The Stowe Township Board of Commissioners finds that:
A. 
Inadequate management of accelerated runoff of stormwater resulting from development throughout a watershed increases flood flows and velocities, contributes to erosion and sedimentation, overtaxes the carrying capacity of streams and storm sewers, greatly increases the cost of public facilities to carry and control stormwater, undermines floodplain management and flood control efforts in 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 and 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 the public health, safety and welfare by minimizing the damages described in § 579-1A of this chapter by provisions designed to:
A. 
Control accelerated runoff and erosion and sedimentation problems at their source by regulating activities which cause such problems.
B. 
Utilize and preserve the desirable existing natural drainage systems.
C. 
Encourage recharge of groundwaters.
D. 
Maintain the 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 for proper maintenance of all permanent stormwater management structures which are constructed in the Township.
NOTE: This chapter does not imply that areas within or outside any identified flood-prone area will be free from flooding or flood damages.
A. 
The Township is empowered to regulate these activities by the authority of the Act of October 4, 1968, P.L. 864 (Act 167), the "Storm Water Management Act,"[1] and Act 247 of July 31, 1968, as amended, known as the "Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code."[2]
[1]
Editor's Note: See 32 P.S. § 680.1 et seq.
[2]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
B. 
This chapter is intentionally enacted as a general ordinance rather than included in the subdivision ordinance.
The following activities are included within the scope of this chapter:
A. 
Land development.
B. 
Subdivision.
C. 
Earthmoving involving two or more acres.
D. 
Agricultural operations.
E. 
Construction of new or additional impervious or semipervious surfaces (driveways, parking lots, etc.).
F. 
Construction of new buildings or additions to existing buildings.
G. 
Forest management operations.
H. 
Nursery operations.
I. 
Diversion or piping of any natural or man-made stream channel.
J. 
Installation of stormwater systems or appurtenances thereto.
K. 
Mining operations.
Permits and 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. If more stringent requirements concerning regulation of stormwater or erosion and sedimentation control are maintained in the other code, rule act or ordinance, the more stringent regulation shall apply.