For the purpose of this chapter, 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" are mandatory; the words "may" and "should" are permissive.
E. ACCELERATED EROSION AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES ALTERATION APPLICANT BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMPs) BMP MANUAL CARBONATE GEOLOGY CHANNEL EROSION CISTERN CONSERVATION DISTRICT CULVERT DAM DESIGN STORM DESIGNEE DETENTION BASIN DETENTION VOLUME DEVELOPER DEVELOPMENT SITE (SITE) DISTURBED AREA DOWNSLOPE PROPERTY LINE DRAINAGE CONVEYANCE FACILITY DRAINAGE EASEMENT DRAINAGEWAY EARTH DISTURBANCE ACTIVITY EROSION EROSION AND SEDIMENT POLLUTION CONTROL PLAN EXCEPTIONAL VALUE WATERS EXISTING CONDITIONS FEMA FLOOD FLOOD FRINGE FLOODPLAIN FLOODWAY FOREST MANAGEMENT/TIMBER OPERATIONS FREEBOARD GEOLOGIST GRADE (TO) GRADE GROUNDWATER RECHARGE HEC-HMS MODEL CALIBRATED HIGH QUALITY WATERS HYDROLOGIC SOIL GROUP (HSG) IMPERVIOUS SURFACE (IMPERVIOUS AREA) INFILTRATION STRUCTURES INLET KARST LAND DEVELOPMENT (DEVELOPMENT) LIMIT OF DISTURBANCE MAIN STEM (MAIN CHANNEL) MANNING EQUATION (MANNING FORMULA) MUNICIPALITY NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) NOAA ATLAS 14 NON-POINT SOURCE POLLUTION NRCS OPEN CHANNEL OUTFALL OUTLET PADEP PEAK DISCHARGE PERSON PERVIOUS SURFACE (PERVIOUS AREA) PIPE PLANNING COMMISSION POINT SOURCE PROBABLE MAXIMUM FLOOD (PMF) PROJECT SITE QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL RATIONAL FORMULA REDEVELOPMENT REGULATED ACTIVITIES REGULATED EARTH DISTURBANCE ACTIVITY RELEASE RATE RELEASE RATE DISTRICT RETENTION VOLUME/REMOVED RUNOFF RETURN PERIOD RIPARIAN BUFFER RISER ROAD MAINTENANCE RUNOFF RUNOFF CAPTURE VOLUME SEDIMENT SEDIMENT BASIN SEDIMENT POLLUTION SEDIMENTATION SEEPAGE PIT/SEEPAGE TRENCH SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEM SHEET FLOW SOIL COVER COMPLEX METHOD SPILLWAY (EMERGENCY) STATE WATER QUALITY REQUIREMENTS STORAGE INDICATION METHOD STORM FREQUENCY STORMSEWER STORMWATER STORMWATER HOTSPOT STORMWATER MANAGEMENT FACILITIES STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SITE PLAN (SWM SITE PLAN) STREAM ENCLOSURE SUBDIVISION SUBWATERSHED AREA SWALE TIMBER OPERATIONS TIME OF CONCENTRATION (Tc) USDA WATERCOURSE WATERS OF THE COMMONWEALTH WATERSHED WETLAND
The words "used or occupied" include the words "intended, designed, maintained, or arranged to be used, occupied or maintained."
The removal of the surface of the land through the combined action of human activity and 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, 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; 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 for approval to engage in any regulated activities at a project site within municipality.
Activities, facilities, designs, measures, or procedures used to manage stormwater impacts from regulated activities, to meet state water quality requirements, to promote groundwater recharge, to reduce the rate of runoff, and to otherwise meet the purposes of this chapter. Stormwater BMPs are commonly grouped into one of two broad categories or measures: "nonstructural" or "structural." "Nonstructural" BMPs are measures referred to as operational and/or behavior-related practices that attempt to minimize the contact of pollutants with stormwater runoff; "structural" BMPs are measures 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 wet 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.
Shall mean the Pennsylvania Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual as published by the Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Watershed Management, document number: 363-0300-002, effective date: December 30, 2006, and as revised.
Limestone or dolomite bedrock. Carbonate geology is often associated with karst topography.
The widening, deepening, and headward cutting of small channels and waterways, due to erosion caused by moderate to large floods.
An underground reservoir or tank used for storing rainwater.
The Dauphin County Conservation District (DCCD). The Dauphin County Conservation District has the authority under a delegation agreement executed with the Department of Environmental Protection to administer and enforce all or a portion of the regulations promulgated under 25 PA Code Chapter 102.
A structure with appurtenant works that carries a stream and/or stormwater runoff 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 which does or may impound water or another fluid or semifluid.
The magnitude and temporal distribution of precipitation from a storm event measured in probability of occurrence (e.g., a 25-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 municipality and/or agent of the governing body involved with the administration, review or enforcement of any provisions of this chapter 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.
The volume of runoff that is captured and released during or after a storm event into waters of the commonwealth at a controlled rate.
A person, partnership, association, corporation, or other entity, or any responsible person therein or agent thereof, that undertakes any regulated activity of this chapter.
See "project site."
An un-stabilized 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 piped flow from the site would be directed toward it.
A stormwater management facility designed to convey 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, drainage, or conveyance purposes.
Any natural or artificial watercourse, trench, ditch, pipe, swale, channel, or similar depression into which surface water flows.
A construction or other human activity which disturbs the surface of the land, including, but not limited to, clearing and grubbing, grading, excavations, embankments, land development, agricultural plowing or tilling, timber harvesting activities, road maintenance activities, mineral extraction, and the moving, depositing, stockpiling, or storing of soil, rock or earth materials.
The movement of soil particles by the action of water, wind, ice, or other natural forces.
A plan which is designed to minimize accelerated erosion and sedimentation.
Surface waters of high quality, which satisfies PA Code Title 25 Environmental Protection, Chapter 93 Water Quality Standards 93.4b(b) (relating to anti - degradation).
The dominant land cover during the five-year period immediately preceding a proposed regulated activity. If the initial condition of the site is undeveloped land, the land use shall be considered as "meadow" unless the natural land cover is documented to generate lower Curve Numbers or Rational "C" Coefficients, such as forested lands.
The 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 the commonwealth.
The remaining portions of the 100-year floodplain outside of the floodway boundary.
Any land area susceptible to inundation by water from any natural source or delineated by applicable Department of Housing and Urban Development, Federal Insurance Administration Flood Hazard Boundary - mapped as being a special flood hazard area. Included are lands adjoining a river or stream that have been or may be inundated by a 100-year flood. Also included are areas that comprise Group 13 Soils, as listed in Appendix A of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) Technical Manual for Sewage Enforcement Officers (as amended or replaced from time to time by PADEP).
The channel of the watercourse and those portions of the adjoining floodplains that are reasonably required to carry and discharge the 100-year frequency 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 frequency 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 timber inventory and 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.
An individual licensed and registered under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to engage in the practice of geology.
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.
Replenishment of existing natural underground water supplies.
(Hydrologic Engineering Center Hydrologic Modeling System) A computer-based hydrologic modeling technique adapted to the watersheds in Dauphin County for the Act 167 Plan. The model has been calibrated by adjusting key model input parameters.
Surface water having quality, which exceeds levels necessary to support propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and recreation in and on the water by satisfying PA Code Title 25 Environmental Protection, Chapter 93 Water Quality Standards 93.4b(a).
Infiltration rates of soils vary widely and are affected by subsurface permeability as well as surface intake rates. Soils are classified into one of four HSG (A, B, C, and D) according to their minimum infiltration rate, which is obtained for bare soil after prolonged wetting. The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) of the US Department of Agriculture 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 interest may be identified from a soil survey report from the local NRCS office or the Dauphin County Conservation District.
A surface that prevents the infiltration of water into the ground. Impervious surfaces (or areas) shall include, but are not limited to: roofs, additional indoor living spaces, patios and similar structures (including but not limited to those made of wood or other planks if constructed over another impervious surface), garages, storage sheds and similar structures, driveways, and any new streets and sidewalks. Any surface area that is gravel or crushed stone shall be assumed to be impervious if the material is subject to vehicular traffic or is not comprised entirely of clean, washed stone.
A structure designed to direct runoff into the ground (e.g., french drains, seepage pits, seepage trench, etc.).
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, steep-sided hills, underground drainage and caves. Karst is formed on carbonate rocks, such as limestone or dolomites and sometimes gypsum.
As defined in the municipality's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.
A line provided on the SWM site plan that indicates the total area to be disturbed during a proposed earth disturbance activity.
Any stream segment or other runoff conveyance facility used as a reach in an approved Act 167 watershed hydrologic model(s).
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.
Swatara Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
The federal government's system for issuance of permits under the Clean Water Act, which is delegated to PADEP in Pennsylvania.
Precipitation-Frequency Atlas of the United States, Atlas 14, Volume 2, US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration, National Weather Service, Hydrometeorological Design Studies Center, Silver Spring, Maryland (2004).
Pollution that enters a water body from diffuse origins in the watershed and does not result from discernible, confined, or discrete conveyances.
Natural Resource Conservation Service (previously Soil Conservation Service (SCS)).
A drainage element in which stormwater flows with an open surface. Open channels include, but shall not be limited to, natural and man-made drainageways, swales, streams, ditches, canals, and pipes not under pressure.
(i) Point where water flows from a conduit, stream, or drain; (ii) "point source" as described in 40 CFR § 122.2 at the point where the municipality's storm sewer system discharges to surface waters of the commonwealth.
Points of water disposal from a stream, river, lake, tidewater, or artificial drain.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
The maximum rate of stormwater runoff from a specific storm event.
An individual, partnership, public or private association or corporation, or a governmental unit, public utility or any other legal entity whatsoever which is recognized by law as the subject of rights and duties.
Any area not defined as impervious surface.
A culvert, closed conduit, or similar structure (including appurtenances) that conveys stormwater.
The Planning Commission of the municipality.
Any discernible, confined, or discrete 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 Pennsylvania Code § 92.1.
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 on the basis of data obtained from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
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 chapter.
A rainfall-runoff relation used to estimate peak flow.
Earth disturbance activities on land, which has previously been developed.
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 Chapter 92, Chapter 102, or the Clean Streams Law. Examples include, but are not limited to, grading land for the installation of improvements, digging trenches, and other items which disturb soil.
The percentage of predevelopment peak rate of runoff from a site or subwatershed area to which the post-development peak rate of runoff must be reduced to protect downstream areas.
Those subwatershed areas in which post-development flows must be reduced to a certain percentage of predevelopment flows as required to meet the plan requirements and the goals of an approved Act 167 plan.
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 recur. For example, the probability of a 25-year storm occurring in any one given 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 right-of-way, such as grading and repairing existing unpaved road surfaces, cutting road banks, cleaning or clearing drainage ditches, and other similar activities. Road maintenance activities that do not disturb the subbase of a paved road such as milling and pavement overlays are not considered earth disturbance activities.
Any part of precipitation that flows over the land surface.
The volume of runoff that is captured (retained) and not released into surface waters of the commonwealth during or after a storm event.
Soils or other materials transported by surface water as a product of erosion.
A barrier, dam, or detention basin located and designed to retain rock, sand, gravel, silt, or other material transported by stormwater runoff.
The placement, discharge, or any other introduction of sediment into waters of the commonwealth occurring from the failure to properly design, construct, implement or maintain control measures and control facilities in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.
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, man-made channels, or storm drains) primarily used for collecting and conveying stormwater runoff. Often referenced as part of "MS4" regulations (municipal separate storm sewer system).
Runoff that flows over the ground surface as a thin, even layer that is 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).
A depression in the embankment of a pond or basin, or other overflow structure, that is used to pass peak discharges greater than the maximum design storm controlled by the pond or basin.
The regulatory requirements to protect, maintain, reclaim, and restore water quality under Title 25 of that Pennsylvania Code and the Clean Streams Law.
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 also "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, snow, or ice melt.
A land use or activity that generates higher concentrations of hydrocarbons, trace metals, or toxicants than are found in typical stormwater runoff.
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 basins, wet ponds, open channels, storm sewers, pipes and infiltration facilities.
The Dauphin County Stormwater Management Plan for managing stormwater runoff in Dauphin County as required by the Act of October 4, 1978, 864, (Act 167) and known as the "Storm Water Management Act."
The plan prepared by the applicant or his representative indicating how stormwater runoff will be managed at the project site in accordance with this chapter.
A bridge, culvert, or other structure in excess of 100 feet in length upstream to downstream which encloses regulated waters of the commonwealth.
As defined in the municipality's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.
The smallest drainage unit of a watershed for which stormwater management criteria has been established in a stormwater management site plan.
A low-lying stretch of land that 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.
The United States Department of Agriculture.
A channel or conveyance of surface water, such as a stream or creek, having defined bed and banks, whether natural or artificial, with perennial or intermittent flow.
Rivers, streams, creeks, rivulets, impoundments, ditches, watercourses, storm sewers, lakes, dammed water, wetlands, ponds, springs and other bodies or channels of conveyance of surface and underground water, or parts thereof, whether natural or artificial, within or on the boundaries of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Region or area drained by a river, watercourse, or other surface water, whether natural or artificial.
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 and similar areas. (The term includes but is not limited to wetland areas listed in the state water plan, the United States Forest Service Wetlands Inventory of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Coastal Zone Management Plan and a wetland area designated by a river basin commission. This definition is used by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Army Corps of Engineers.)