;

(g)

Apply selective grading design methods to provide final grading patterns or preserve existing topography in order to evenly distribute runoff and minimize concentrated flows;

(h)

Minimize the cumulative area to be covered by impervious surfaces and:

[1]

Minimize the size of individual impervious surfaces;

[2]

Separate large impervious surfaces into smaller components;

[3]

Disconnect runoff from one impervious surface to another; and

[4]

Utilize porous materials in place of impervious wherever practicable;

(i)

Minimize the volume and peak discharge rates of stormwater generated;

(j)

Avoid or minimize stormwater runoff pollutant loads and receiving stream channel erosion;

(k)

Locate infiltration and other BMPs:

[1]

At or as near to the source of generation as possible; and

[2]

At depths that are as shallow as possible;

(l)

Prioritize the selection and design of BMPs as follows:

[1]

Nonstructural and vegetation BMPs; then

[2]

Structural (surface and subsurface) BMPs;

(m)

For flow volumes requiring conveyance from the source of generation to a BMP for management, give preference to open channel conveyance techniques that provide infiltration and water quality benefits, and landscaped-based management in common open space areas, where practicable; and

(n)

Consider additional guidance for incorporating natural hydrology into the site and BMP designs, methods and techniques that support the objectives of §§ 165-18B(2) and (3). Appendix B presents additional discussion of natural hydrology site design and sources of information for Conservation Design, Low Impact Design, and Sustainable Design.[1]

[1]

Editor's Note: Appendix B is included as an attachment to this chapter.

The procedures set forth above shall be utilized to the maximum extent practicable for the overall site design and selection, location and design of features and BMPs to be used to comply with the requirements of §§ 165-19, 165-20, 165-21 and 165-22.

§ 165-19 Water quality and runoff volume.

To control postconstruction stormwater impacts from regulated activities and meet state water quality requirements, BMPs shall be provided in the site design that replicate predevelopment stormwater infiltration and runoff conditions, such that postconstruction stormwater discharges do not degrade the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of the receiving waters. The applicant shall comply with the following water quality and runoff volume requirements for all regulated activities, including all new development and redevelopment activities:

The postconstruction total runoff volume shall not exceed the predevelopment total runoff volume for all storms equal to or less than the two-year, twenty-four-hour-duration precipitation (design storm). The water quality and runoff volume to be managed shall consist of any runoff volume generated by the proposed regulated activity over and above the predevelopment total runoff volume and shall be captured and permanently retained or infiltrated on the site. Permanent retention options may include, but are not limited to, re-use, evaporation, transpiration, and infiltration.

For modeling purposes, the predevelopment ground cover conditions shall be determined using the corresponding ground cover assumptions presented in § 165-23D of this chapter.

The design of the facility outlet shall provide for protection from clogging and unwanted sedimentation.

BMPs that moderate the temperature of stormwater shall be used to protect the temperature of receiving waters.

Water quality improvement shall be achieved in conjunction with achieving the infiltration requirements of § 165-20. The infiltration volume required under § 165-20 may be included as a component of the water quality volume. If the calculated water quality and runoff volume is greater than the volume infiltrated, then the difference between the two volumes shall be managed for water quality and runoff volume control through other techniques or practices but shall not be discharged from the site.

Runoff from the disturbed area shall be treated for water quality prior to entering existing waterways or water bodies. If a stormwater management practice does not provide water quality treatment, then water quality BMPs shall be utilized to provide pretreatment prior to the runoff entering the stormwater management practice.

The municipality may require additional water quality and runoff control measures for stormwater discharging to special management areas such as those listed in § 165-15P.

When the regulated activity contains or is divided by multiple drainage areas, the water quality and runoff volume shall be separately addressed for each drainage area.

Weighted averaging of runoff coefficients shall not be used for manual computations or input data for water quality and runoff volume calculations.

Areas located outside of the site (i.e., areas outside of the regulated activity) may be excluded from the calculation of the water quality and runoff volume requirements.

Water quality and volume control practices shall be selected and designed to meet the criteria of § 165-18B(3) that apply to water quality and volume control.

§ 165-20 Infiltration.

Providing for infiltration consistent with the natural hydrologic regime is required to compensate for the reduction in the recharge that occurs when the ground surface is disturbed or impervious surface is created or expanded. The applicant shall achieve the following infiltration requirements:

Wherever possible, infiltration should be designed to accommodate the entire water quality and runoff volume required in § 165-19.

For regulated activities involving new development, the volume of a minimum of one inch of runoff from all proposed impervious surfaces shall be infiltrated.

For regulated activities involving redevelopment, whichever is less of the following volume options shall be infiltrated:

(1)

The volume of a minimum of one inch of runoff from all proposed impervious surfaces; or

(2)

The total water quality and runoff volume required in § 165-19 of this chapter.

If the requirements of § 165-20B or C cannot be physically accomplished, then the applicant shall be responsible for demonstrating with data or calculations to the satisfaction of the Municipal Engineer why this infiltration volume cannot be physically accomplished on the site (e.g., shallow depth to bedrock or limiting zone, open voids, steep slopes, etc.) and what alternative volume can be infiltrated; however, in all cases at least the first 0.5 inch of runoff volume shall be infiltrated.

Only if a minimum of at least 0.5 inch infiltration requirement cannot be physically accomplished on the site shall a waiver from § 165-20 be considered by the municipality.

If site conditions preclude capture of runoff from portions of the impervious surfaces, the infiltration volume for the remaining area shall be increased an equivalent amount to offset the loss.

When a project contains or is divided by multiple watersheds, the infiltration volume shall be separately addressed for each watershed.

Existing impervious surfaces located in areas outside of the site (i.e., outside of the regulated activity) may be excluded from the calculation of the required infiltration volume.

A detailed soils evaluation of the site shall be conducted by a qualified professional and at a minimum shall address soil permeability, depth to bedrock, and subgrade stability. The general process for designing the infiltration BMP shall be conducted by a qualified licensed professional and shall be consistent with the PA BMP Manual (as amended) (or other guidance acceptable to the Municipal Engineer) and in general shall:

(1)

Analyze hydrologic soil groups as well as natural and man-made features within the site to determine general areas of suitability for infiltration practices. In areas where development on fill material is under consideration, conduct geotechnical investigations of subgrade stability; infiltration may not be ruled out without conducting these tests.

(2)

Provide field tests such as double-ring infiltrometer or other hydraulic conductivity tests (at the elevation of the proposed infiltration surface) to determine the appropriate hydraulic conductivity rate. Standard septic/sewage percolation tests are not acceptable for design purposes.

(3)

Design the infiltration facility for the required retention (infiltration) volume based on field-determined infiltration capacity (and apply safety factor as per applicable design guidelines) at the elevation of the proposed infiltration surface.

(4)

On-lot infiltration features are encouraged; however, it shall be demonstrated to the Municipal Engineer that the soils are conducive to infiltration on the identified lots.

Infiltration BMPs shall be selected based on suitability of soils and site conditions and shall be constructed on soils that have the following characteristics:

(1)

A minimum depth of 24 inches between the bottom of the BMP and the top of the limiting zone. Additional depth may be required in areas underlain by karst or carbonate geology (see § 165-20N).

(2)

An infiltration rate sufficient to accept the additional stormwater volume and drain completely as determined by field tests conducted by the applicant.

(3)

The infiltration facility shall completely drain the retention (infiltration) volume within three days (72 hours) from the end of the design storm.

All infiltration practices shall:

(1)

Be selected and designed to meet the criteria of § 165-18B(3) that are applicable to infiltration;

(2)

Be set back at least 20 feet from all buildings and features with subgrade elements (e.g., basements, foundation walls, etc.) and 20 feet from all property lines or right-of-way boundaries unless otherwise approved by the Municipal Engineer;

(3)

For any infiltration practice that collects runoff from shared or multiple features and that is located within 20 feet of a building or feature with subgrade elements (e.g., basements, foundation walls, etc.), the bottom elevation shall be set below the elevation of the subgrade element.

Infiltration facilities shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be located to avoid introducing contaminants to groundwater:

(1)

When a hotspot is located in the area draining to a proposed infiltration facility, an evaluation of the potential of groundwater contamination from the proposed infiltration facility shall be performed, including a hydrogeologic investigation (if necessary) by a qualified licensed professional to determine what, if any, pretreatment or additional design considerations are needed to protect groundwater quality.

(2)

When located within a wellhead protection area of a public water supply well, infiltration practices shall be in conformance with the applicable approved source water protection assessment or source water protection plan.

(3)

The applicant shall provide appropriate safeguards against groundwater contamination for land uses that may cause groundwater contamination should there be a mishap or spill.

During site construction, all infiltration practice components shall be protected from compaction due to heavy equipment operation or storage of fill or construction material. Infiltration areas shall also be protected from sedimentation. Areas that are accidentally compacted or graded shall be remediated to restore soil composition and porosity. Adequate documentation to this effect shall be submitted to the Municipal Engineer for review. All areas designated for infiltration shall not receive runoff until the contributory drainage area has achieved final stabilization.

Where sediment transport in the stormwater runoff is anticipated to reach the infiltration system, appropriate permanent measures to prevent or collect sediment shall be installed prior to discharge to the infiltration system.

Where roof drains are designed to discharge to infiltration practices, they shall have appropriate measures to prevent clogging by unwanted debris (for example, silt, leaves and vegetation). Such measures shall include but are not limited to leaf traps, gutter guards and cleanouts.

All infiltration practices shall have appropriate positive overflow controls.

No sand, salt or other particulate matter may be applied to a porous surface material for winter ice conditions.

The following procedures and materials shall be required during the construction of all subsurface facilities:

(1)

Excavation for the infiltration facility shall be performed with equipment that will not compact the bottom of the seepage bed/trench or like facility.

(2)

The bottom of the bed and/or trench shall be scarified prior to the placement of aggregate.

(3)

Only clean aggregate with documented porosity, free of fines, shall be allowed.

(4)

The tops, bottoms and sides of all seepage beds, trenches, or like facilities shall be covered with drainage fabric. Fabric shall be nonwoven fabric acceptable to the Municipal Engineer.

(5)

Stormwater shall be distributed throughout the entire seepage bed/trench or like facility, and provisions for the collection of debris shall be provided in all facilities.

§ 165-21 Stream channel protection.

For regulated activities involving new development with one or more acres of earth disturbance, the applicant shall comply with the following stream channel protection requirements to minimize stream channel erosion and associated water quality impacts to the receiving waters:

The peak flow rate of the postconstruction two-year, twenty-four-hour design storm shall be reduced to the predevelopment peak flow rate of the one-year, twenty-four-hour-duration precipitation, using the SCS Type II distribution.

To the maximum extent practicable, and unless otherwise approved by the Municipal Engineer, the postconstruction one-year, twenty-four-hour storm flow shall be detained for a minimum of 24 hours and a maximum not to exceed 72 hours from a point in time when the maximum volume of water from the one-year, twenty-four-hour storm is stored in a proposed BMP (i.e., when the maximum water surface elevation is achieved in the facility). Release of water can begin at the start of the storm (i.e., the invert of the orifice is at the invert of the proposed BMP).

For modeling purposes, the predevelopment ground cover conditions shall be determined using the corresponding ground cover assumptions presented in § 165-23D of this chapter.

The minimum orifice size in the outlet structure to the BMP shall be three inches in diameter unless otherwise approved by the Municipal Engineer, and a trash rack shall be installed to prevent clogging. For sites with small drainage areas contributing to the BMP that do not provide enough runoff volume to allow a twenty-four-hour attenuation with the three-inch orifice, the calculations shall be submitted showing this condition.

When the calculated orifice size is below three inches, gravel filters (or other methods) are recommended to discharge low-flow rates subject to the Municipal Engineer's satisfaction. When filters are utilized, maintenance provisions shall be provided to ensure filters meet the design function.

All proposed stormwater facilities shall make use of measures to extend the flow path and increase the travel time of flows in the facility.

When a regulated activity contains or is divided by multiple drainage areas, the peak flow rate control shall be separately addressed for each drainage area.

§ 165-22 Stormwater peak rate control.

The applicant shall comply with the following peak flow rate control requirements for all regulated activities, including those that involve new development and redevelopment:

Postconstruction peak flow rates from any regulated activity shall not exceed the predevelopment peak flow rates as shown for each of the design storms specified in Table 165-22.1.

Table 165-22.1
Peak Rate Control Standards
(Peak flow rate of the postconstruction design storm shall be reduced to the peak flow rate of the corresponding predevelopment design storm shown in the table.)
	Predevelopment Design Storm
Postconstruction Design Storm Frequency (24-Hour Duration)	New Development Regulated Activities	Redevelopment Regulated Activities
2-year	1-year	2-year
5-year	5-year	5-year
10-year	10-year	10-year
25-year	25-year	25-year
50-year	50-year	50-year
100-year	100-year	100-year

For modeling purposes, the predevelopment ground cover conditions shall be determined using the corresponding ground cover assumptions presented in § 165.23D of this chapter.

For regulated activities involving only redevelopment, no peak flow rate controls are required when, and only if, the total proposed impervious surface area is at least 20% less than the total existing impervious surface area to be disturbed by the regulated activity. In all cases where this requirement is not met, the redevelopment regulated activity shall achieve the peak flow rate controls presented in Table 165-22.1, using the redevelopment ground cover assumptions presented in § 165-23D.

Only the area of the proposed regulated activity shall be subject to the peak flow rate control standards of this chapter. Undisturbed areas for which the discharge point has not changed are not subject to the peak flow rate control standards.

Areas located outside of the site (i.e., areas outside of the regulated activity) that drain through a proposed site are not subject to peak flow rate control requirements. Drainage facilities located on the site shall be designed to safely convey flows from outside of the site through the site.

When a regulated activity contains or is divided by multiple drainage areas, the peak flow rate controls shall be separately addressed for each drainage area.

The effect of structural and nonstructural stormwater management practices implemented as part of the overall site design may be taken into consideration when calculating total storage volume and peak flow rates.

§ 165-23 Calculation methodology.

Stormwater runoff from all regulated activity sites with a drainage area of greater than five acres shall be calculated using a generally accepted calculation technique that is based on the NRCS Soil Cover Complex Method. Table 165-23.1 summarizes acceptable computation methods. The method selected for use shall be based on the individual limitations and suitability of each method for a particular site. The use of the Rational Method to estimate peak discharges for drainage areas greater than five acres shall be permitted only upon approval by the Municipal Engineer.

Table 23.1
Acceptable Computation Methodologies for SWM Site Plans
Method	Developed by	Applicability
TR-20 (or commercial computer package based on TR-20)	USDA NRCS	Applicable where use of full hydrology computer model is desirable or necessary
TR-55 (or commercial computer package based on TR-55)	USDA NRCS	Applicable for land development plans where limitations described in TR-55 are met
HEC-1/HEC-HMS	U.S. Army Corps of Engineers	Applicable where use of a full hydrologic computer model is desirable or necessary
Rational Method (or commercial computer package based on Rational Method)	Emil Kuichling (1889)	For sites up to five acres, or as approved by the municipality
Other methods	Varies	Other computation methodologies approved by the municipality

All calculations using the Soil Cover Complex Method shall use the appropriate design rainfall depths for the various return period storms consistent with this chapter. Rainfall depths used shall be obtained from NOAA Atlas 14 values consistent with a partial duration series. When stormwater calculations are performed for routing procedures or infiltration, water quality and runoff volume functions, the duration of rainfall shall be 24 hours.

All calculations using the Rational Method shall use rainfall intensities consistent with appropriate times-of-concentration (duration) and storm events with rainfall intensities obtained from NOAA Atlas 14 partial duration series estimates, or the latest version of the PennDOT Drainage Manual (PDM Publication 584). Times-of-concentration shall be calculated based on the methodology recommended in the respective model used. Times of concentration for channel and pipe flow shall be computed using Manning's equation.

The applicant shall utilize the following ground cover assumptions for all predevelopment water quality and runoff volume, infiltration volume and peak flow rate calculations:

(1)

For regulated activities involving new development, the following ground cover assumptions shall be used:

(a)

For areas that are woods (as defined in Article II of this chapter), predevelopment calculations shall assume ground cover of "woods in good condition."

(b)

For all other areas (including all impervious surfaces), predevelopment calculations shall assume ground cover of "meadow."

(2)

For regulated activities involving redevelopment, the following ground cover assumptions shall be used:

(a)

For areas that are woods (as defined in Article II of this chapter), predevelopment calculations shall assume ground cover of "woods in good condition."

(b)

For areas that are not woods or not impervious surfaces, predevelopment calculations shall assume ground cover of "meadow."

(c)

For areas that are impervious surfaces, predevelopment calculations shall assume at least 20% of the existing impervious surface area to be disturbed as "meadow" ground cover.

(3)

The applicant shall determine which stormwater standards apply to the proposed regulated activity as follows:

(a)

Stormwater standards for new development shall apply to all proposed regulated activities that involve only new development activities as defined in this chapter.

(b)

Stormwater standards for redevelopment shall apply to all proposed regulated activities that involve only redevelopment activities as defined in this chapter.

(c)

At the discretion of the Municipal Engineer, regulated activities that involve a combination of both new development and redevelopment activities, as defined in this chapter, may either:

[1]

Apply the stormwater standards (redevelopment or new development) that are associated with the activity that involves the greatest amount of land area; or

[2]

Apply the redevelopment and new development stormwater standards to the corresponding redevelopment and new development portions of the proposed regulated activity.

Runoff curve numbers (CN) for both predevelopment and proposed (postconstruction) conditions to be used in the Soil Cover Complex Method shall be obtained from Table C-1 in Appendix C of this chapter.[1]

[1]

Editor's Note: Appendix C is included as an attachment to this chapter.

Runoff coefficients (C) for both predevelopment and proposed (postconstruction) conditions for use in the Rational Method shall be obtained from Table C-2 in Appendix C of this chapter.[2]

[2]

Editor's Note: Appendix C is included as an attachment to this chapter.

Weighted averaging of runoff coefficients shall not be used for manual computations or input data for water quality and runoff volume calculations.

Hydraulic computations to determine the capacity of pipes, culverts, and storm sewers shall be consistent with methods and computations contained in the Federal Highway Administration Hydraulic Design Series Number 5 (Publication No. FHWA-NHI-01-020 HDS No. 5, as amended). Hydraulic computations to determine the capacity of open channels shall be consistent with methods and computations contained in the Federal Highway Administration Hydraulic Engineering Circular Number 15 (Publication No. FHWA-NHI-05-114 HEC 15, as amended). Values for Manning's roughness coefficient (n) shall be consistent with Table C-3 in Appendix C of the Chapter.[3]

[3]

Editor's Note: Appendix C is included as an attachment to this chapter.

Runoff calculations shall include the following assumptions:

(1)

Average antecedent moisture conditions (for the Soil Cover Complex Method only for example, TR-55, TR-20).

(2)

A Type II distribution storm (for the Soil Cover Complex Method only for example, TR-55, TR-20).

§ 165-24 Additional requirements.

Any BMP intended to hold standing water for four days or longer shall be designed to incorporate biologic controls consistent with the West Nile Design Guidance found in Appendix D;[1] PADEP document 363-0300-001 "Design Criteria — Wetlands Replacement/Monitoring" (as amended); or contact the Pennsylvania State Cooperative Wetland Center or the Penn State Cooperative Extension Office for design information.

[1]

Editor's Note: Appendix D is included as an attachment to this chapter.

Any stormwater basin required or regulated by this chapter designed to store runoff and requiring a berm or earthen embankment shall be designed to provide an emergency spillway to safely convey flow up to and including the one-hundred-year proposed conditions. The height of embankment shall provide a minimum 1.0 foot of freeboard above the maximum pool elevation, computed when the facility functions for the one-hundred-year proposed conditions inflow. Should any BMP require a dam safety permit under 25 Pa. Code Chapter 105 regulations, the facility shall be designed in accordance with and meet the regulations of 25 Pa. Code Chapter 105 concerning dam safety. Chapter 105 of Title 25 of the Pennsylvania Code may require the safe conveyance of storms larger than one-hundred-year events.

Roadway crossings or structures located within designated floodplain areas shall be able to convey runoff from a one-hundred-year design storm consistent with Federal Emergency Management Agency National Flood Insurance Program floodplain management requirements.

Any facility located within a PennDOT right-of-way shall comply with PennDOT minimum design standards and permit submission and approval requirements.

§ 165-25 Other conveyance and system design standards.

General.

(1)

Lots shall be laid out and graded to provide positive drainage away from buildings.

(2)

Storm sewers, culverts, and related installations shall be designed:

(a)

To permit unimpeded flow of natural watercourses and drainage swales.

(b)

To insure adequate drainage of all low points along the line of streets.

(c)

To intercept stormwater runoff along streets at intervals reasonably related to the extent and grade of the area drained.

(d)

To provide zero increase in runoff peak flow rate.

(e)

To provide the most efficient and environmentally safe method of recharging groundwater supplies.

(3)

In the design of storm sewer installations, special consideration shall be given to avoidance of problems which may arise from concentration of stormwater runoff over adjacent properties.

(4)

When storm sewers are placed outside of the right-of-way of a street, they shall be placed within an easement not less than 20 feet unless otherwise approved by the Township Engineer. Open ditches shall be avoided. Diversion terraces and swales can be considered if conditions are warranted (soil erodibility, slope and liner type) and approved by the Township Engineer and/or Conservation District, as applicable.

(5)

Storm sewers shall have a minimum diameter of 15 inches and a minimum grade of 1/2%; smaller-diameter storm sewers may be permitted for BMPs in accordance with DEP guidelines if approved by the Township Engineer and/or Conservation District, as applicable. Changes in alignment shall be by straight sections connected by inlets or manholes.

(6)

Any drainage conveyance facility and/or channel not governed by 25 Pa. Code Chapter 105 regulations shall be designed to convey, without damage to the drainage facility or roadway, runoff from the twenty-five-year storm event. Larger storm events (fifty-year and one-hundred-year storms) shall also be safely conveyed in the direction of natural flow without creating additional damage to any drainage facilities, nearby structures, or roadways. Rainfall intensity curves and other hydraulic design data, compatible with the NOAA Atlas 14 partial duration series estimates, or the latest version of the PennDOT Drainage Manual (PDM Publication 584) may be used in the design. The application of the Rational formula procedures and techniques for the sizing of inlets and storm sewers can be used, if so desired.

(7)

Manholes shall be not more than 300 feet apart on sizes up to 24 inches, and not more than 450 feet apart on greater sizes. Inlets may be substituted for manholes on approval by the Township Engineer.

(8)

Inlets and manhole covers and frames shall conform to PennDOT minimum design standards. At street intersections, inlets shall be placed in the tangent and not in the curved portion of the curbing.

(9)

Bridges and culverts shall have ample waterway to carry expected flows, based on a minimum storm frequency of 50 years. Culverts shall be provided with wing walls and constructed for the full width of the right-of-way. Box culverts shall be provided with a paved flow line and with aprons and wing walls at each end. Bridge railing must be at least five feet back from the edge of the final cartway width, and this five feet may be used to place sidewalks, present or future.

(10)

All storm drains and drainage facilities such as gutters, inlets, bridges, and culverts shall be installed in accordance with current PennDOT design standards. The land shall be graded for adequate drainage as shown on the surface drainage plan submitted and approved.

(11)

All storm and drainage facilities shall be inspected and checked for adequacy by the person designated by the Board.

Erosion and sediment control. All activities involving land disturbance, whether or not a plan is prepared or a permit obtained in accordance with this chapter, shall be consistent with the following performance standards:

(1)

All land disturbance activities shall be conducted in such a way as to prevent accelerated erosion and resulting sedimentation. To accomplish this, all persons engaged in land disturbance activities shall design, implement, and maintain erosion and sedimentation control measures which effectively prevent accelerated erosion and sedimentation.

(2)

Adequate erosion protection and energy dissipation shall be provided along all open channels and at all points of discharge. Design methods shall be consistent with the Federal Highway Administration Hydraulic Engineering Circular Number 11 (Publication No. FHWA-IP-89-016, as amended) and the PADEP Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Program Manual (Publication No. 363-2134-008, as amended), or other design guidance acceptable to the Township Engineer and/or Conservation District, as applicable.

(3)

In order to prevent accelerated erosion and resulting sedimentation, land disturbance activities related to earthmoving operations, to construction (including but not limited to construction of buildings and other structures) and to paving activities shall be guided by the reference materials noted within this chapter and the following principles:

(a)

There shall be no discharge of sediment or other solid materials from the site as a result of stormwater runoff.

(b)

No earthmoving or stripping of vegetation shall be conducted in areas of greater than 25% slope unless in accordance with the provisions of § 200-179C, Steep and precautionary slopes.

(c)

An erosion and sediment control plan shall be submitted with the preliminary and final subdivision plans. (See §§ 170-20 and 170-21.)

(d)

Stripping of vegetation, regrading, or other development shall be done in such a way that will minimize erosion.

(e)

To the maximum extent practical, natural vegetation shall not be removed except as provided in the approved final subdivision or land development plan or the zoning permit.

(f)

The amount of disturbed area and the duration of exposure shall be kept to a practical minimum.

(g)

Such other requirements or exceptions as are consistent with these terms in the foregoing principles may be imposed or allowed by the Township Engineer.

Protection of adjacent property.

(1)

No person shall engage in earthmoving activities to endanger any adjoining public street, sidewalk, alley, or other public property from settling, cracking, or other damage which might result from such earthmoving. If, in the opinion of the Township Engineer, the nature of the earthmoving is such as to create a hazard to life or property unless adequately safeguarded, the applicant shall construct walls, fences, guard rails, or other structures to safeguard the public street, sidewalk, alley, or other public property and persons.

(2)

No person shall dump, move, or place any soil, bedrock, or other material or divert or increase the flow of water so as to cause the same to be deposited upon or roll, flow or wash upon or over the premises of another without the express consent of the owner of such premises so affected, or upon or over any public street, street improvement, road, storm sewer drain, watercourse, or rights-of-way or any public property.

Lot area and open space calculations. All stormwater management areas and facilities shall be excluded from minimum lot area calculations and also excluded from the minimum required open space.

Standards for grading, excavation and fill.

(1)

No excavation or fill shall be made with an exposed face steeper in slope than three horizontal to one vertical, except under one or more of the following conditions:

(a)

The material in which the excavation or fill is to be made is sufficiently stable to sustain a slope of steeper than three horizontal to one vertical and a written report to that effect by a licensed professional engineer experienced in slope stability analysis is submitted and approved by the Township Engineer. The report shall certify that the soils have been inspected and evaluated and that the recommended slope will not result in injury to persons or damage to property or increased erosion.

(b)

When a retaining wall is provided to support the face of the excavation at a maximum height of three feet or a stepped level or terraced retaining wall system with a combined maximum height of six feet. Retaining walls greater than four feet in height, including the footing, shall be designed by a professional engineer registered to practice in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

(2)

The Township Engineer may require a flatter slope when it is found that the material in which the excavating is to be made is unusually subject to erosion or if other conditions exist which make such a shallower slope necessary for stability and safety.

(3)

The top or bottom edge of slopes shall be located at least five feet from property lines or from any ultimate right-of-way, whichever is more restrictive, in order to permit a gradual rounding of the edge without encroaching onto the abutting property. At property lines where resulting slopes are steeper than three horizontal to one vertical or a retaining wall system is three feet or more in height, a protective fence shall be located on top of the slope or retaining wall system. The fence shall be a minimum of four feet in height.

(4)

Excavation shall not exceed below the angle of repose or natural slope of the soil under the nearest point of any footing or foundation or any existing building or structure unless such footing or foundation is first properly underpinned or protected against settlement.

(5)

Grading shall not redirect or concentrate surface water onto an adjacent property.

(6)

During grading operations, necessary measures for dust control to prevent particulate matter from becoming airborne shall be followed. These measures shall include, but not be limited to the following:

(a)

A tire cleaning area shall be provided at each point of egress from the development areas;

(b)

Use, where possible, of water or other method approved by the Township Engineer for control of dust during any land disturbance activity; and

(c)

Prompt removal of earth or other material from paved streets.

(7)

Grading equipment shall not be allowed to cross permanent or intermittent streams without first obtaining appropriate permits from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

(8)

No applicant shall engage in land disturbance activities that endanger any adjoining property, public street, sidewalk, alley or other property from settling, cracking or other damage which might result from such land disturbance. If, in the opinion of the Township Engineer, the land disturbance would create a hazard to life or property unless adequately safeguarded, the applicant shall construct walls, fences, rails or other structures to safeguard the adjoining property, public street, sidewalk, alley or other property and persons.

(9)

Excavations or fills shall not encroach on natural watercourses, floodplain areas, constructed channels or wetlands without the necessary state and federal permits. Excavations or fills located adjacent to natural watercourses or constructed channels shall have suitable protection against erosion.

(10)

All fill shall be compacted to provide stability of material and to prevent undesirable settlements. The fill shall be spread in a series of layers, not exceeding eight inches in thickness, and be compacted by a sheepsfoot roller or other approved method after each layer is spread. The Township Engineer may require compaction tests and reports.

(11)

Adequate provisions shall be made to prevent surface waters from damaging the cut face of an excavation or the sloping surface or a fill within the area of a proposed subdivision or land development. Slopes of more than 10 feet in vertical height shall be separated by level berms of at least four feet in width within which ditches shall be constructed where necessary to prevent erosion and as a safe place to deposit and receive such water. The Township Engineer may require such drainage structures or pipes to be constructed or installed which are perceived necessary to prevent erosion damage and to satisfactorily carry off surface waters.

(12)

When excavation or fill is proposed, all retaining walls, cribbing, drainage structures, fences or other protective devices shall be maintained in good condition and repair to insure their continued function and intended service.

BMP design. All BMPs, including structural and nonstructural BMPs, shall be designed in accordance with the recommendations of the latest version of the Pennsylvania Stormwater BMP Manual as determined by the Township Engineer and/or Conservation District.