[Ord. No. 1358, 9/12/2022]
1.
For the purposes of this Part, certain terms and words used herein
shall be interpreted as follows:
A.
Words used in the present tense include the future tense; the singular
number includes the plural, and the plural number includes the singular;
words of masculine gender include feminine gender; and words of feminine
gender include masculine gender.
B.
The word "includes" or "including" shall not limit the term to the
specific example but is intended to extend its meaning to all other
instances of like kind and character.
C.
The word "person" includes an individual, firm, association, organization,
partnership, trust, company, corporation, or any other similar entity.
D.
The words "shall" and "must" refers to items which are mandatory;
the words "may" and "should" refer to items which are permissive.
E.
The words "used or occupied" include the words "intended, designed,
maintained, or arranged to be used, occupied, or maintained."
2.
ACCELERATED EROSION
AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES
ALTERATION
APPLICANT
AS-BUILT DRAWINGS
BANKFULL
BASE FLOW
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE (BMP)
BIORETENTION
CHANNEL EROSION
CISTERN
CONSERVATION DISTRICT
CULVERT
DAM
DEP
DEPARTMENT
DESIGN PROFESSIONAL (QUALIFIED)
DESIGN STORM
DESIGNEE
DETENTION BASIN
DETENTION DISTRICT
DETENTION VOLUME
DEVELOPMENT SITE (SITE)
DIFFUSED DRAINAGE DISCHARGE
DISTURBED AREAS
DOWNSLOPE PROPERTY LINE
DRAINAGE CONVEYANCE FACILITY
DRAINAGE EASEMENT
DRAINAGE PERMIT
DRAINAGE PLAN
EARTH DISTURBANCE ACTIVITY
EMERGENCY SPILLWAY
ENCROACHMENT
EROSION
EROSION AND SEDIMENT POLLUTION CONTROL PLAN
ERSAM
EXCEPTIONAL VALUE WATERS
EXISTING CONDITION
FEMA
FLOOD
FLOODPLAIN
FLOODWAY
FOREST MANAGEMENT/TIMBER OPERATIONS
FREEBOARD
GRADE
(TO) GRADE
GRASSED WATERWAY
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
GROUNDWATER RECHARGE
HEC-HMS
HIGH QUALITY WATERS
HYDROLOGIC REGIME (NATURAL)
HYDROLOGIC SOIL GROUP (HSG)
HYETOGRAPH
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE (IMPERVIOUS AREA)
IMPOUNDMENT
INFILL
INFILTRATION
INFILTRATION STRUCTURES
INLET
KARST
LAND DEVELOPMENT (DEVELOPMENT)
LAND EARTH DISTURBANCE
LIMITING ZONE
A.
B.
C.
LOW-IMPACT DEVELOPMENT (LID)
MAIN STEM (MAIN CHANNEL)
MANNING EQUATION (MANNING FORMULA)
MUNICIPALITY
NATURAL HYDROLOGIC REGIME
NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION
NPDES
NRCS
OPEN CHANNEL
OUTFALL
OUTLET
PARENT TRACT
PARKING LOT STORAGE
PEAK DISCHARGE
PENN STATE RUNOFF MODEL (CALIBRATED)
PERVIOUS AREA
PIPE
PLANNING COMMISSION
PMF - PROBABLE MAXIMUM FLOOD
POINT SOURCE
PREDEVELOPMENT
PRETREATMENT
PROJECT SITE
QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL
RATIONAL METHOD
RECHARGE AREA
RECONSTRUCTION
RECORD DRAWINGS
REDEVELOPMENT
REGULATED ACTIVITIES
REGULATED EARTH DISTURBANCE ACTIVITY
RELEASE RATE
RETENTION BASIN
RETENTION VOLUME/REMOVED RUNOFF
RETURN PERIOD
RIPARIAN BUFFER
RISER
ROAD MAINTENANCE
ROOFTOP DETENTION
RUNOFF
SALDO
SEDIMENT
SEDIMENT BASIN
SEDIMENT POLLUTION
SEDIMENTATION
SEEPAGE PIT/SEEPAGE TRENCH
SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEM
SHEET FLOW
SOIL-COVER COMPLEX METHOD
SOURCE WATER PROTECTION AREAS (SWPA)
SPECIAL PROTECTION SUBWATERSHEDS
SPILLWAY
STATE WATER QUALITY REQUIREMENTS
STORAGE INDICATION METHOD
STORM FREQUENCY
STORM SEWER
STORMWATER
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT FACILITY
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SITE PLAN
STREAM
STREAM BUFFER
STREAM ENCLOSURE
SUBAREA
SUBDIVISION
SWALE
TIMBER OPERATIONS
TIME-OF-CONCENTRATION (Tc)
USDA
WATERCOURSE
WATERS OF THIS COMMONWEALTH
WATERSHED
WELLHEAD
WELLHEAD PROTECTION AREA
WETLAND
These definitions do not necessarily reflect the definitions contained
in pertinent regulations or statutes and are intended for this Part
only.
The removal of the surface of the land through the combined
action of man's activity and the natural processes at a rate
greater than would occur because of the natural process alone.
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.
As applied to land, a change in topography as a result of
the moving of soil and rock from one location or position to another;
also the changing of surface conditions by causing the surface to
be more or less impervious; land disturbance.
A landowner, developer, or other person who has filed an application to the municipality for approval to engage in any regulated activities at a project site in the municipality as defined in § 26-104 of this Part.
Those maintained by the contractor as he constructs the project
and upon which he documents the actual locations of the building components
and changes to the original contract documents. These, or a copy of
the same, are turned over to the Engineer at the completion of the
project.
The channel at the top of bank or point where water beings
to overflow onto a floodplain.
The portion of stream flow that is sustained by groundwater
discharge.
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 Part. Stormwater BMPs are
commonly grouped into one of two broad categories or measures: "structural"
or "nonstructural." In this Part, 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.
A stormwater management facility which utilizes woody and
herbaceous plants and soils to remove pollutants before infiltration
occurs.
The widening, deepening, and headward cutting of small channels
and waterways caused by moderate to large floods.
An underground reservoir or tank for storing rainwater.
A conservation district, as defined in Section 3(c) of the
Conservation District Law [3 P.S. § 851(c)] that 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 102.
A structure with appurtenant works which carries a stream
under or through an embankment or fill.
An artificial barrier, together with its appurtenant works,
constructed for the purpose of impounding or storing water or another
fluid or semifluid, or a refuse bank, fill or structure for highway,
railroad or other purposes that does or may impound water or another
fluid or semifluid.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
A Pennsylvania registered professional engineer, registered
landscape architect, or a registered professional land surveyor trained
to develop stormwater management plans.
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."
The agent of the Bristol Borough Planning Commission and/or
agent of the governing body involved with the administration, review,
or enforcement of any provisions of this Part by contract or memorandum
of understanding.
An impoundment structure designed to manage stormwater runoff
by temporarily storing the runoff and releasing it at a predetermined
rate.
Those subareas in which some type of detention is required
to meet the plan requirements and the goals of Act 167.
The volume of runoff that is captured and released into the
waters of the commonwealth at a controlled rate.
See "project site."
Drainage discharge not confined to a single point location
or channel, such as sheet flow or shallow concentrated flow.
An unstabilized land area where an earth disturbance activity
is occurring or has occurred.
That portion of the property line of the lot, tract, or parcels
of land being developed located such that all overland or pipe flow
from the site would be directed towards it.
A stormwater management facility designed to transmit stormwater
runoff and shall include streams, channels, swales, pipes, conduits,
culverts, storm sewers, etc.
A right granted by a landowner to a grantee, allowing the
use of private land for stormwater management purposes.
A permit issued by the Municipal governing body after the
drainage plan has been approved. Said permit is issued prior to or
with the final Municipal approval.
The documentation of the stormwater management system, to be used for a given development site, the contents of which are established in § 26-143.
A construction or other human activity which disturbs the
surface of 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.
A conveyance area that is used to pass peak discharge greater
than the maximum design storm controlled by the stormwater facility.
A structure or activity that changes, expands or diminishes
the course, current or cross section of a watercourse, floodway or
body of water.
The natural process by which the surface of the land is worn
away by water, wind, or chemical action.
A plan that is designed to minimize accelerated erosion and
sedimentation.
Existing Resource and Site Analysis Map.
Surface waters of high quality which satisfy Pennsylvania
Code Title 25 Environmental Protection, Chapter 93 Water Quality Standards,
§ 93.4b(b) (relating to antidegradation).
The dominant land cover during the five-year period immediately
preceding a proposed regulated activity.
Federal Emergency Management Agency.
A general but temporary condition of partial or complete
inundation of normally dry land areas from the overflow of streams,
rivers, and other waters of this commonwealth.
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 Department
of Environmental Protection (DEP) Technical Manual for Sewage Enforcement
Officers (as amended or replaced from time to time by DEP).
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.
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.
A vertical distance between the elevation of the design high-water
and the top of a dam, levee, tank, basin, or diversion ridge. The
space is required as a safety margin in a pond or basin.
A slope, usually of a road, channel, or natural ground specified
in percent and shown on plans as specified herein.
To finish the surface of a roadbed, top of embankment, or
bottom of excavation.
A natural or constructed waterway, usually broad and shallow,
covered with erosion-resistant grasses, used to conduct surface water.
Systems and practices that use or mimic natural processes
to infiltrate, evapotranspire, or reuse stormwater on the site where
it is generated.
Replenishment of existing natural underground water supplies.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hydrologic Engineering
Center (HEC) - Hydrologic Modeling System (HMS) adapted to the Delaware
River South watershed.
Surface waters having quality which exceeds levels necessary
to support propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and recreation
in and on the water by satisfying Pennsylvania Code Title 25 Environmental
Protection, Chapter 93, Water Quality Standards, § 93.4b(a).
The hydrologic cycle or balance that sustains quality and
quantity of stormwater, baseflow, storage, and groundwater supplies
under natural conditions.
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).
A graphical representation of average rainfall, rainfall
excess rates, or volumes over specified areas during successive units
of time during a storm.
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 not counted as impervious areas
if they do not prevent infiltration.
A retention or detention basin designed to retain stormwater
runoff and release it at a controlled rate.
Development that occurs on smaller parcels that remain undeveloped
but are within or in very close proximity to urban areas. The development
relies on existing infrastructure and does not require an extension
of water, sewer, or other public utilities.
The passing of stormwater through the soil from the surface.
A structure designed to direct runoff into the ground (e.g.,
french drains, seepage pits, seepage trench).
A surface connection to a closed drain. A structure at the
diversion end of a conduit. The upstream end of any structure through
which water may flow.
A type of topography or landscape characterized by surface
depressions, sinkholes, rock pinnacles/uneven bedrock surface, underground
drainage, and caves. Karst is formed on carbonate rocks, such as limestone
or dolomite.
Inclusive of any or all of the following meanings:
Any activity involving grading, tilling, digging, or filling
of ground or stripping of vegetation or any other activity that causes
an alteration to the natural condition of the land.
A soil horizon or condition in the soil profile or underlying
strata which includes one of the following:
A seasonal high water table, whether perched or regional, determined
by direct observation of the water table or indicated by soil mottling.
A rock with open joints, fracture or solution channels, or masses
of loose rock fragments, including gravel, with insufficient fine
soil to fill the voids between the fragments.
A rock formation, other stratum or soil condition which is so
slowly permeable that it effectively limits downward passage of effluent.
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.
Any stream segment or other runoff conveyance facility used
as a reach in the Delaware River South Creek hydrologic model.
A method for calculation of velocity of flow (e.g., feet
per second) and flow rate (e.g., cubic feet per second) in open channels
based upon channel shape, roughness, depth of flow and slope. "Open
channels" may include closed conduits so long as the flow is not under
pressure.
Borough of Bristol, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
See "hydrologic regime."
Pollution that enters a body of water from diffuse origins
in the watershed and does not result from confined or discrete conveyances.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, the federal
government's system for issuance of permits under the Clean Water
Act, which is delegated to DEP in Pennsylvania.
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (previously SCS).
A drainage element in which stormwater flows with an open
surface. Open channels include, but shall not be limited to, natural
and manmade drainageways, swales, streams, ditches, canals, and pipes
flowing partly full.
Point where water flows from a conduit, stream, or drain.
Points of water disposal from a stream, river, lake, tidewater
or artificial drain.
The parcel of land from which a land development or subdivision
originates as of the date of the original Delaware River South Creek
stormwater ordinance adoption.
Involves the use of impervious parking areas as temporary
impoundments with controlled release rates during rainstorms.
The maximum rate of stormwater runoff from a specific storm
event.
The computer-based hydrologic modeling technique adapted
to the Delaware River South Watershed for the Act 167 plan. The model
has been "calibrated" to reflect actual recorded flow values by adjoining
key model input parameters.
Any area not defined as impervious.
A culvert, closed conduit, or similar structure (including
appurtenances) that conveys stormwater.
The planning commission of Bristol.
The flood that may be expected from the most severe combination
of critical meteorological and hydrologic conditions that are reasonably
possible in any area. The PMF is derived from the probable maximum
precipitation (PMP) as determined based on data obtained from the
National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Any discernible, confined and discreet conveyance, including,
but not limited to, any pipe, ditch, channel, tunnel or conduit from
which stormwater is or may be discharged, as defined in state regulations
at 25 Pa. Code § 92.1.
Undeveloped/natural condition.
Techniques employed in stormwater BMPs to provide storage
or filtering to help trap coarse materials and other pollutants before
they enter the system.
The specific area of land where any regulated activities
in the municipality are planned, conducted or maintained.
Any person licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of State
or otherwise qualified by law to perform the work required by this
Part.
A rainfall-runoff relation used to estimate peak flow.
Undisturbed surface area or depression where stormwater collects,
and a portion of which infiltrates and replenishes the underground
and groundwater.
The process by which existing developed area is adaptively
reused, rehabilitated, restored, renovated, and/or expanded. The development
relies on existing infrastructure and does not require an extension
of water, sewer, or other public utilities.
Original documents revised to suit the as-built conditional
and subsequently provided by the Engineer to the client. The Engineer
takes the contractor's as-builts, reviews them in detail with
his/her own records for completeness, then either turns these over
to the client or transfers the information to a set of reproducibles,
in both cases for the client's permanent records.
The construction, alteration, or improvement exceeding 5,000
square feet of land disturbance performed on sites where existing
land use is commercial, industrial, institutional, or multifamily
residential.
Any earth disturbance activities or any activities that involve
the alteration or development of land in a manner that may affect
stormwater runoff.
Activity involving earth disturbance subject to regulation
under 25 Pa. Code 92, 25 Pa. Code 102, or the Clean Streams Law.[2]
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.
An impoundment in which stormwater is stored and not released
during the storm event. Stored water may be released from the basin
at some time after the end of the storm.
The volume of runoff that is captured and not released directly
into the surface waters of this commonwealth during or after a storm
event.
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 of 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).
A permanent area of trees and shrubs located adjacent to
streams, lakes, ponds and wetlands.
A vertical pipe extending from the bottom of a pond that
is used to control the discharge rate from the pond for a specified
design storm.
Earth disturbance activities within the existing road cross-section,
such as grading and repairing existing unpaved road surfaces, cutting
road banks, cleaning or cleaning drainage ditches and other similar
activities.
Temporary ponding and gradual release of stormwater falling
directly onto flat roof surfaces by incorporating controlled-flow
roof drains into building designs.
Any part of precipitation that flows over the land.
Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.
Soils or other materials transported by surface water as
a product of erosion.
A barrier, dam, or retention or detention basin located and
designed to retain rock, sand, gravel, silt, or other material transported
by water.
The placement, discharge, or any other introduction of sediment
into the waters of the commonwealth occurring from the failure to
design, construct, implement or maintain control measures and control
facilities in accordance with the requirements of the DEP Erosion
and Sediment Pollution Control Program Manual.
The process by which mineral or organic matter is accumulated
or deposited by the movement of water.
An area of excavated earth filled with loose stone or similar
coarse material, into which surface water is directed for infiltration
into the ground.
A conveyance or system of conveyances (including roads with
drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters,
ditches, manmade channels or storm drains) primarily used for collecting
and conveying stormwater runoff.
Runoff that flows over the ground surface as a thin, even
layer, not concentrated in a channel.
A method of runoff computation developed by the NRCS that
is based on relating soil type and land use/cover to a runoff parameter
called curve number (CN).
The zone through which contaminants are likely to migrate
and reach a drinking water well or surface water intake.
Watersheds for which the receiving waters are exceptional
value (EV) or high quality (HQ) waters.
A conveyance that is used to pass the peak discharge of the
maximum design storm controlled by the stormwater facility.
The regulatory requirements to protect, maintain, reclaim,
and restore water quality under Title 25 of the Pennsylvania Code
and the Clean Streams Law.[3]
A reservoir routing procedure based on solution of the continuity
equation (inflow minus outflow equals the change in storage) with
outflow defined as a function of storage volume and depth.
The number of times that a given storm "event" occurs or
is exceeded on the average in a stated period of years. See "return
period."
A system of pipes and/or open channels that convey intercepted
runoff and stormwater from other sources, but excludes domestic sewage
and industrial wastes.
Drainage runoff from the surface of the land resulting from
precipitation or snow or ice melt.
Any structure, natural or manmade, 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.
The plan for managing stormwater runoff in the Delaware River
South Watershed adopted by Bucks County as required by the Act of
October 4, 1978, P.L. 864, (Act 167), and known as the Delaware River
South Watershed Act 167 Stormwater Management Plan.
The plan prepared by the developer or his representative
indicating how stormwater runoff will be managed at the development
site in accordance with this Part. Stormwater management site plan
will be designated as SWM site plan throughout this Part.
A natural watercourse.
The land area adjacent to each side of a stream, essential
to maintaining water quality measured 150 feet from the top of the
bank.
A bridge, culvert, or other structure in excess of 100 feet
in length upstream to downstream which encloses a regulated water
of this commonwealth.
The smallest drainage unit of a watershed for which stormwater
management criteria have been established in the stormwater management
plan.
As defined in The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code,
Act of July 31, 1968, P.L. 805, No. 247.
A low-lying stretch of land which gathers or carries surface
water runoff.
See "forest management."
The time for surface runoff to travel from the hydraulically
most distant point of the watershed to a point of interest within
the watershed. This time is the combined total of overland flow time
and flow time in pipes or channels, if any.
United States Department of Agriculture.
River, brook, creek, or a channel or ditch for water, whether
natural or man-made with perennial or intermittent flow.
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.
Region or area drained by a river, watercourse, or other
surface water of this commonwealth.
The surface and subsurface area surrounding a water supply
well, well field, spring, or infiltration gallery supplying a public
water system, through which contaminants are reasonably likely to
move towards and reach the water source.
Those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or
groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and
that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation
typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions, including
swamps, marshes, bogs, ferns, and similar areas.
