[Ord. No. 187, 11/30/2018]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated unless the context clearly indicates a different
meaning:
ACT 167
Same as "Storm Water Management Act."
AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY
Activities associated with agriculture such as agricultural
cultivation, agricultural operation, and animal heavy use areas. This
includes the work of producing crops including tillage, land clearing,
plowing, disking, harrowing, planting, harvesting crops or pasturing
and raising of livestock and installation of conservation measures.
Construction of new buildings or impervious area is not considered
an agricultural activity.
APPLICANT
A landowner, developer, or other person who has filed an
application to the Township for approval to engage in any regulated
activity at a project site in the Township.
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE (BMP)
Activities, facilities, designs, measures, or procedures
used to manage stormwater impacts from regulated activities, to meet
state water quality requirements, to promote groundwater recharge,
and to otherwise meet the purposes of this chapter. Stormwater BMPs
are commonly grouped into one of two broad categories or measures:
"structural" or "nonstructural." In this chapter, nonstructural BMPs
or measures refer to operational and/or behavior-related practices
that attempt to minimize the contact of pollutants with stormwater
runoff, whereas structural BMPs or measures are those that consist
of a physical device or practice that is installed to capture and
treat stormwater runoff. Structural BMPs include, but are not limited
to, a wide variety of practices and devices, from large-scale retention
ponds and constructed wetlands, to small-scale underground treatment
systems, infiltration facilities, filter strips, low-impact design,
bioretention, wet ponds, permeable paving, grassed swales, riparian
or forested buffers, sand filters, detention basins, and manufactured
devices. Structural stormwater BMPs are permanent appurtenances to
the project site and are considered stormwater management facilities
for purposes of this chapter.
BMP MANUAL
The DEP's Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual,
December 2006, as amended.
CLEAN STREAMS LAW
The Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law, 35 P.S. § 691.1
et seq., as amended.
CODE OFFICIAL
That individual duly appointed and/or designated by the Township
Secretary, or the Board of Supervisors, who shall be responsible for
administering and enforcing this chapter.
CONSERVATION DISTRICT
The Allegheny County Conservation District (ACCD) or successor
agency. The Conservation District has the authority under a delegation
agreement executed with DEP to administer and enforce all or a portion
of the regulations promulgated under 25 Pa. Code Chapter 102.
COUNTY
Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
DESIGN STORM
The magnitude and temporal distribution of precipitation
from a storm event measured in probability of occurrence (e.g., a
five-year storm) and duration (e.g., 24 hours) used in the design
and evaluation of stormwater management systems. Also see "return
period."
DESIGNATED PLAN REVIEWER
A qualified professional as defined herein, or organization
such as the Conservation District, that has been designated by the
Township Secretary, or the Board of Supervisors, to be the reviewer
of SWM site plans for the Township, and shall be understood to be
the reviewer where indicated as the Township within this chapter.
DETENTION BASIN
An impoundment designed to collect and retard stormwater
runoff by temporarily storing the runoff and releasing it at a predetermined
rate. Detention basins are designed to drain completely in a designed
period after a rainfall event, and to become dry until the next rainfall
event.
DETENTION VOLUME
The volume of runoff that is captured and released into the
waters of the commonwealth at a controlled rate.
DEVELOPER
As defined in the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (Chapter
22). Any reference to "developer" in this chapter shall include the landowner.
DISTURBED AREA
An unstabilized land area where an earth disturbance activity
is occurring or has occurred.
DRAINAGE
Interception and removal of excess surface water or groundwater
from land by artificial or natural means.
E&S MANUAL
The DEP's Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Program
Manual (March 2012, as amended).
EARTH DISTURBANCE ACTIVITY
A construction or other human activity which disturbs the
surface of the land, including, but not limited to: clearing and grubbing;
grading; excavations; embankments; road maintenance; building construction;
and the moving, depositing, stockpiling, or storing of soil, rock,
or earth materials.
ENGINEER
As defined in the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (Chapter
22).
EROSION
The natural process by which the surface of the land is worn
away by water, wind, or chemical action.
EXCAVATION
Any act by which soil or rock is cut into, dug, quarried,
uncovered, removed, displaced or relocated and shall include the conditions
resulting therefrom.
EXISTING CONDITION
The dominant land cover during the five-year period immediately
preceding a proposed regulated activity.
FILL
To increase the height of the ground surface.
FLOODPLAIN
Any land area susceptible to inundation by water from any
natural source or delineated by applicable FEMA maps and studies as
being a special flood hazard area. Also includes areas that comprise
Group 13 soils, as listed in Appendix A of the Pennsylvania DEP Technical
Manual for Sewage Enforcement Officers (as amended or replaced from
time to time by DEP).
FLOODWAY
The channel of the watercourse and those portions of the
adjoining floodplains that are reasonably required to carry and discharge
the 100-year flood. Unless otherwise specified, the boundary of the
floodway is as indicated on maps and flood insurance studies provided
by FEMA. In an area where no FEMA maps or studies have defined the
boundary of the 100-year floodway, it is assumed, absent evidence
to the contrary, that the floodway extends from the stream to 50 feet
from the top of the bank of the stream.
FOREST MANAGEMENT
Planning and activities necessary for the management of forestland.
These include conducting a timber inventory, preparation of forest
management plans, silvicultural treatment, cutting budgets, logging
road design and construction, timber harvesting, site preparation,
and reforestation.
FREEBOARD
A vertical distance between the elevation of the design high
water level and the top of a dam, levee, tank, basin, or diversion
ridge. The space is required as a safety margin to prevent over-topping
due to wind or other causes.
GRADING ORDINANCE
Chapter
9, Part
1, of the Frazer Township Code of Ordinances, Grading, as amended.
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
Systems and practices that use or mimic natural processes
to infiltrate, evapotranspire, or reuse stormwater on the site where
it is generated.
GROUNDWATER
Water beneath the earth's surface that supplies wells
and springs and is within the saturated zone of soil and rock.
GROUNDWATER RECHARGE
The replenishment of existing natural underground water supplies
from precipitation or overland flow.
HYDRAULICS
The branch of science concerned with the mechanics of fluids,
especially liquids. As applied in stormwater management, the study
of the characteristics of water flowing in conveyance channels, and
from control facilities.
HYDROLOGIC SOIL GROUP (HSG)
Infiltration rates of soils vary widely and are affected
by subsurface permeability as well as surface intake rates. Soils
are classified into four HSGs (A, B, C, and D) according to their
minimum infiltration rate, which is obtained for bare soil after prolonged
wetting. The NRCS defines the four groups and provides a list of most
of the soils in the United States and their group classification.
The soils in the area of the development site may be identified from
a soil survey report that can be obtained from local NRCS offices
or conservation district offices. Soils become less pervious as the
HSG varies from A to D (NRCS).
HYDROLOGY
The science dealing with waters of the earth and their distribution
and circulation through the atmosphere.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
A surface that prevents the infiltration of water into the
ground. Impervious surfaces (or areas) shall include, but not be limited
to: roofs; additional indoor living spaces, patios, garages, storage
sheds and similar structures; and any new streets or sidewalks. Decks,
parking areas, and driveway areas are counted as impervious areas
if they directly prevent infiltration. Any surface areas designed
to initially be gravel or crushed stone shall be assumed to be impervious
surfaces. In addition, any surface designed to be constructed of permeable,
pervious or porous concrete, asphalt, or pavers shall be considered
an impervious surface.
IMPOUNDMENT
An excavation or depression in the ground surface (e.g.,
basin or rain garden) designed to retain stormwater runoff and release
it at a controlled rate.
INFILTRATION
Movement of surface water into the soil, where it is absorbed
by plant roots, evaporated into the atmosphere, or percolated downward
to recharge groundwater.
INVASIVE SPECIES
DCNR defines invasive plants as those species that are not
native to the state, grow aggressively, and spread and displace native
vegetation. See the following Internet address for a list of invasive
species: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/cs/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_010314.pdf.
LAND DEVELOPMENT
As defined in the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (Chapter
22).
LAND DISTURBANCE
Any activity involving the changing, grading or transportation
of fill from or onto land or any other activity which causes an increase
in the exposure of land to the danger of erosion.
LANDOWNER
As defined in the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (Chapter
22).
LOW-IMPACT DEVELOPMENT (LID)
Site design approaches and small-scale stormwater management
practices that promote the use of natural systems for infiltration,
evapotranspiration, and reuse of rainwater. LID can be applied to
new development, urban retrofits, and revitalization projects. LID
utilizes design techniques that infiltrate, filter, evaporate, and
store runoff close to its source. Rather than rely on costly large-scale
conveyance and treatment systems, LID addresses stormwater through
a variety of small, cost-effective landscape features located on site.
MAINTENANCE
The upkeep necessary for the efficient operation of physical
properties.
NATIVE VEGETATION
Plant species that have historically grown in Pennsylvania
and are not invasive species as defined herein.
NRCS
The Natural Resources Conservation Service of the United
States Department of Agriculture, or its successor agency. The NRCS
was formerly known as the Soil Conservation Service (SCS).
O&M
Operation and maintenance.
O&M PLAN
Same as "operation and maintenance plan."
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
An agreement with the Township executed by the developer
and/or landowner which contains provisions to guarantee and secure
the proper operation and maintenance of all stormwater management
facilities and BMPs shown on a Township-approved SWM site plan.
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PLAN
The portion of the SWM site plan which describes the future
operation and maintenance responsibilities for the stormwater management
facilities shown on the SWM site plan.
PEAK DISCHARGE
The maximum rate of stormwater runoff from a specific storm
event.
PERMEABILITY
The rate at which water will move through a saturated soil.
PROJECT SITE
The specific area of land where any regulated activities
in the Township are planned, conducted, or maintained.
QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL
Any person licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of State
or otherwise qualified under Pennsylvania law to perform the work
required by this chapter.
REGULATED ACTIVITIES
Any earth disturbance activities or any activities that involve
the alteration or development of land in a manner that may affect
stormwater runoff.
RELEASE RATE
The percentage of existing conditions peak rate of runoff
from a site or subarea to which the proposed conditions peak rate
of runoff must be reduced to protect downstream areas.
RELEASE RATE DISTRICT
A watershed or portion of a watershed for which a release
rate has been established by an adopted Act 167 stormwater management
plan.
RELEASE RATE MAPS
The official map(s) delineating the release rate districts
in the Township which are attached hereto and incorporated herein
at Appendix 23-A.
RETENTION FACILITY
A stormwater management facility which provides for storage
of stormwater runoff and controlled release of this runoff during
and after a storm.
RETENTION VOLUME/REMOVED RUNOFF
The volume of runoff that is captured and not released directly
into the surface waters of this commonwealth during or after a storm
event.
RETURN PERIOD
The average interval, in years, within which a storm event
of a given magnitude can be expected to occur one time. For example,
the twenty-five-year return period rainfall would be expected to occur
on average once every 25 years; or stated in another way, the probability
of a twenty-five-year storm occurring in any one year is 0.04 (i.e.,
a 4% chance).
RIPARIAN BUFFER
A permanent vegetated area of trees and shrubs located adjacent
to streams, lakes, ponds and wetlands.
RUNOFF
Any part of precipitation that flows over the land.
SEDIMENT
Soils or other materials transported by surface water as
a product of erosion.
SEDIMENTATION
The process by which mineral or organic matter is accumulated
or deposited by moving wind, water, ice or gravity.
SLOPE
The degree of deviation of a surface from the horizontal,
usually expressed in percent or degrees.
SOIL
The upper layer of earth which may be dug or plowed; the
loose surface material of the earth in which vegetation normally grows.
STATE WATER QUALITY REQUIREMENTS
The regulatory requirements to protect, maintain, reclaim,
and restore water quality under Title 25 of the Pennsylvania Code
and the Clean Streams Law.
STORM SEWER
A conduit that carries intercepted surface runoff, street
water and other wash waters or drainage, but excludes domestic sewage
and industrial wastes.
STORMWATER
Drainage runoff from the surface of the land resulting from
precipitation or snow or ice melt.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
A finite area of the Township, as designated by its boundaries
on the maps attached hereto and incorporated herein at Appendix 23-A.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT FACILITY
Any structure, natural or man-made, that, due to its condition,
design, or construction, conveys, stores, or otherwise affects stormwater
runoff. Typical stormwater management facilities include, but are
not limited to: detention and retention basins; open channels; storm
sewers; pipes; and infiltration facilities.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE
This chapter, as amended, which is identified as Chapter
23 of the Frazer Township Code of Ordinances, Stormwater Management, as amended.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SITE PLAN (SWM SITE PLAN)
The plan prepared by the developer or the developer's
representative indicating how stormwater runoff will be managed at
the development site in accordance with this chapter. "Stormwater
management site plan" will be designated as "SWM site plan" throughout
this chapter.
STREAM
A channel or conveyance of surface water having a defined
bed and banks, whether natural or artificial, with perennial or intermittent
flow.
STREET
As defined in the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (Chapter
22).
STRUCTURE
Any man-made object having an ascertainable stationary location
on or in land or water, whether or not it is affixed to the land.
SUBDIVISION
As defined in the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (Chapter
22).
SWALE
A low lying stretch of land which gathers or carries surface
water runoff.
SWM
Stormwater management.
TOWNSHIP
The Township of Frazer located in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
TOWNSHIP ENGINEER
The Engineer of the Township duly appointed by the Board
of Supervisors pursuant to the requirements of Article XII of the
Second Class Township Code, 53 P.S. §§ 66201 to 66203,
as amended, and/or his authorized designee.
TOWNSHIP SECRETARY
The Secretary of the Township, or his designee, or the designee
of the Township Board of Supervisors.
USDA
United States Department of Agriculture, or its successor
agency.
WAIVER
The grant of a deviation or modification to the requirements
of one or more provisions of this chapter which complies with the
standards of this chapter.
WATERS OF THIS COMMONWEALTH
Any and all rivers, streams, creeks, rivulets, impoundments,
ditches, watercourses, storm sewers, lakes, dammed water, wetlands,
ponds, springs, and all other bodies or channels of conveyance of
surface and underground water, or parts thereof, whether natural or
artificial, within or on the boundaries of this commonwealth.
WATERSHED
A region or land area drained by a river, watercourse, or
other surface water of this commonwealth to a downstream point.
WATERSHED MAP
The official map(s) delineating the stormwater management
districts of the Township which are attached hereto and incorporated
herein at Appendix 23-A.
WETLANDS
As defined by the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (Chapter
22).
ZONING ORDINANCE
Chapter
27 of the Frazer Township Code of Ordinances, Zoning, as amended.