A.
For any of the development activities regulated by this chapter as defined pursuant to § 129-4E, the final approval of subdivision and/or land development plans, the issuance of any building, zoning, or occupancy permit, or the commencement of any land disturbance activity may not proceed until the property owner or developer or his/her agent has received a stormwater management permit (permit) or approval of a stormwater management exemption by the Township. Final approval of a subdivision and/or land development plan and recordation of same with the Montgomery County Recorder of Deeds shall constitute approval of the stormwater management permit for stormwater facilities/BMPs proposed on the plan.
B.
A stormwater management site plan (SMSP) shall be required in conjunction with a stormwater management permit for all regulated development activities that do not qualify for exemption from the provisions of this chapter pursuant to § 129-5B and C. The SMSP shall include all items identified pursuant to § 129-22. The SMSP approved by the Township shall be on site throughout the duration of the regulated activity.
C.
A simplified stormwater management site plan (SSMSP) shall be required in conjunction with a Permit for regulated development activities qualifying for exemption of the provisions of this chapter pursuant to § 129-5C. The SSMSP shall include all items identified pursuant to § 129-23. The SSMSP approved by the Township shall be on site throughout the duration of the regulated activity.
D.
A stormwater management permit shall be issued only upon approval of a stormwater management site plan or simplified stormwater management site plan by the Township. A stormwater management permit is not required for regulated activities exempt pursuant to § 129-5B of this chapter, but approval of a stormwater management exemption must be issued by the Township pursuant to § 129-5B and E, prior to commencement of regulated activities.
For all regulated activities not exempt from provisions of this
chapter, a stormwater management site plan (SMSP) is required and
shall consist of all applicable calculations, maps, and plans. A note
on the maps shall refer to the associated computations and erosion
and sedimentation control plan by title and date. The cover sheet
of the computations and erosion and sedimentation control plan shall
refer to the associated maps by title and date. All SMSP application
documents shall be submitted to the Township in a format that is clear,
concise, legible, neat, and well organized; otherwise, the stormwater
management site plan shall be disapproved and returned to the applicant.
The following items shall be included in the stormwater management
site plan:
A.
Four copies of the completed Township Stormwater Management Application
form.
B.
Stormwater management review fee and escrow, as established by separate
resolution of the Township Supervisors.
C.
Feasibility analysis.
(1)
A feasibility analysis that evaluates the potential application of infiltration, flow attenuation, bioretention, wetland, or wet pond BMPs must be submitted with the stormwater management site plans required in Article IV.
(2)
The feasibility analysis must allow the Township to review the general
soil characteristics of a site and the proposed development for that
site and determine if infiltration BMPs or wet pond or artificial
wetland BMPs could have been more thoroughly pursued for use by the
applicant. The information required in the analysis shall be detailed
enough to determine the potential applicability of these BMPs for
a proposed development, but general enough not to force an applicant
into incurring excessive cost associated with conducting laborious
field and/or laboratory soil testing for a site which ultimately may
not be suitable for infiltration or wet pond or artificial wetland
BMP implementation. Applicants are expected to use these BMPs wherever
possible and are required to provide adequate justification if these
BMPs are not to be implemented. Applicants for those sites that are
determined to be generally suitable from these analyses (taking into
consideration the areal extent of suitable soils necessary to accommodate
an infiltration or wet pond or wetland BMP for the type and size of
development proposed) are required to conduct the detailed soil testing
and other feasibility testing required in other sections of this chapter
which contain the description and additional design criteria of these
BMPs.
(3)
This analysis shall provide:
(a)
A general assessment of the anticipated additional runoff based on the design storm and postdevelopment condition and utilizing the calculation procedures required in § 129-19;
(b)
An indication of drainage areas on the development site resulting
in impervious, pervious, and rooftop runoff;
(c)
An indication of type of land use (residential, nonresidential)
generating the impervious surface runoff;
(d)
A delineation of soils on the site from the NRCS, Soil Survey
of Montgomery County and on-site soil study. The soil study shall
be conducted by a soil scientist and shall include sufficient probes/deep
holes to evaluate application of BMPs;
(e)
An indication of soils generally suitable for infiltration and/or
wet pond/artificial wetland BMPs;
(f)
The calculated acreage of suitable soils for infiltration BMPs
and wet pond or artificial wetland BMPs and percentage of suitable
soils based on total site acreage;
(g)
The calculated acreage of suitable soils for infiltration BMPs
and wet pond or artificial wetland BMPs made unavailable due to proposed
development layout and justification that an alternative development
layout which would reduce impact on suitable soil availability is
unfeasible;
(h)
An analysis of potential infiltration or wet pond or artificial wetland BMPs which could be implemented to manage the projected postdevelopment runoff with consideration of suitable soil availability runoff point and type of land use [Subsection C(3)(b) and (c) above] and the general design standards and maintenance issues included in this chapter, including an indication of how most postdevelopment runoff can be managed by these BMPs (e.g., the entire postdevelopment runoff or partial amount of runoff expressed as a percentage); and
(i)
The rationale for a decision to not proceed with implementation
of infiltration BMPs or wet pond or artificial wetland BMPs such as
excessive cost of implementation, insufficient soil suitability, and
development constraints.
D.
A detailed geologic evaluation of the project site pursuant to § 129-15E and Appendix B[1] of this chapter shall be performed to determine the suitability
of recharge facilities. The evaluation shall be performed by a qualified
geologist and/or soil scientist and shall address, at a minimum, soil
permeability, depth to bedrock, susceptibility to sinkhole formation,
and subgrade stability.
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendix B is included as an attachment
to this chapter.
E.
Whenever a stormwater management facility will be located in an area
underlain by limestone, a geological evaluation of the proposed location
shall be conducted to determine susceptibility to sinkhole formations.
The design of all facilities over limestone formations shall include
measures to prevent groundwater contamination and, where necessary,
sinkhole formation. Soils used for the construction of basins shall
have low-erodibility factors ("K" factors). Installation of an impermeable
liner shall be required in detention basins to be constructed over
or in close proximity (less than 150 feet) to limestone. It shall
be the applicant's responsibility to verify whether the site
is underlain by limestone. The following note shall be attached to
all stormwater management site plans and signed and sealed by the
applicant's professional engineer: "I, __________, certify that
the proposed stormwater management facility (circle one) is/is not
underlain by limestone."
F.
General:
(1)
General description of project.
(2)
General description of permanent stormwater management techniques,
including construction specifications of the materials to be used
for stormwater management facilities.
(3)
Complete hydrologic, hydraulic, and structural computations for all
stormwater management facilities.
G.
Four copies of the stormwater management site plan for the parcel
shall be submitted on twenty-four-inch-by-thirty-six-inch sheets and
shall be prepared in a form that meets the requirements for recording
at the offices of the Recorder of Deeds of Montgomery County. The
contents of the plan shall include, but not be limited to:
(1)
The location of the project relative to highways, municipalities,
or other identifiable landmarks.
(2)
Watershed(s) within which the project is located (e.g., Skippack
Creek, Wissahickon Creek, Stony Creek/Saw Mill Run).
(3)
Existing contours at intervals of two feet. In areas of steep slopes
(greater than 25%), five-foot contours may be used.
(4)
Existing streams, lakes, ponds, or other bodies of water within the
project area and all drainage channels leading to such bodies of water.
(5)
Other physical features including riparian corridors, flood hazard
boundaries, sinkholes, streams, existing drainagecourses, swales,
wetlands, areas of natural vegetation to be preserved, and the total
extent of the upstream area draining through the site.
(6)
The locations of all existing and proposed utilities, sanitary sewers,
and waterlines located on the site and/or within 50 feet of property
lines with minimum setback distances for all existing and proposed
water supply wells and on-lot sewage disposal systems.
(7)
An overlay showing soil names and boundaries. This overlay shall
include a table on the map showing the recharge capabilities of each
soil represented on site in inches per hour and describe their recharge
or infiltration capabilities.
(8)
Proposed changes to the land surface and vegetative cover, including
a tabulation of impervious surface area which identifies the type
of surface and the quantity of existing impervious surface area, existing
impervious surface area to be removed and proposed impervious surface
area.
(9)
Proposed structures, roads, paved areas, and buildings. Where pervious
pavement is proposed for parking lots, recreational facilities, nondedicated
streets, or other areas, detailed pervious pavement construction specifications
shall be noted on the plan.
(10)
Final contours at intervals at two feet.
(11)
The name of the development, the name and address of the owner
of the property, and the name of the individual or firm preparing
the plan.
(12)
The date of submission.
(13)
A graphic and written scale of one inch equals no more than
50 feet. For tracts of 20 acres or more, the scale may be one inch
equals no more than 100 feet.
(14)
A North arrow.
(15)
The total tract boundary and size with distances marked to the
nearest foot and bearings to the nearest degree.
(16)
Existing and proposed land use(s).
(17)
A key map showing all existing man-made features beyond the
property boundary that may be affected by the project.
(18)
Horizontal and vertical profiles of all open channels, including
hydraulic capacity.
(19)
All existing and proposed stormwater management facility and/or
drainage easements described by metes and bounds, including the purpose
and ownership and maintenance provisions for each easement.
(20)
A twenty-foot-wide access easement around all stormwater management
facilities that would provide ingress to and egress from a public
right-of-way or paved driveway within an existing or proposed easement
that accesses a public right-of-way.
(21)
A note on the plan indicating the location and responsibility
for maintenance of stormwater management facilities that would be
located off site. All off-site facilities shall meet the performance
standards and design criteria specified in this chapter.
(22)
A construction detail of any improvements made to sinkholes
and the location of all notes to be posted, as specified in this chapter.
(23)
A statement, signed by the landowner, acknowledging the stormwater
management system to be a permanent fixture that can be altered or
removed only after approval of a revised plan by the Township, which
shall be recorded with the record plan and which shall be applicable
to all future landowners.
(24)
The location of all erosion and sedimentation control facilities.
(25)
The following signature block for the design engineer:
|
(Design engineer), on this date (date of signature), has reviewed
and hereby certify that the Stormwater Management Site Plan meets
all design standards and criteria of the Worcester Township Stormwater
Management Ordinance No. 278.
|
(26)
The stormwater management site plan shall include an operation
and maintenance plan for all existing and proposed stormwater management/BMP
facilities, addressing long-term ownership and maintenance responsibilities
for such facilities, including schedule for operation and maintenance
activities.
H.
Required supplemental information:
(1)
A written description of the following information shall be submitted:
(2)
A soil erosion and sedimentation control plan, where applicable,
including all reviews and approvals, as required by PADEP and/or Montgomery
County Conservation District.
(3)
A geologic assessment of the effects of runoff on sinkholes as specified
in this chapter.
(4)
The effect of the project (in terms of runoff volume, peak flow,
and discharge duration) on adjacent properties and on any existing
Township stormwater collection system that may receive runoff from
the project site.
(5)
A declaration of adequacy and highway occupancy permit from the PADOT
District Office when utilization of a PADOT storm drainage system
is proposed.
(6)
An operations and maintenance (O&M) plan for all existing and
proposed physical stormwater facilities, as well as schedules and
costs for O&M activities. The plan shall address long-term ownership
and responsibilities for O&M.
I.
Stormwater management BMPs.
(1)
All stormwater management facilities must be located on a plan and
described in detail.
(2)
When groundwater recharge methods such as seepage pits, beds, or
trenches are proposed, the locations of existing and proposed septic
tank infiltration areas and drinking water wells must be shown. A
minimum separation distance of no less than 50 feet shall be provided
between any septic system and any facility used for stormwater management.
An analysis shall be submitted to verify that stormwater infiltration
shall not affect groundwater elevations of the septic drain field
site if this distance is approved by the Township to be less than
50 feet. In no case shall this distance be less than 20 feet.
(3)
All calculations, assumptions, and criteria used in the design of
the stormwater management facilities must be shown. If multiple facilities
are proposed in conjunction with each other, such as infiltration
best management practices with vegetation-based management practices,
a summary narrative shall be included describing any sequence and
how the facilities are meant to function with each other to manage
stormwater runoff.
(4)
All stormwater management/BMP facility easements required by this
chapter must be shown on the stormwater management site plan, including
the bearing and distance of each segment of the easement(s) boundary.
For all regulated activities that qualify for exemption of certain provisions of this chapter pursuant to § 129-5C, and that are required to install a predesigned infiltration facility(s) in accordance with Worcester Township design and construction criteria (to be provided by the Township at the time of permit application), a simplified stormwater management site plan (SSMSP) is required and shall include the following items:
A.
Four copies of the completed Township Stormwater Management Application
form.
B.
Stormwater management review fee and escrow, as established by separate
resolution of the Township Supervisors.
C.
Four copies of the simplified stormwater management site plan for
the parcel containing, at a minimum, the following information:
(1)
Property boundaries and area of the site, based on deed information,
or field survey.
(2)
Location map identifying the site relative to streets and other parcels
in the vicinity of the site.
(3)
Location of significant natural and existing man-made features, including
wetlands, watercourses, riparian corridors, woodlands, steep slopes,
structures, parking areas, driveways, utilities, flood hazard boundaries,
sinkholes, wells, and septic systems within 200 feet of proposed impervious
surface, regardless of the location of the property boundary.
(4)
Location and dimensions of existing and proposed impervious surface
and other improvements, with setbacks drawn to relate the location
of same to property lines, streets, and existing features. Impervious
surface area tabulation must be provided identifying existing area
of impervious surface, existing impervious surface area to be removed,
and proposed impervious surface area.
(5)
North arrow.
(6)
Plan scale, as applicable.
(7)
Existing contours at intervals of two feet. In areas of steep slopes
(greater than 25%), five-foot contours may be used.
(8)
Proposed contours at intervals at two feet as well as spot elevations
as necessary to provide sufficient clarification of positive slope
and drainage divides.
(9)
Infiltration/BMP facility design calculations and construction details.
(10)
An overlay on the site showing soil names and boundaries from
the NRCS, Soil Survey of Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties or on-site
soil study, conducted by a soil scientist. This overlay shall include
a table on the map showing the recharge capabilities of each soil
represented onsite in inches per hour and describe their recharge
or infiltration capabilities.
(11)
Watershed(s) within which the project is located (e.g., Skippack
Creek, Wissahickon Creek, Stony Creek/Saw Mill Run).
(12)
A graphic and written scale of one inch equals no more than
50 feet. For tracts of 20 acres or more, the scale may be one inch
equals no more than 100 feet.
(13)
The name of the development, the name and address of the owner
of the property, and the name of the individual or firm preparing
the plan.
(14)
A soil erosion and sedimentation control plan, where applicable,
including all reviews and approvals, as required by PADEP and/or Montgomery
Conservation District.
(15)
A certification on the plan, signed by the landowner, acknowledging
the stormwater management system to be a permanent fixture that cannot
be altered or removed without written approval of a revised plan by
the Township, which shall be recorded with the record plan and which
shall be applicable to all future landowners.
(16)
Other information deemed necessary by the Township Engineer to determine compliance with exemption criteria contained in § 129-5B.
(17)
The following signature block for the design engineer:
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(Design engineer), on this date (date of signature), has reviewed
and hereby certify that the stormwater management plan meets all design
standards and criteria of the Worcester Township Stormwater Management
Ordinance No. 278.
|
(18)
Locations of existing and proposed septic tank infiltration
areas and all wells must be shown. A minimum separation distance of
no less than 50 feet shall be provided between any septic system and
any facility used for stormwater management. An analysis shall be
required to verify that stormwater infiltration shall not affect groundwater
elevations of the septic drain field site, if this distance is approved
by the Township to be less than 50 feet. In no case shall this distance
be less than 20 feet.
(19)
It shall be the applicant's responsibility to verify whether
the site is underlain by limestone. The following note shall be attached
to all simplified stormwater management site plans and signed and
sealed by the applicant's professional engineer:
|
"I, __________, certify that the proposed stormwater management
facility (circle one) is/is not underlain by limestone."
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For all activities regulated by this chapter, the steps below
shall be followed for submission of a SMSP or SSMSP (both referred
to in this section as "plan"). For any activities that require a PADEP
permit regulated under Chapter 105 (Dam Safety and Waterway Management)
or Chapter 106 (Floodplain Management) of PADEP's Rules and Regulations,[1] a PADOT highway occupancy permit, or any other permit
under applicable local, state, or federal regulations, the permit(s)
shall be supplied as part of the plan.
A.
The SMSP shall be submitted by the applicant as part of any preliminary
subdivision and/or land development plan submission.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 25 Pa. Code Chapters 105 and 106.
A.
The Township Engineer shall review the plan for consistency with
the adopted Watershed Act 167 Stormwater Management Plan and applicable
Township ordinances. The Township shall require receipt of a complete
plan, as specified in this chapter.
C.
For activities regulated by this chapter (not including subdivision
or land development), the Township Engineer shall review the plan
for conformance with the Watershed Act 167 Stormwater Management Plan.
The Township Engineer will forward a review letter to the Township
with a copy to the applicant. Any disapproved plan may be revised
by the applicant and resubmitted consistent with this chapter.
D.
The Township shall not approve any subdivision or land development or regulated activities specified in § 129-4E(1) and (2) of this chapter if the plan has been found to be inconsistent with the Watershed Act 167 Stormwater Management Plan. All required permits from PADEP must be obtained prior to, or as a requirement of, final approval.
E.
The Worcester Township Building Code Official shall not issue a building permit for any regulated activity specified in § 129-4 of this chapter if the stormwater management site plan has been found to be inconsistent with the adopted Watershed Act 167 Stormwater Management Plan, as determined by the Township Engineer, or without considering the comments of the Township Engineer. All required permits from PADEP must be obtained prior to issuance of a building permit.
F.
The Township's approval of a stormwater management site plan or simplified stormwater management site plan prepared in conjunction with a stormwater management permit application (for a regulated activity that is not a subdivision or land development, and which is not exempt from provisions of this chapter pursuant to § 129-5B) shall be valid for a period not to exceed one year. This time period shall commence on the date that the Township signs and issues a stormwater management permit. If stormwater management facilities included in the approved plan have not been constructed, or if an as-built survey of these facilities pursuant to § 129-28 of this chapter has not been approved within this time period, the Township may consider the plan disapproved and may revoke any and all permits. Plans that are considered disapproved by the Township shall be resubmitted in accordance with § 129-27 of this chapter.
G.
The Township's approval of a stormwater management site plan
prepared in conjunction with an approved subdivision or land development
shall remain valid and protected from any change in Township codes
and ordinances for a period no greater than five years from the date
of preliminary subdivision and/or land development plan approval,
pursuant to the provisions of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning
Code.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
A.
A modification to a submitted stormwater management site plan or simplified stormwater management site plan for a development site that involves a change in stormwater management facilities or techniques, or that involves the relocation or redesign of stormwater management facilities, or that is necessary because soil or other conditions are not as stated on the plan as determined by the Township Engineer, shall require a resubmission of a modified plan consistent with § 129-27 of this chapter and be subject to review as specified in § 129-25 of this chapter.
B.
A modification to an already approved or disapproved plan shall be
submitted to the Township, accompanied by the applicable Township
review fee and escrow. A modification to a plan for which a formal
action has not been taken by the Township shall be submitted to the
Township, accompanied by the applicable Township review fee and escrow.
A disapproved stormwater management site plan or simplified stormwater management site plan may be resubmitted, with revisions addressing the Township Engineer's concerns, documented in writing, to the Township Engineer in accordance with § 129-24 of this chapter and be subject to review as specified in § 129-25 of this chapter. The applicable Township review fee must accompany resubmission of a disapproved plan.
A.
The applicant for any regulated activity requiring a stormwater management
site plan and stormwater management permit shall be responsible for
completing an as-built survey, sealed by a professional engineer licensed
in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or a registered surveyor licensed
in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, of all stormwater management
facilities/improvements included in the approved plan. An as-built
survey is not required for infiltration BMPs installed in conjunction
with a simplified stormwater management site plan. The as-built survey
and an explanation of any discrepancies with the design plans shall
be submitted to the Township Engineer for approval. In no case shall
the Township approve the as-built survey until the Township receives
a copy of an approved declaration of adequacy, highway occupancy permit
from the PADOT District Office (if applicable), any applicable permits
from PADEP, and NPDES notice of termination (if applicable) approved
by PADEP or the Montgomery County Conservation District.
B.
Completed stormwater management facilities and BMPs, including detention/retention
basins, shall be surveyed by a professional land surveyor or engineer
licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to verify compliance
with the character of stormwater management facilities as depicted
on the approved plan. As-constructed plans shall be submitted to Worcester
Township for review and approval, upon completion of construction
of all facilities and prior to offer of dedication of any public facilities
and/or submission of financial security for the required maintenance
period associated with subdivisions and land developments. Public
facilities will not be accepted by Worcester Township until such time
the as-constructed plans have been reviewed and approved by the Township
Engineer.
A set of plans approved by the Township shall be on file at
the site throughout the duration of the development activity. Periodic
inspections may be made by the Township or designee during development
activities.
It shall be unlawful for any person to undertake any regulated
activity on any property except as provided for in the approved plan
and pursuant to the requirements of this chapter. It shall be unlawful
to alter or remove any stormwater management facility or BMP required
by the plan pursuant to this chapter or to allow the property to remain
in a condition which does not conform to the approved plan.
At the completion of the project, and as a prerequisite for the release of the performance guarantee required pursuant to § 129-37, the owner or his representatives shall:
A.
Provide a set of as-built drawings pursuant to § 129-28 of this chapter and/or Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance[1] requirements. The as-built submission shall include a
certification of completion signed by a licensed, qualified professional
verifying that all permanent stormwater management/BMP facilities
have been constructed according to the approved stormwater management
site plan and specifications.
B.
Contact the Township Engineer to request inspection of the site for
completion of stormwater management facilities and compliance with
the approved plan and provisions of this chapter. This final inspection
shall be conducted by the Township after receipt of the certification
of completion.
A use and occupancy permit for any improvements constructed in conjunction with a subdivision and/or land development or other Township permit (requiring issuance of use and occupancy permit) shall not be issued unless the certification of completion, pursuant to § 129-31 of this chapter, has been obtained by the Township (in conjunction with regulated development activities requiring a stormwater management site plan and stormwater improvements/BMPs).
