In addition to the performance standards and design criteria
requirements of this chapter, the applicant shall comply with the
following water quality requirements of this article.
A. For water quality and streambank erosion, the objective is to design
a water quality BMP to detain the proposed condition's two-year, twenty-four-hour
design storm to the existing condition's one-year flow using the NRCS
Type II distribution. Additionally, provisions shall be made (such
as adding a small orifice at the bottom of the outlet structure) so
that the proposed condition's one-year storm takes a minimum of 24
hours to drain from the facility from a point where the maximum volume
of water from the one-year storm is captured, (i.e., the maximum water
surface elevation is achieved in the facility.) At the same time,
the objective is not to attenuate the larger storms in no-detention
areas (District C) only. This can be accomplished by configuration
of the outlet structure not to control the larger storms, or by a
bypass or channel to divert only the two-year flood into the basin
or divert flows in excess of the two-year storm away from the basin.
Where practicable, wet basins shall be utilized for water quality
control and shall meet the requirements found in the PA Stormwater
BMP Manual, as revised. Release of water can begin at the start of
the storm (i.e., the invert of the water quality orifice is at the
invert of the facility). The design of the facility shall consider
and minimize the chances of clogging and sedimentation. Orifices smaller
than three inches diameter are not recommended. However, if the design
professional can provide proof that the smaller orifices are protected
from clogging by use of trash racks, etc., smaller orifices may be
permitted.
B. In selecting the appropriate BMPs or combinations thereof, the applicant
shall consider the following:
(2) Permeability and infiltration rate of the site soils.
(3) Slope and depth to bedrock.
(4) Seasonal high water table.
(5) Proximity to building foundations and well heads.
(7) Land availability and configuration of the topography.
(8) Peak discharge and required volume control.
(10)
Efficiency of the BMPs to mitigate potential water quality problems.
(11)
The volume of runoff that will be effectively treated.
(12)
The nature of the pollutant being removed.
(13)
Maintenance requirements.
(14)
Creation/protection of aquatic and wildlife habitat.
C. For areas within defined special protection subwatersheds, which
includes exceptional value (EV) and high quality (HQ) waters, the
temperature and quality of water and streams shall be maintained through
the use of temperature-sensitive BMPs and stormwater conveyance systems.
D. The applicant shall consider the guidelines found in the references
specified in Appendix G for constructed wetlands, where proposed,
E. Pretreatment in accordance with §
425-10L and
M shall be provided prior to infiltration.
F. Streambank restoration projects shall include the following:
(1) No restoration or stabilization projects may be undertaken without
examining the fluvial geomorphology of stable reaches above and below
the unstable reach.
(2) Restoration project design must then consider maintenance of stability
in the adjacent stable reaches of the stream channel.
(3) An erosion and sediment control plan approved by the Conservation
District must be provided by the applicant.
(4) All applicable state and federal permits must be obtained.
G. Biology shall be incorporated into the design of all wet basins in
accordance with the West Nile virus guidance found in Appendix E.
H. To accomplish the above, the applicant shall submit original and
innovative designs to the Municipal Engineer for review and approval.
Such designs may achieve the water quality objectives through a combination
of BMPs (best management practices).
I. Buffers.
(1) In addition to the other restrictions of this §
425-12, buffers shall be provided in accord with this §
425-12I.
(2) Where resource buffers overlap, the more restrictive requirements
shall apply.
(3) Preexisting lots or parcels/development in outer buffers. In the case of legally preexisting lots or parcels (approved prior to the effective date of this chapter) where the usable area of a lot or parcel lies within an outer buffer area, rendering the lot or parcel unable to be developed in accordance with the allowable use per municipal zoning, the development may only be permitted by variance as provided in §
525-57 of Chapter
525, Zoning.
(4) Improvements to existing structures in outer buffers. The provisions of this §
425-12I do not require any changes or improvements to be made to lawfully existing structures in buffers. However, when any substantial improvement to a structure is proposed which results in a horizontal expansion of that structure, the improvement may only be permitted by variance as provided in §
525-57 of Chapter
525, Zoning.
(5) Wetlands and vernal ponds.
(a)
Wetland identification. Wetlands shall be identified in accord
with the 1987 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Manual for Identifying
and Delineating Wetlands, and properly flagged and surveyed on site
to ensure they are protected.
[1]
Wetlands in an artificial watercourse. Wetlands contained within
the banks of an artificial watercourse shall not to be considered
for buffer delineation purposes.
[2]
Wetlands in a natural watercourse. Wetlands contained within
the banks of a natural watercourse, only the stream buffer shall apply.
(b)
Wetland and vernal pond buffer delineation. A fifty-foot inner
buffer and 100-foot outer buffer, measured perpendicular to and horizontally
from the edge of the delineated wetland or vernal pond for a total
distance of 150 feet, shall be maintained for all wetlands and vernal
ponds.
[1]
Inner buffer. Measured perpendicular to and horizontally from
the edge of the delineated wetland or vernal pond, for a distance
of 50 feet.
[a] Stormwater conveyance required by the Township,
buffer maintenance and restoration, the correction of hazardous conditions,
stream crossings permitted by DEP and passive unpaved stable trails
shall be permitted. No other earth disturbance, grading, filling,
buildings, structures, new construction, or development shall be permitted.
[b] The area of the inner buffer altered by activities permitted in accord with §
425-12I(5)(b)[1] shall be minimized to the greatest extent practicable.
[2]
Outer buffer. Measured perpendicular to and horizontally from
the outer edge of the inner buffer for a distance of 100 feet, resulting
in a total buffer of 150 feet.
[a] Stormwater conveyance required by the Township, buffer maintenance and restoration, the correction of hazardous conditions, stream crossings permitted by DEP, roads constructed to existing grade, unpaved trails, and limited forestry activities that do not clear cut the buffer (e.g., selective regeneration harvest) in accord with a forestry management plan shall be permitted, provided no buildings are involved, and those activities permitted under §
425-12I(3) and
(4).
[b] No more than 20% of the cumulative outer buffer on the subject parcel shall be altered by the activities permitted in accord with §
425-12I(5)(b)[2].
(6) Lakes and ponds.
(a)
There is no outer buffer around lakes and ponds.
(b)
Lake and pond buffer delineation A fifty-foot buffer measured
perpendicular to and horizontally from the edge of any water body,
shall be maintained around any water body.
(c)
Permitted activities/development. Stormwater conveyance required
by the Township, buffer maintenance and restoration, the correction
of hazardous conditions, lakefront views, boat docks and unpaved trails
shall be permitted, provided no buildings are involved.
(d)
The area of the buffer impacted by activities permitted in §
425-12I(6)(c) shall not exceed 35% of the buffer on the subject parcel.
(7) Streams.
(a)
Stream buffer delineation. A fifty-foot inner buffer and 100-foot
outer buffer, measured perpendicular to and horizontally from the
top-of-bank on both sides of any stream for a total distance of 150
feet, shall be maintained on both sides of any stream. See Figure
425-12.1.
[1]
Inner buffer. Measured perpendicular to and horizontally from
the top-of-bank of the stream for a distance of 50 feet.
[a] Stormwater conveyance required by the Township,
buffer maintenance and restoration, the correction of hazardous conditions,
stream crossings permitted by DEP, wildlife sanctuaries and boat launch
sites constructed so as not to alter the floodplain cross section,
and unpaved trails shall be permitted, providing no buildings are
involved. No other earth disturbance, grading, filling, buildings,
structures, new construction, or development shall be permitted.
[b] The area of the inner buffer altered by activities permitted in accord with §
425-12I(7)(a)[1] shall be minimized to the greatest extent practicable.
[2]
Outer buffer. Measured perpendicular to and horizontally from
the outer edge of the inner buffer for a distance of 100 feet resulting
in a total buffer of 150 feet.
[a] Stormwater conveyance required by the Township,
buffer maintenance and restoration, the correction of hazardous conditions,
wildlife sanctuaries, boat launch sites, roads constructed to existing
grade, stream crossings permitted by DEP and unpaved trails and limited
forestry activities that do not clear-cut the buffer (e.g., selective
regeneration harvest) in accord with a forestry management plan shall
be permitted, provided no buildings are involved.
[b] In areas of the outer buffer which are not wetlands,
vernal ponds or slopes of more than 15%, stormwater management facilities
which improve water quality of stormwater discharge shall be permitted
unless prohibited by other Township or state requirements. No other
earth disturbance, grading, filling buildings, structures, new construction,
or development shall be permitted.
[c] No more than 20% of the cumulative outer buffer on the subject parcel shall be altered by the activities permitted in accord with §
425-12I(7)(a)[2].
Figure 425-12.1 Stream Buffer
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Maximizing the groundwater recharge capacity of the area being developed is required. Design of the infiltration/recharge stormwater management facilities shall give consideration to providing groundwater recharge to compensate for the reduction in the percolation that occurs when the ground surface is disturbed or impervious surface is created. It is recommended that roof runoff be directed to infiltration BMPs which may be designed to compensate for the runoff from parking areas. These measures are required to be consistent with §
425-2, and take advantage of utilizing any existing recharge areas.
A. Infiltration BMPs shall meet the following minimum requirements:
(1) Maximum infiltration requirements:
(a)
Regulated activities will be required to recharge (infiltrate), where practicable, a portion of the runoff created by the development as part of an overall stormwater management plan designed for the site. The volume of runoff to be recharged shall be determined from §
425-13A(2)(a) or
(b), depending upon demonstrated site conditions.
(2) Infiltration BMPs intended to receive runoff from developed areas
shall be selected based on suitability of soils and site conditions
and shall be constructed on soils that have the following characteristics:
(a)
A minimum depth of 24 inches between the bottom of the BMP and
the limiting zone.
(b)
An infiltration and/or percolation rate sufficient to accept
the additional stormwater load and drain completely as determined
by field tests conducted by the applicant's design professional.
(c)
The recharge facility shall be capable of completely infiltrating
the recharge volume within four days.
(d)
Pretreatment in accordance with §
425-10L and
M shall be provided prior to infiltration.
(3) The size of the recharge facility shall be based upon the following
volume criteria:
(a)
NRCS Curve Number equation.
[1]
The NRCS runoff shall be utilized to calculate infiltration
requirements (P) in inches.
Eqn: 425-13.1
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For zero runoff: P = I (Infiltration) (in.) = (200/CN) 2
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Where:
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CN-SCS (NRCS) curve number of existing conditions contributing
to the recharge facility.
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[2]
This equation is displayed graphically in, and the infiltration
requirement can be determined from Figure 425-13.1.
[3]
The recharge volume required would therefore be computed as:
Eqn: 425-13.2
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Rev=I*% impervious area
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Where: I- infiltration requirements (in.)
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[4]
Figure 425-13.1, Infiltration requirement based upon NRCS Curve
Number.
(b)
Annual recharge - water budget approach.
[1]
It has been determined that infiltrating 0.6 inches of runoff from the impervious areas will aid in maintaining the hydrologic regime of the watershed. If the goals of §
425-13A(2)(a) cannot be achieved, then 0.6 inches of rainfall shall be infiltrated from all impervious areas, up to an existing site condition curve number of 77. Above a curve number of 77, Equation 425-13.1 or the curve in Figure 425-13.1 should be used to determine the Infiltration requirement.
[2]
The recharge volume (Rev) required would
therefore be computed as:
Rev=0.6 or I, whichever is less * % impervious
area.
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B. Soils. A detailed soils evaluation of the project site shall be required
where practicable to determine the suitability of recharge facilities.
The evaluation shall be performed by a qualified design professional,
and at a minimum, address soil permeability, depth to bedrock and
subgrade stability. The general process for designing the infiltration
BMP shall be:
(1) Analyze hydrologic soil groups as well as natural and man-made features
within the watershed to determine general areas of suitability for
infiltration practices.
(2) Provide site-specific infiltration test results (at the level of
the proposed infiltration surface) in accord with ASTM Guide No. D
5126 to determine the appropriate hydraulic conductivity rate.
(3) Design the infiltration structure for the required storm volume based
on field determined capacity at the level of the proposed infiltration
surface.
(4) If on-lot infiltration structures are proposed by the applicant's
design professional, it must be demonstrated to the municipality that
the soils are conducive to infiltrate on the lots identified.
C. Stormwater hot spots. A stormwater hot spot is defined as a land
use activity that generates higher concentrations of hydrocarbons,
trace metals or toxicants than are found in typical stormwater runoff,
based on monitoring studies. Table 425-13.1 provides samples of designated
hot spots. If a site is designated as a hot spot, it has important
implications for how stormwater is managed. First and foremost, untreated
stormwater runoff from hot spots cannot be allowed to infiltrate into
groundwater where it may contaminate water supplies. Therefore, the
Rev requirement is not applied to development
sites that fit into the hot spot category (the entire WQ, must still
be treated). Second, a greater level of stormwater treatment may be
needed at hot spot sites to prevent pollutant washoff after construction.
EPA's NPDES stormwater program requires some industrial sites to prepare
and implement a stormwater pollution prevention plan.
Table 425-13.1 - Classification of Stormwater Hot Spots
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The following land uses and activities are samples of stormwater
hot spots:
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•
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Vehicle salvage yards and recycling facilities
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•
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Fleet storage areas (bus, truck, etc.)
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•
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Public works storage areas
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•
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Facilities that generate or store hazardous materials
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(1) Extreme caution shall be exercised where salt or chloride would be
a pollutant since soils do little to filter this pollutant and it
may contaminate the groundwater. The qualified design professional
shall evaluate the possibility of groundwater contamination from the
proposed infiltration/recharge facility and perform a hydrogeologic
justification study if necessary. The infiltration requirement in
high quality/exceptional value waters shall be subject to the Department's
Chapter 93 antidegradation regulations. The municipality may require the installation of an impermeable
liner in detention basins where the possibility of groundwater contamination
exists. A detailed hydrogeologic investigation may be required by
the municipality.
(2) The municipality shall require the applicant to provide safeguards
against groundwater contamination for uses which may cause groundwater
contamination, should there be a mishap or spill. (See Appendix E.)
D. Extreme caution shall be exercised where infiltration is proposed
in source water protection areas or that may affect a wellhead or
surface water intake.
E. Recharge/infiltration facilities shall be used in conjunction with
other innovative or traditional BMPs, stormwater control facilities,
and nonstructural stormwater management alternatives.