The governing body of the Township finds that:
A. Inadequate management of accelerated stormwater runoff resulting
from development throughout a watershed increases flood flows and
velocities, contributes to erosion and sedimentation, overtaxes the
carrying capacity of existing streams and storm sewers, greatly increases
the cost of public facilities to convey and manage stormwater, undermines
floodplain management and flood reduction efforts in upstream and
downstream communities, reduces groundwater recharge, and threatens
public health and safety.
B. A comprehensive program of stormwater management, including reasonable
regulation of development and activities causing accelerated erosion,
is fundamental to the public health, safety, welfare, and the protection
of the people of the Township and all the people of the commonwealth,
their resources, and the environment.
The purpose of this chapter is to promote health, safety, and welfare within the Township by minimizing the damages described in §
257-1A of this chapter through provisions designed to:
A. Manage accelerated runoff and erosion and sedimentation problems
at their source by regulating activities that cause these problems.
B. Utilize and preserve the existing natural drainage systems.
C. Encourage recharge of groundwater where appropriate and prevent degradation
of groundwater quality.
D. Maintain existing flows and quality of streams and watercourses in
the Township and the commonwealth.
E. Preserve and restore the flood-carrying capacity of streams.
F. Provide proper maintenance of all permanent stormwater management
facilities that are constructed in the Township.
G. Provide performance standards and design criteria for watershed wide
stormwater management and planning.
Should any section or provision of this chapter be declared
invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall
not affect the validity of any of the remaining provisions of this
chapter.
Approvals issued pursuant to this chapter do not relieve the
applicant of the responsibility to secure required permits or approvals
for activities regulated by any other applicable code, rule, act,
or ordinance.
The degree of stormwater protection sought by the provisions
of this chapter is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and
is based on acceptable engineering methods of study. This chapter
does not imply that areas subject to the stormwater management requirements
of this chapter will be free from flooding or flood damages.