Township of Jackson, PA Riparian Buffer Standards

When a regulated activity requires a permit in accordance with the PADEP 25 Pa. Code Chapter 102 regulations (latest version) related to riparian buffers and riparian forest buffers, said permit shall be included as part of the stormwater management plan.

In addition to those requirements applicable under the PADEP 25 Pa. Code Chapter 102 permit, the following riparian buffer requirements apply to all regulated activities:

(1)

Perennial and intermittent streams shall be provided with a buffer of at least 50 feet in width, centered on the specific stream. All riparian buffer boundaries shall be shown on all applications for building permits as well as plans associated with subdivision or land development. Existing uses within the buffer are permitted to continue but not to be expanded. Placement of new structures or roadways within the riparian buffer is prohibited. Where a wetland exists within the buffer area, the buffer shall be extended landward to provide a minimum buffer of 25 feet, as measured perpendicularly from the wetland boundary.

(2)

Where wetlands are located partially or entirely within a buffer, the buffer shall be extended to encompass the wetland and shall be widened by a distance sufficient to provide a twenty-five-foot buffer measured perpendicularly from the wetland boundary.

(3)

The following uses shall be permitted in the buffer:

(a)

Footpaths, trails and bike paths, provided that:

[1]

Width is limited to five feet.

[2]

Width may be increased, provided a corresponding increase in the buffer is provided.

[3]

Construction shall have minimal impact to the buffer.

(b)

Stream crossings, provided the crossing is designed and constructed in such a manner as to minimize the impact to the buffer. The riparian buffer shall be restored to its original condition, to the maximum extent practical, upon completion of construction.

(c)

Utility lines, provided that the crossing is designed and constructed in such a manner as to minimize the impact to the inner buffer and provided that there is no practical alternative to locating the utility line within the buffer. The riparian buffer shall be restored to its original condition, to the maximum extent practical, upon completion of construction.

(d)

Maintenance and restoration of the riparian buffer.

(e)

Projects conducted with the objective of improvement, stabilization, restoration, or enhancement of the stream bank, stream channel, floodplain, watershed hydrology, riparian buffers, or aquatic habitat and maintenance activities associated with such projects. These projects include, but are not limited to, agricultural and stormwater management BMPs. Such projects must receive appropriate permits and approvals from PADEP prior to starting the project.

(f)

Minor private recreational uses for the property owner. Such uses include benches, fire rings, and similar uses. Such uses do not include structures such as cabins, sheds, pavilions, garages, dwellings or similar structures.

(4)

Disturbance of the riparian buffer shall be limited to the area necessary to perform an allowable use.

(5)

Where possible and practical, disturbances shall be phased, with each phase restored prior to beginning the next phase.

(6)

Allowable activities shall not cause stormwater flow to concentrate.

(7)

Any vegetation removed for an allowable activity shall be replaced immediately upon completion of the activity. Where mature trees are removed, such trees shall be replaced with the largest practical tree of acceptable native species.

(8)

Erosion and sediment pollution control shall be installed and maintained during construction. Evidence of an approved erosion and sediment control plan, NPDES permit or other PADEP permit, where required, shall be submitted prior to issuance of local permits.

(9)

Riparian buffers shall be maintained in a manner consistent with sound forest management practices. In the absence of a site-specific management plan, the following maintenance guidelines apply:

(a)

Buffers shall be inspected periodically for evidence of excessive sediment deposition, erosion or concentrated flow channels. Prompt action shall be taken to correct these problems and prevent future occurrence.

(b)

Trees presenting an unusual hazard of creating downstream obstructions shall be removed. Such material shall be removed from the floodplain or the riparian buffer (whichever is widest) or cut into sections small enough so as to prevent the possibility of creating obstructions downstream. Wherever possible, large stable debris should be conserved.

(c)

Vegetation should be inspected periodically to ensure diverse vegetative cover and vigorous plant growth consistent with buffering objectives.

[1]

Remove invasive plant species that may threaten the integrity of the buffer.

[2]

Periodic cutting of trees may be necessary to promote vigorous growth and encourage regeneration.

(d)

Excessive use of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals shall be avoided. These products should be used only when absolutely necessary to maintain buffer vegetation.

(10)

The Township may consider additional riparian buffer requirements when stream protection associated with regulated activities are deemed inadequate to preserve natural features of the area or prevent unnecessary runoff and pollution.