[1]
Editor’s Note: This Part was enacted as Exhibit A of Ord. 261, 9/17/2007, which provides, in pertinent part:
“Section 1: Title. This ordinance shall be known as the “Wrightstown Township Soil Erosion, Sedimentation and Grading Control Ordinance”, and is attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and incorporated herein by reference, and implements Title 25, Pa. Code, Rules and Regulations, Part I, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Environmental Resources, Subpart C, Protection of Natural Resources, Article II, Water Resources, Chapter 102, “Erosion Control,” as will as provisions of Act 167, Stormwater Management Act, 32 P.S. § 680.1 et seq., Article V of the Municipalities Planning Code (MPC), 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq., and the Second Class Township Code, 53 P.S. § 65101 et seq.
“Section 2: Purpose. The purposes of this ordinance are to regulate the modification of the natural terrain, the alteration of drainage, and to provide for certain erosion and sediment control measures within Wrightstown Township to assure and safeguard health, safety, ecology of the Township.
“Section 3: Interpretation. This Ordinance shall be interpreted and applied as minimum requirements for the promotion of the public health, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare.”
[Ord. 261, 9/17/2007]
This Part shall be known and may be cited as the "Soil Erosion, Sedimentation and Grading Control Ordinance," implementing Title 25, Pa. Code, Rules and Regulations, Part I, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Environmental Resources, Subpart C, Protection of Natural Resources, Article II, Water Resources, Chapter 102, "Erosion Control," as well as provisions of Act 167, Stormwater Management Act, 32 P.S. § 680.1 et seq., Article V of the Municipalities Planning Code (MPC), 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq., and the Second Class Township Code, 53 P.S. § 65101 et seq.
[Ord. 261, 9/17/2007]
1. 
Findings. In Wrightstown Township excessive quantities of soil are eroding from areas undergoing development for nonagricultural uses, such as housing developments, industrial sites, roads, and recreation areas. The washing, blowing and deposition of eroded soil across and upon roadways decrease visibility and reduce the traction of automobiles. This soil erosion necessitates the costly repair of gullies, washed out fills, roads, and embankments and causes the undermining of trees. The resulting sediment clogs storm sewers and muddies, pollutes, and silts streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. The sediment is expensive to remove and limits the use of water for most beneficial purposes; promotes the growth of undesirable aquatic weeds; and destroys fish and other desirable aquatic life. The sediment reduces the channel capacity of drainage ditches, streams, and rivers, and thus, increases the likelihood of flooding and associated damages. All of these effects of soil erosion threaten the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Wrightstown Township, as well as the general ecology of the Township.
2. 
Purposes. The purposes of this Part are to regulate the modification of the natural terrain, the alteration of drainage, and to provide for certain erosion and sediment control measures within Wrightstown Township to assure and safeguard health, safety, ecology and the general welfare in the Township.
[Ord. 261, 9/17/2007]
From and after the effective date of this Part, any subdivision and/or land development approved under the Township's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22] and/or Zoning Ordinance, or any activity requiring a permit under § 9-105, Subsection 1, herein shall be in conformity with this Part. In the event of a conflict between this Part and any other statute, ordinance, or regulation, the strictest statute, ordinance, or regulation shall take precedence.
[Ord. 261, 9/17/2007]
Unless specifically defined below, words and phrases used in this Part shall be interpreted to have common English usage, to give effect to the purposes set forth in § 9-102, Subsection 2, above, and to provide reasonable application of this Part and are to be used for this Part only. As used in this Part, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:
ALLUVIAL SOILS
Soils, developed from transported and relatively recently deposited material (alluvium), characterized by a weak modification (or none) of the original material by soil-forming processes.
BEDROCK
The solid, undisturbed rock in place either at the ground surface or beneath surface soil deposits.
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Procedures and measures pertaining to earth disturbances/construction activities that are intended to minimize water pollution; increase water quality; retain valuable topsoil; prevent erosion and sedimentation; and control rate of runoff from storm events.
BORROW PIT
An open pit from which soil is excavated as a single incident for use at a single construction site.
CUT
The removal of soil or rock from its natural or predevelopment location.
DEVELOPMENT
Any subdivision or land development or any alteration of land not for agricultural or conservation purposes that includes earthmoving, cutting, filling or stripping including, but not limited to, road construction, utility installation - public or private, residential, commercial or industrial facility construction, mining and quarrying and water resource management.
EARTHMOVING
Any activity by which soil or bedrock is cut into, quarried, displaced, relocated, or used as fill.
EROSION
The wearing away of soil, bedrock, or land surface by water, wind, ice, chemical or other natural forces.
EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLAN
A plan prepared by a Pennsylvania licensed engineer or registered architect indicating the specific measures and sequencing to be used in controlling sediment and erosion on a development site both during and after construction.
EXISTING GRADE
The vertical elevation of the ground surface prior to earthmoving.
FILL
Material, exclusive of structures, placed or deposited so as to form an embankment or raise the surface elevation of any portion of the land.
FINISHED GRADE
The final vertical elevation of the ground after development.
GRADE
(1) 
The slope of a road, channel, or natural ground.
(2) 
The finished surface of a roadbed, top of embankment, or bottom of excavation; any surface prepared for the support of construction like paving or laying a conduit.
(3) 
To finish the surface of a roadbed, top of embankment, or bottom of excavation.
GRADING PERMIT
The permit required to be issued prior to the disturbance of the topography and vegetation of land in connection with the conduct of activities regulated by this Part.
NATURAL GROUND SURFACE
The ground surface in its original state before any earthmoving or stripping of vegetation.
OPEN PIT MINING
The continuing or recurring removal of material from below the ground surface by open excavation.
PARCEL
All contiguous land under single and separate ownership.
PERMANENT VEGETATION
Ground cover establishing a 75% vegetated cover to control soil erosion satisfactorily and to survive severe weather conditions.
PERMIT
A grading permit.
PERMITTEE
Any person to whom a grading permit is issued or to whom a site plan approval is granted.
PERSON
Any individual, association, trust, partnership or corporation, including any members, directors, officers, employees, partners or principals thereof. Whenever used in any clause prescribing and imposing a penalty, person includes the members, trustees, partners, directors, officers, managers and supervisors, or any of them, of partnerships, associations, corporations or other form of entity.
RUNOFF (HYDRAULICS)
That portion of irrigation water, rainfall, snowmelt, or other precipitation upon a drainage area or watershed that is discharged from the area in watercourses, sheet flows, absorption, etc. Types of runoff include surface runoff, groundwater runoff, and seepage.
SEDIMENT
Solid material, both mineral and organic, that is in suspension in; is being transported by; or has been moved from its site of origin by air, water, gravity, or ice and has come to rest on the earth's surface either above or below sea level.
SEDIMENTATION
The process by which mineral or organic material is deposited by the movement of water.
SITE
A parcel or parcels of land intended to have one or more buildings or intended to be subdivided into two or more lots.
SLOPE
The face of an embankment or cut section; any ground whose surface makes an angle with the plane of the horizon. Slopes are expressed in a percentage based upon vertical distance in feet per 100 feet of horizontal distance.
SOIL
All earth material of whatever origin that overlies bedrock.
SOIL DRAINAGE
A condition of the soil, referring to the frequency and duration of periods when the soil is free of saturation.
STRIPPING
Any activity which removes the vegetative surface cover, including tree removal; and the clearing and storage or removal of topsoil.
TEMPORARY STREAM CROSSING
A temporary structural span installed across a flowing watercourse for use by construction traffic. Such structures include, but are not limited to, bridges, round pipes and pipe arches and must meet all local, county, state, and federal requirements.
TOPOGRAPHY
The physical features of a site, place or region.
VEGETATION
The plants located on a site or in an area or region.
[Ord. 261, 9/17/2007]
1. 
The following activities require a grading permit:
A. 
Modifying, disturbing, blocking, diverting or otherwise adversely affecting the natural overland or subsurface flow of water.
B. 
Construction, erection, or installation of any drainage dam, obstruction affecting the drainage of any parcel.
C. 
Paving, cutting, filling, stripping, excavating, grading or regrading of any parcel unless specifically excluded by Subsection 2 below.
D. 
Disturbing, in excess of 1,000 square feet, the natural ground surface, soil, or vegetation upon any parcel.
2. 
The following activities require no grading permit:
A. 
Improvements, such as the erection of fencing, driveway paving, and minor regrading (less than 1,000 square feet).
B. 
Utilizing up to one acre of any parcel for gardening for home consumption or personal use, or lawn restoration up to one acre on any parcel.
C. 
Cultivation or tilling of soil in accordance with a conservation plan or erosion and sedimentation control plan found adequate by the Bucks County Conservation District, but not including sod farming.
D. 
Forest management operations that follow guidelines established by the Department of Environmental Protection in "Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Guidelines for Forestry"; that are operating under an erosion and sedimentation control plan approved by the Bucks County Conservation District; and that comply with the Township Zoning Ordinance.
E. 
Earthmoving or stripping activities incidental to construction of individual wells or sewage disposal systems and less than 1,000 square feet in extent.
F. 
Any emergency activity immediately necessary for the protection of life, property, or natural resources.
3. 
Application for Grading Permit.
A. 
Any person, firm or corporation proposing to engage in an activity requiring a grading permit shall apply for one by submitting a prepared grading permit application.
B. 
The grading permit application shall be accompanied by a fee established in the Township's Schedule of Fees.
C. 
All applications must be accompanied by an erosion and sediment control plan as described in § 9-106 below.
D. 
All applications filed regarding any earthmoving or stripping activities on any commercial, industrial, and/or institutional lot; on any residential lot where earthmoving activities in excess of 1,000 square feet are proposed; or where, in the opinion of the Township Code Official, the lot features such as slope, soils, or other natural resources require special consideration of the earthmoving activities shall be accompanied by a grading plan as provided in § 9-107 below.
E. 
A separate application shall be required for each grading project.
4. 
Issuance of Permits. Upon the approval of all of the required plans and/or applications by the appropriate Township official/employee, the Township Code Official shall issue the necessary grading permit(s). No grading permit shall be issued until all the plans and applications required to be submitted by this Part for all the proposed earthmoving or stripping activities have been reviewed and approved by the appropriate Township official/employee as set forth in this Part.
5. 
Standards for Issuance of Grading Permit.
A. 
Notwithstanding any provision of this Part or any condition of the grading permit, the permittee is responsible for the prevention of damage to other people or property that may be affected by the earthmoving or stripping activity.
B. 
No person, firm or corporation shall modify, cut, fill, excavate, pave, strip, grade, or regrade land in any manner that endangers or damages any adjoining street, alley, or any other public or private property. Any earthmoving activity conducted adjacent to a property or street line shall support and protect the adjoining property from settling, cracking, erosion, sediment, flooding, or any other physical damage or personal injury that might result.
C. 
No person, firm or corporation shall deposit, place, throw, or cause to be deposited, placed or thrown any debris or other material in any drainage structure or watercourse so as to obstruct the free flow of water.
D. 
No person, firm, or corporation shall fail to adequately maintain, in good operating order, any drainage facility on the site. All drainage ditches, culverts, drain pipes, drainage structures, and watercourses shall be kept open and free-flowing at all times.
E. 
The owner of any property upon which any work has been done pursuant to a grading permit granted under this Part shall continuously maintain and repair all graded surfaces, anti-erosion devices, retaining walls, drainage structures, and other protective devices, plantings and ground cover, installed or completed.
F. 
All graded surfaces shall be permanently seeded, sodded, planted, and/or otherwise protected from erosion immediately upon completion of the earthmoving activities upon that surface, weather permitting, and shall be tended and/or maintained until growth is well established. The disturbed area and duration of exposure shall be kept to a minimum using temporary erosion and sediment control measures immediately, as outlined in the Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Program Manual.
G. 
All trees in an area of extreme grade change, as determined by the Township, shall be protected with suitable tree wells, unless the necessity for removal is established. Precautions shall be taken to prevent the unnecessary removal of trees. Any grading around trees or any removal of trees must comply with the Township's Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22].
H. 
The permittee shall provide adequate provisions for dust control measures. Any such measures must be deemed acceptable by Township Engineer and must provide reasonable assurance that dust shall not be deposited on roadways or private property.
I. 
All plans and specifications submitted for a grading permit shall include provisions for both interim (temporary) and ultimate (permanent) erosion and sediment control. The design, installation and maintenance of erosion and sediment control measures shall be accomplished in accordance with standards and specifications established by the Bucks County Conservation District as adopted from standards and specifications of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and as outlined in the Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Program Manual.
J. 
Wherever fill material is to be used, the person, firm, or corporation using such fill shall be responsible for testing to determine its dry density as per ASTM D1556. The density of each layer shall be not less than 95% of maximum density as determined by ASTM D1557.
(1) 
Inspection procedure shall follow the general procedure as stated in § 9-110 below.
(2) 
Compaction test reports shall be kept on file at the site and be subject to review at all times.
(3) 
Degree of compaction required shall be determined by the Township Engineer following the guidelines listed in this section.
K. 
If load-bearing fill is proposed, a soils investigation report shall be submitted which shall consist of test borings, laboratory testing and engineering analysis to correlate surface and subsurface conditions with the proposed grading plan. The report shall include data regarding the nature, distribution and supporting ability of existing soils and rocks on the site, conclusions and recommendations to ensure stable soil conditions and groundwater control, as applicable. The Township may require such supplemental reports and data as is deemed necessary by the Township Engineer.
6. 
All permits shall require the permittee to:
A. 
Notify the Township Code Official within 48 hours prior to commencing any earthmoving or stripping activity.
B. 
Notify the Township Code Official of completion of any control measures within three days after their installation.
C. 
Obtain permission from the Township in accordance with § 9-114 of this Part prior to modifying the erosion and sedimentation control plan.
D. 
Install all control measures as identified in the approved erosion and sedimentation control plan prior to starting any earthmoving activities.
E. 
Maintain all road drainage systems, stormwater drainage systems, control measures and other facilities identified in the erosion and sedimentation control plan.
F. 
Repair any siltation or erosion damage to adjoining properties, surfaces, and drainage ways resulting from earthmoving or stripping.
G. 
Inspect the erosion and sedimentation control measures after each rain of 0.5 inches or more and at least once each week and make needed repairs.
H. 
Allow the Township Code Official or Engineer to enter the site for the purpose of inspecting compliance with the erosion and sedimentation control plan or for performing any work necessary to bring the site into compliance with the erosion and sedimentation control plan.
I. 
Keep a copy of the erosion and sedimentation control plan on the site.
J. 
Provide, until the problem is corrected, additional stabilizing measures to slopes that, in the judgment of the Township Engineer, are found to be eroding excessively within one year of construction. Once such slopes are stabilized by the additional measures, the permittee is responsible for providing further additional stabilizing measures if the slopes continue to erode excessively within one year of the installation of the additional measures.
[Ord. 261, 9/17/2007]
1. 
An erosion and sedimentation control plan shall be submitted with all grading permit applications. The erosion and sedimentation control plan shall show how the erosion and sediment resulting from the earthmoving and stripping activities will be controlled. Any proposed erosion and sedimentation control measures to be used during construction shall strictly conform to the standards and specifications of the Bucks County Conservation District and Township ordinances.
A. 
An erosion and sedimentation control plan shall include the following:
(1) 
The amount of site alteration proposed and all proposed erosion and sedimentation control measures.
(2) 
A construction schedule indicating the anticipated starting and completion dates of the development sequence; the expected date of completion of construction of each protective measure provided for in the erosion and sediment control plan and the stormwater management plan; the sequence of earthmoving activities; and the time of exposure of each area prior to completion of such measures.
(3) 
Provisions for maintenance of control facilities, including operation and maintenance agreements, easements, and estimates of the cost of maintenance.
(4) 
Seeding mixtures and rates, types of sod, method of seedbed preparation, expected seeding dates, type and rate of lime and fertilizer application, and kind and quantity of mulching for both temporary and permanent vegetative control measures.
(5) 
Identification of the person(s) or entity(ies) which will have legal responsibility for maintenance of the erosion and sedimentation control structures and measures after development is completed.
2. 
Any erosion and sedimentation control plan shall incorporate the following erosion and sediment control practices and principles:
A. 
Development shall reflect the topography and soils of the site so as to create the least potential for erosion. The smallest practical area of land shall be exposed for the shortest practical time during development.
B. 
Stripping of vegetation, regrading, or other earthmoving activities shall be completed in a way that will minimize erosion and resulting sedimentation. Wherever feasible, natural vegetation shall be retained, protected, and supplemented.
C. 
Cut and fill operations shall be kept to a minimum. In the design of cut and fill slopes, consideration must be given to the length and steepness of the slope, the soil type, upslope drainage area, groundwater conditions and other applicable factors. Areas of steep slopes where high cuts and fills may be required shall be avoided wherever possible. Where unavoidable, cuts and fills on steep slopes must be immediately seeded, and natural contours must be followed as closely as possible.
D. 
The disturbed earthen area and the duration of exposure shall be kept to a practical minimum. All disturbed soils and topsoil stockpile areas shall be stabilized as quickly as possible and, if necessary, seeded and mulched immediately. Any stockpile areas located on sloping ground or near waters of the Commonwealth shall be enclosed with silt fencing.
E. 
Procedures for protecting soils or geologic structures with water supply potential from contamination by surface water or other disruption by earthmoving activity must be established to the satisfaction of the Township.
F. 
Sediment basins, debris basins, desilting basins, silt traps or filters shall be installed and maintained to remove sediment form runoff waters from land undergoing development. All runoff from the site shall be collected and diverted to these facilities for the removal of sediment. Sedimentation in the runoff water shall be trapped and filtered by these facilities until the disturbed area is stabilized to the satisfaction of the Township.
G. 
All plans, wherein a sump pump or basement drain is proposed to be installed, shall provide for discharge of the sump pump/drain to a natural watercourse, drainage swale, stormwater easement, storm sewer system, open space area or BMP stormwater management facility. No sump pump or basement drain discharge shall be permitted to a grassed lawn area of residential or nonresidential buildings, unless such area is part of a stormwater easement or drainage swale.
H. 
Provisions shall be made to minimize any runoff caused by changed soil and surface conditions during and after development. All drainage facilities shall be designed to carry surface water in such a manner as to prevent erosion or overflow. Drainage facilities shall be designed and constructed to withstand the expected velocity of flow from a ten-year frequency storm without erosion. Stabilization adequate to prevent erosion must also be provided at the outlets of all pipes and paved channels.
I. 
Natural vegetation shall be retained, protected, and supplemented wherever possible. Permanent vegetation shall be established on denuded areas not otherwise permanently stabilized. Permanent vegetation and related structures shall be installed as soon as practical. Permanent vegetation shall not be considered established until a ground cover is achieved that is mature enough to control the soil erosion satisfactorily and to survive severe weather conditions to the Township's satisfaction.
J. 
Permanent or temporary soil stabilization must be applied to denuded areas within one day after final grade is reached on any portion of the site. Soil stabilization must also be applied immediately to denuded areas which may not be at final grade but will remain dormant (undisturbed) for longer than one day.
K. 
Properties adjacent to the site of a land-disturbing activity shall be protected from sediment disposition by preserving a well-vegetated buffer strip around the lower perimeter of the land-disturbing activity; by installing perimeter controls such as sediment barriers; filters, dikes, interceptor drains or sediment basins; or by a combination of such measures.
(1) 
Vegetated buffer strips may not be used alone except where only runoff in sheet flow is expected.
(2) 
Buffer strips shall be at least 20 feet in width and shall contain preexisting, permanent vegetation, excluding trees and shrubs that cover 95% of the ground within the buffer strip.
(3) 
If, at any time, the Township Engineer finds that a vegetated buffer strip alone is ineffective in preventing sediment movement onto adjacent property, additional perimeter controls must be provided by the permittee or then owner of the property within a time period specified by the Township.
L. 
In the design of erosion control facilities and practices, aesthetics and the requirements of continuing maintenance shall be considered.
3. 
The selection of erosion and sedimentation control measures shall be based on assessment of the probable frequency of climatic and other events likely to contribute to erosion, on an evaluation of the risks, costs and benefits involved and in accordance with best management practices.
[Ord. 261, 9/17/2007]
1. 
All applications filed regarding earthmoving and/or stripping activities on any commercial, industrial, and/or institutional lot; or on any residential lot where earthmoving and/or stripping activities in excess of 1,000 square feet are proposed; or where, in the opinion of the Township Code Official, the lot features such as slope, soils, or other natural resources require special consideration of the on-lot earthmoving and/or stripping activities shall be accompanied by a grading plan providing the following information:
A. 
A site plan (plot plan) drawn at a suitable scale of not less than one inch equals 50 feet and contour intervals of no more than one foot prepared by a registered professional land surveyor or engineer, licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania showing all of the following:
(1) 
A valid boundary line survey of the site including lot lines, monuments/pins/markers, and setback lines; existing and proposed contours; existing vegetation; soil types and conditions, watercourses; affected watersheds; and other natural features.
(2) 
Erosion and sedimentation control measures, high points, drainage arrows, drainage swales, and the limits of disturbance.
(3) 
Existing and proposed features surrounding the site that are of importance to the proposed development.
(4) 
First floor and garage elevations.
(5) 
Existing and proposed building/structure locations, wells, wastewater treatment systems, sanitary laterals, water supply pipes, storm sewers, inlets, manholes, basement drains, sump pump drains, utility boxes, walls, fences, berms, underground utilities, and all other man-made structures/features.
(6) 
Elevations at lot corners, and exterior grade at each corner of each building.
(7) 
All earthmoving and stripping changes to the site, including cuts, fills, structures, paving, utilities, vegetation and top soil proposed to be stripped, and cut/fill balance.
(8) 
North arrow.
(9) 
Street trees and existing trees to be removed.
(10) 
Driveway openings and slopes, driveway turnarounds and parking areas, depressed curb length, and driveway configurations from garage or parking area to street.
(11) 
Sidewalk and bikeway locations.
(12) 
Easements, covenants, equitable servitudes, and deed restrictions.
B. 
A stormwater management plan prepared in accordance with Wrightstown Township Stormwater Management Ordinances [Chapter 25].
C. 
A statement, signed and sealed by a registered professional land surveyor or engineer, licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania indicating that, to the best of his/her knowledge and belief, the proposed grading activities shall not significantly increase stormwater runoff to, and/or otherwise adversely impact, downstream properties except as may be part of an approved stormwater runoff collection and management plan.
[Ord. 261, 9/17/2007]
1. 
All earthmoving and/or stripping activities and/or building construction wherein stripping, excavation, placement of fill, and/or grading activities is performed shall conform to the following general requirements:
A. 
All erosion and sedimentation control measures shall be installed per the approved plan prior to any earthmoving and/or stripping activities.
(1) 
Earthen structures such as dams, dikes and diversions must be seeded and mulched immediately after installation.
(2) 
All stormwater management basins shall be constructed, functional, and stabilized prior to any additional site activity. An as-built plan of the facility prepared by a registered professional land surveyor or engineer, licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, shall be submitted to the Township for review to verify adequate stage/storage capacity prior to commencement of other site activity.
(3) 
All temporary and permanent erosion and sedimentation control measures must be maintained and repaired as needed to assure continued performance of their intended functions.
(4) 
Each and every person, corporation, or other entity performing grading and/or building activities shall be responsible for installing and maintaining erosion and sedimentation control measures until the site is stabilized to the satisfaction of the Township.
B. 
No excavation or fill shall be made with a slope steeper than three horizontal to one vertical, unless a concrete, masonry, or other approved retaining wall constructed in accordance with acceptable engineering practice is provided to support the slope of the excavation or fill.
C. 
Edges of slopes shall be a minimum of five feet from property lines; ultimate/future right-of-way lines of streets; and easements to permit the normal rounding of the edge without encroachment on the abutting property, right-of-way, or easement.
D. 
All lots, tracts, or parcels shall be graded to provide positive drainage away from buildings and dispose of it without ponding, except where ponding (detention basins, swales, etc.) is part of the stormwater management plan for the site.
E. 
In no case shall grading be completed in such a manner as to divert water onto the property or another landowner unless part of a stormwater management plan and an easement is obtained from the property owner where the diverted water will increase the volume and velocity of water onto the adjacent property.
F. 
No person, corporation, or other entity shall block, impede the flow of, alter, construct any structure, deposit any material or thing, or perform any work that will affect the normal or flood flow in any watercourse without having obtained prior approval from the Township and/or Department of Environmental Protection, whichever is applicable.
G. 
Each person, corporation, or other entity that makes any surface changes to the site shall be required to:
(1) 
Collect on-site surface runoff and control it to a point of discharge into the drainage area watercourse, stormwater easement, or storm sewer system.
(2) 
Control existing off-site runoff draining through the property by designing it to discharge to the watercourse of the drainage area, stormwater easement, or storm sewer system.
(3) 
Ensure that all on-site and off-site runoff is collected and diverted to sediment basins, debris basins, desilting basins, silt traps or filters for the removal of sediment until all disturbed areas are stabilized to the satisfaction of the Township.
H. 
Adequate provision shall be made to prevent surface water from damaging the cut face of excavation and the sloping surfaces of fills.
I. 
Concentration of surface water runoff shall be permitted only in watercourses or detention basins. All drainage facilities shall be constructed to carry surface water in such a manner as to prevent erosion or overflow. All storm sewer inlets that are made operable during construction shall be protected so that sediment-laden water will not enter the conveyance system without first being filtered or otherwise treated to remove sediment.
J. 
Construction vehicles are to be kept out of watercourses, wetlands, and other bodies of water. Where in channel work is necessary, permits from regulatory agencies must be secured and provided to the Township and precautions must be taken to stabilize the work area during construction to minimize erosion. The channel, including bed and banks, must be restabilized immediately after in channel work is completed.
K. 
Where a watercourse must be crossed by construction vehicles during construction, a temporary stream crossing approved by the Township Engineer must be provided.
L. 
Sediment barriers shall be properly installed with silt fencing trenched and hay bales staked.
M. 
During all earthmoving and/or stripping operations, necessary measures for dust control must be exercised to prevent dust from leaving the property on which earthmoving activities are being conducted.
N. 
Wherever construction vehicle access routes intersect paved public streets, provisions must be made to minimize the transport of sediment (mud) and dust onto the paved surfaces by runoff or vehicle tracking including, but not limited to, the installation of tire cleaning areas at each point of access to the site. These tire cleaning areas shall be constructed of AASHTO #1 stone, and each shall be at least 50 feet in length. Where sediment and dust is transported onto a public street, the permittee shall clean the street immediately. Sediment and dust shall be removed from roads by shoveling or sweeping and then transported to a sediment control area.
O. 
No grading equipment shall be permitted to be loaded, unloaded, or stored on a public street. No grading equipment shall be permitted to travel on or across a public street unless licensed for operation on public thoroughfares.
P. 
The construction of underground utility lines involving installation, maintenance or repair that disturbs more than 1,000 square feet shall be subject to the following criteria:
(1) 
No more than 500 feet of trench is to be opened at one time.
(2) 
Where consistent with safety and space considerations, excavated material is to be placed on the uphill side of trenches.
(3) 
Trench dewatering devices shall discharge in a manner that will not adversely affect flowing streams, drainage systems or off-site property.
Individual service connections, telephone and electric lines and underground public utility lines under existing hard-surfaced roads, streets or sidewalks are exempt from the above requirements, provided that such land-disturbing activity is confined to the area which is hard-surfaced.
Q. 
All temporary erosion and sediment control measures shall be disposed of within 30 days after final site stabilization is achieved, unless otherwise authorized by the Township Engineer. Trapped sediment and other disturbed soil areas resulting from the disposition of temporary measures shall be permanently stabilized to prevent further erosion and sedimentation.
R. 
Before granting occupancy permits for buildings, building lots shall be finish graded so that drainage will not be concentrated onto adjacent lots. Building lots must also be seeded or mulched. If it is not possible to establish lawns due to the season of the year, or if exposed areas will result in excess runoff onto adjoining properties because of the lack of ground cover, the Township may require extra mulching, the installation of silt barriers, and/or the construction of temporary sedimentation basins to control excess runoff, in addition to a vegetation escrow to secure establishment of ground cover.
S. 
First Floor Certifications. Construction of any structure requiring a grading plan under this Part shall not continue past the foundation stage until the owner/builder has submitted certification that the first floor and garage floor elevations of the proposed structure conform to the plans submitted with the grading permit application. The certification shall be submitted to the Township Code Official on a form approved by the Township and shall be signed and sealed by the responsible registered professional land surveyor or engineer, licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
[Ord. 261, 9/17/2007]
1. 
All plans prepared in conjunction with a grading permit application shall conform to the approved subdivision and/or land development plan for the site.
2. 
The plans prepared in conjunction with an application for a grading permit for all residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial applications shall be referred to the Township Engineer for review.
3. 
If, after reviewing an application, the Township Code Official finds the proposed grading activities do not conform to previously approved subdivision and/or land development plans, the application and plans shall be referred to the Township Engineer for a second review.
[Ord. 261, 9/17/2007]
1. 
The Township Engineer or Code Official shall make inspections as hereinafter required and shall either approve that portion of the work completed or shall notify the permittee in what manner or manners, if any, the work fails to comply with the grading plan or the erosion and sedimentation control plan, as approved. All plans, reports, and schedules required by and approved under this Part shall be maintained at the site during progress of the work.
A. 
To obtain inspections, the permittee shall notify the Township Engineer or Code Official at least two working days before completion of:
(1) 
Stripping and clearing.
(2) 
Rough grading.
(3) 
Final grading.
(4) 
Final landscaping.
B. 
Prior to commencing stripping, clearing and/or grading, the permittee shall cause the area where stripping, clearing and grading is proposed to be staked out and a survey plan shall be provided to the Township of the staked out area demonstrating that said area conforms with the approved grading plan. In the event the staked out area is larger or in a substantially different location from the area depicted on the grading plan, the permittee, prior to the commencement of stripping, clearing or grading, shall either revise the area staked out to conform with the approved grading plan or file an amended application in accordance with the procedures set forth herein for the grading area which is in fact proposed. The permittee shall not strip, clear or grade any area larger than the area shown on the grading plan approved by the Township.
C. 
If stripping, clearing, grading and/or landscaping are to be done in phases or areas, the permittee shall give notice and request inspection at the completion of each of the above work stages in each phase or area.
D. 
Notification of the results of the inspection shall be given in writing.
2. 
The permittee shall make regular inspections of all erosion and sedimentation control measures in accordance with the inspection schedule outlined on the approved erosion and sedimentation control plan. The purpose of such inspection will be to determine the condition and need for replacement or repair of in place control measures; the overall effectiveness of the plan; and the need for additional control measures.
A. 
All inspections shall be documented in written form and submitted to the Township Engineer at the time interval specified in the erosion and sedimentation control plan.
3. 
A set of recorded "as built" plans shall be on file at the site and authenticated by a registered professional engineer or surveyor, licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. These recorded "as built" plans shall be available on the site at all times and be subject to inspection and inquiry. Engineering check notes shall accompany all recorded "as built" plans which involve structural or mechanical measures and shall serve as supporting evidence that structures meet design standards and specifications specified herein.
4. 
A final inspection shall be conducted by the Township Engineer to certify compliance with this Part. Satisfactory compliance with this Part shall be necessary before issuance of a use and occupancy permit.
5. 
The permittee shall bear all costs of inspections required or permitted hereunder and shall deposit with the Township such sum as the Board of Supervisors shall determine, to guarantee payment of the costs of such inspections. The costs of inspections shall be in accordance with the established schedule of fees and collection procedure for matters pertaining to this Part.
[Ord. 261, 9/17/2007]
1. 
The permittee shall not be relieved of responsibility for damage to persons or property otherwise imposed by law, and the Township or its officials will not be made liable for this damage, by:
A. 
The issuance of a grading permit in accordance with this Part or other applicable laws.
B. 
Compliance with the provisions of a permit or with conditions attached to it.
C. 
Failure of Township officials to observe or recognize hazardous or unsightly conditions.
D. 
Failure of Township officials to deny or to recommend denial of a permit.
E. 
Exceptions from the requirements of this Part.
[Ord. 261, 9/17/2007]
Before the issuance of a grading permit for a project that exceeds 1,000 square feet in area of disturbance, the applicant shall deposit with the Township financial security in a form approved by the Township in an amount sufficient to cover the cost of all erosion and sedimentation control measures and other conditions specified in the permit within the time specified by this Part, or within any extension thereof granted by the Township Engineer. The amount of such financial security shall be equal to 110% of the cost of the work for which the security has been provided. The form of financial security, the method of cost calculation and the release of the posted security shall be in conformity with those provisions set forth in the Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22] with respect to public improvement guaranties.
[Ord. 261, 9/17/2007]
Every grading permit issued hereunder shall expire at the end of 12 months from the date of issuance. The permittee shall fully perform and complete all the work required to be done within the time limit specified in the permit. If the permittee shall be unable to complete the work within the specified time, he shall, within 30 days prior to expiration of the permit, present in writing to the Township, a request for an extension of time, setting forth therein the reasons for the requested extension. If, in the discretion of the Township Engineer, such an extension is warranted, the Engineer may grant additional time for the completion of the work. Where the Township Engineer determines that the extension of time will require a substantial modification of the erosion and sedimentation control plan and/or grading plan, any extension of a permit shall be subject to approval of such revised plans in accordance with the applicable procedure of this Part.
[Ord. 261, 9/17/2007]
1. 
Amendments of the erosion and sedimentation control plan or grading plan shall be submitted to the Township and shall be processed and approved or disapproved in the same manner as the original plans. Field modifications of a minor nature may be authorized by the Township Engineer and/or Code Official by written authorization to the permittee.
2. 
If at any stage of the earthmoving and/or stripping activities, the Township determines by inspection that the nature of the site is such that further work authorized by an existing grading permit is likely to imperil any property, public way, watercourse or drainage structure, the Township Engineer may require, as a condition of allowing the work to continue, reasonable special precautions be taken to avoid the likelihood of such peril. Special precautions may include, but shall not be limited to, a more level exposed slope; construction of additional drainage facilities; berms; terracing; compaction; cribbing; installation of plant materials for erosion control; and/or recommendations of a registered soils engineer and/or engineering geologist regarding requirements for further work.
3. 
Where it appears that storm damage may result from incomplete grading of any site, work may be stopped and the permittee required to install temporary structures or take such other measures as may be necessary to protect adjoining property or public safety. On a site of at least one acre or where unusual site conditions prevail, and on all stream crossing projects, the Township Engineer may specify the time of start of grading and time of completion or may require that the operations be conducted in specific stages to ensure completion of protective measures prior to the advent of seasonal rains.
[Ord. 261, 9/17/2007]
1. 
Penalties. Any person, firm or corporation who shall violate any provision of this Part shall be issued a summons and fined $100 for the first offense, and $250 for each offense thereafter. If said fine is not paid and the project is not brought within compliance with the issued summons within 10 days after the issuance of the summons, then the person, firm or corporation violating any provision of this Part, upon conviction thereof in an action brought before a magisterial district judge in the manner provided for the enforcement of summary offenses under the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $35 nor more than $1,000 plus costs and, in default of payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 90 days. Each day that a violation of this Part continues or each section of this Part which shall be found to have been violated shall constitute a separate offense.
2. 
Remedy for Violation. In addition to the penalties as set forth in Subsection 1 above, any property subjected to earthmoving or stripping activities performed in violation of this Part shall be restored to its previous condition, including replacement of excavated earth, removal of illegally placed fill, and restoration of grades and planting. In order to enforce this section, the Township Code Official or Township Solicitor may seek injunctive relief in accordance with the Rules of Civil Procedure and the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC), 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
3. 
Revocation or Suspension of Permit. Any permit issued under this Part, including those issued through approval of subdivision and land development plans, may be revoked or suspended by the Board of Supervisors, after notice to the permittee for:
A. 
Failure to carry out the erosion and sedimentation control measures described in the application and/or accompanying plans at the times specified in the erosion and sedimentation control plan's construction schedule or within any extension that may be granted by the Township.
B. 
Violation of any other condition of the grading permit.
C. 
Failure to carry out the erosion and sedimentation control measures described in the application and/or accompanying plans in a reasonable workmanlike manner.
D. 
Violation of any provision of this Part or any other applicable law, ordinance, rule, or regulation relating to the earthmoving and/or stripping activities.
E. 
The existence of any condition or the doing of any acts constituting or creating a nuisance, hazard or endangering human life or the property of others including, without limitation, the discharge of sediments from the site or the failure of the control to prevent accelerated erosion or waterborne sediment from leaving the site of construction.
4. 
Nonconforming Work. If at any stage of construction, the earthmoving and/or stripping activities do not conform to the grading permit; to the attached conditions; to the accompanying plans and specification, including modifications thereof; or for any violation of this Part, a written notice to comply shall be given to the permittee. Such notice shall set forth the nature of corrections required and the time within which corrections shall be made.
A. 
Upon failure to comply within the time specified, the permittee shall be considered in violation of this Part and shall be subject to the following penalties and sanctions:
(1) 
The Township, upon recommendation of the Township Engineer and the opportunity to be heard thereon, may revoke or suspend the subdivision and land development approval pursuant to which the work is being done, thereby prohibiting the conveyance of any lot in the subdivision.
(2) 
The revocation of any building permit issued to the offending permittee that has been issued pursuant to the grading permit and accompanying plans.
(3) 
A prohibition on the issuance of any further building permits for any lots.
(4) 
The financial security, if any, shall be forfeited and penalties shall be imposed under Subsection 1 above.
B. 
The above referenced sanctions shall be specified in the notice to comply provided above. Any and all remedies are cumulative, and the exercise of one shall not prohibit the exercise of any other remedies contained in either this paragraph, this Part, or other applicable ordinances.
C. 
In the case of any paving, filling, stripping, grading or regrading; any disturbing, modifying, blocking or diverting the natural overland subsurface flow of stormwater; or any construction, erection and installation of any dam, ditch, culvert, drainpipe, bridge or any other structure or obstruction affecting the drainage of any parcel in violation of this Part or any regulations made pursuant thereto, the proper Township authorities, in addition to other remedies provided by law, may institute any appropriate action or proceedings to prevent such unlawful activity; to restrain, correct or abate such violation; to prevent the use of the applicable premises; or to prevent any illegal act, conduct, business or use in or about such premises. In addition, upon the failure of any permittee to complete the control measures specified in the application, the Township may, after revoking such permit, proceed to complete such measures itself and recover the cost thereof from the permittee or its surety.
[Ord. 261, 9/17/2007]
1. 
If compliance with this Part imposes severe hardship upon the applicant (i.e., the applicant cannot develop the property as zoned), he may apply to the Township for relief, which if granted, shall be the minimum necessary to permit reasonable use of the site. Permitting the developer to obtain approval for as many units as possible shall not be considered a determining factor in the Township's evaluation of whether there is a severe hardship. The Board of Supervisors may, in accordance with the following procedures, authorize exceptions to any of the requirements and regulations set forth in this Part:
A. 
Application for any exception shall be made by a verified petition of the applicant, stating fully the grounds of the petition and the facts relied upon the applicant. Such petition shall be filed with the grading permit application. In order for the petition to be granted, it shall be necessary that the Board of Supervisors find all the following facts with respect to the land referred to in the petition:
(1) 
That the site is of such shape or size or is affected by such physical conditions or is subject to such title limitations of record that is impossible or impractical for the applicant to comply with all the requirements of this Part.
(2) 
That the exception is necessary to prevent unreasonable and unnecessary hardship.
(3) 
That such unnecessary hardship was not created by applicant.
(4) 
That the granting of the exception will not be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to other property in the vicinity of the subject property.
(5) 
That the exception, if granted, will represent the minimum exception necessary to afford relief to the applicant.