A.
For the purposes of this chapter, certain terms and words used herein shall be interpreted as presented below. Additional definitions are provided in the Stormwater Management Plan for the Spring Creek Watershed Centre County, Pennsylvania, Definitions Appendix.
(1)
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.
(2)
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.
(3)
The word "person" includes an individual, firm, association, organization, partnership, trust, company, corporation, or any other similar entity.
(4)
The words "shall" and "must" are mandatory; the words "may" and "should" are permissive.
(5)
The words "used or occupied" include the words "intended, designed, maintained, or arranged to be used, occupied or maintained."
B. AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES ALTERATION APPLICANT BMP (BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE) BUFFER AREA CAPTURE DEPTH CARBONATE CHANNEL CLOSED OR UNDRAINED DEPRESSION CONSERVATION DISTRICT CREDITS DAM DEP DESIGN STORM DESIGNEE DETENTION BASIN DETENTION VOLUME DEVELOPER DEVELOPMENT SITE DEVELOPMENT SITE (SITE) DISTURBED AREA DOLOMITE DRAINAGE CONVEYANCE FACILITY DRAINAGE EASEMENT DRAINAGEWAY EARTH DISTURBANCE ACTIVITY EROSION EROSION AND SEDIMENT POLLUTION CONTROL PLAN EXISTING CONDITIONS EXISTING IMPERVIOUS CONDITONS FEMA FLOOD FLOODPLAIN FLOODWAY FREEBOARD GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE GROUNDWATER RECHARGE HYDROLOGIC SOIL GROUP IMPERVIOUS SURFACE (AREA) INFILTRATION RATE INLET KARST LAND DEVELOPMENT LAND USE LAND/EARTH DISTURBANCE LIMESTONE LOW-IMPACT DEVELOPMENT (LID) MAIN STEM (MAIN CHANNEL) MINIMUM ALLOWABLE DISCHARGE MUNICIPAL ENGINEER MUNICIPALITY NATURAL CONSERVATION AREAS NPDES NRCS OUTFALL OUTLET PA DOT PEAK DISCHARGE PERCOLATION RATE PERVIOUS AREA PIPE POINT DISCHARGE PROJECT SITE QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL REGULATED ACTIVITIES REGULATED EARTH DISTURBANCE ACTIVITY RETENTION BASIN RETENTION VOLUME/REMOVED RUNOFF RETURN PERIOD RIPARIAN BUFFER RUNOFF SAFE PASSAGE SCOUR SEDIMENT SEDIMENT BASIN SENSITIVE (WATER QUALITY) AREA SHEET FLOW SINKHOLE SPILLWAY SPRING CREEK WATERSHED STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN STABILIZATION STORM SEWER STORMWATER STORMWATER MANAGEMENT FACILITY STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SITE PLAN STORMWATER QUALITY REQUIREMENTS STRUCTURAL FILL SUBDIVISION SUBSURFACE EXFILTRATION SWALE SWM TOPOGRAPHY UNDETAINED AREA USDA WATER QUALITY DEPTH WATER QUALITY SENSITIVE (WQS) DEVELOPMENT WATER QUALITY VOLUME WATER TABLE WATERS OF THE COMMONWEALTH WATERSHED WETLAND
Definitions. The following words and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the meanings given to them in this section. All words and terms not defined herein or in the stormwater management plan for the Spring Creek Watershed or in the Patton Township Code of Ordinances' other chapters shall be used with a meaning or standard usage.
Activities associated with agriculture such as agricultural cultivation, agricultural operation, and 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 areas 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 or developer who has filed an application for approval to engage in any regulated activities as defined in § 310-11 of this chapter.
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.
Area that is protected from development in order to prevent degradation of the water body or water quality.
Depth of runoff captured from a given area and either allowed to evaporate, infiltrate, or be discharged through a spillway at a negligible rate.
A sediment formed by the organic or inorganic precipitation of mineral compounds characterized by the fundamental chemical ion CO3, the principal element in limestone and dolomite.
A perceptible natural or artificial waterway, which periodically or continuously contains moving water, having a definite bed and banks which confine the water.
In a karst geologic area, a distinct bowl-shaped depression in the land surface; size and amplitude are variable; drainage is internal. It differs from a sinkhole in that the ground surface is unbroken and usually occurs in greater density per unit area.
The Centre County Conservation District.
A deduction from the required amount. In this chapter, implies reduction of required water quality volumes due to using a recommended practice.
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 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
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 a planning commission and/or agent of the governing body involved with the administration, review or enforcement of any provisions of this chapter.
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 into the 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.
The specific tract of land for which a regulated activity is proposed.
See "project site."
An unstabilized land area where an earth disturbance activity is occurring or has occurred.
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.
The natural or man-made path of surface water from a given area.
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.
The movement of soil particles by the action of water, wind, ice, or other natural forces.
A plan that is designed to minimize accelerated erosion and sedimentation.
The initial condition of a project site prior to the proposed construction.
The documented impervious condition as managed by the related stormwater controls required at the time the impervious area was established. For the purposes of determining the existing impervious condition, any impervious added since 2006 without documented stormwater management shall be considered pervious modeled as meadow in good condition. The existing impervious condition may be established utilizing the 2006 Centre County aerials, previously recorded land development plans, or as-built stormwater management plans to establish the documented existing condition.
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 Department of Housing and Urban Development, Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration Flood Hazard Boundary, mapped as being a special flood hazard area.
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 Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (FIMA). In an area where no FIMA 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 each bank of the stream.
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.
Systems and practices that use or mimic natural processes to infiltrate, evapotranspire, or reuse stormwater on the site where it is generated.
Replenishment of underground water supplies.
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 3,4).
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.
The infiltration rate of a soil is related to the soil's final infiltration capacity and represents the rate at which water enters the soil/air interface at the top of the soil profile. Infiltration rates are measured in units of length/time.
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 that is formed over limestone, dolomite, or gypsum by bedrock solution, and that is characterized by closed depressions or sinkholes, caves, and underground drainage (from American Geologic Institute, Glossary of Geology, 1972).
Inclusive of any or all of the following meanings:
Any purpose for which a building or other structure or a tract of land may be designed, arranged, intended, maintained or occupied or any activity, occupation, business or operation carried on in a building or other structure on a tract of land.
Any activity involving grading, 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 rock that, by accumulation of organic remains, consists mainly of calcium carbonate.
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 Spring Creek hydrologic model.
In relation to this chapter, the minimum rate that can be discharged for any drainage area for design storm events up to and including the 10-year event regardless of the modeled predevelopment runoff estimate.
A professional engineer licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and duly appointed by the municipality.
The Township of Patton Centre County, Pennsylvania.
A natural area protected during development for its water quality or recharge-enhancing abilities.
National Pollution Discharge Elimination System as established by the Federal Clean Water Act, the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law (35 P.S. §§ 691.1 to 691.1001) and regulations promulgated thereunder.
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (previously SCS).
Point where water flows form a conduit, stream, or drain.
Points of water disposal from a stream, river, lake, tidewater or artificial drain.
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
The maximum rate of stormwater runoff from a specific storm event.
The rate at which water moves through a soil profile. Percolation rates are measured in units of time/length.
Any area not defined as impervious.
A culvert, closed conduit, or similar structure (including appurtenances) that conveys stormwater.
The discharge from a pipe or channel that concentrates runoff at a single area.
The specific area of land where any regulated activities in the municipality are planned, conducted, or maintained.
A soil scientist, geologist, hydrogeologist, geotechnical engineer or other professional who is qualified by the basis of training and experienced to render opinions and recommendations regarding recharge and sinkholes as stated in this chapter. The Municipal Engineer shall determine, based on the professional's record of training and experience, if an individual is qualified to provide opinions and recommendations as stated in this chapter.
An individual registered in and licensed by the State of Pennsylvania and authorized to certify subdivision and land development plans in accordance with Section 503(1) of the Municipalities Planning Code.[2]
Actions or proposed actions that have an impact on stormwater runoff and that are specified in § 310-4 of this chapter.
Activity involving earth disturbance subject to regulation under 25 Pa. Code 92a, 25 Pa. Code Chapter 102, or the Clean Streams Law.[3]
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 the 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 25-year return period rainfall has a 4% probability of occurring in any given year.
A permanent area of trees and shrubs located adjacent to streams, lakes, ponds, and wetlands.
Any part of precipitation that flows over the land surface.
The routing of peak runoff events, usually the 100-year design event, safely through a structure without failure of that structure.
Generally refers to the change in a channel configuration provoked by sediment imbalance, due to natural or man-made causes, between the supply and transport capacity of the channel.
Soils or other materials transported by surface water as a product of erosion.
A barrier, dam, retention or detention basin located and designed to retain rock, sand, gravel, silt, or other material transported by water.
An area protected because development within that area could potentially cause contamination of groundwater reservoirs. These sensitive land areas are defined in Appendix B, Exhibit 1.[4]
Runoff that flows over the ground surface as a thick, even layer, not concentrated in a channel.
A localized, gradual or rapid sinking of the land surface to a variable depth, occurring in areas of carbonate bedrock; generally characterized by a roughly circular outline, a distinct breaking of the ground surface and downward movement of soil into bedrock voids.
A depression in the embankment of a pond or basin which is used to pass peak discharge greater than the maximum design storm controlled by the pond.
The plan for managing stormwater runoff in the Spring Creek Watershed adopted by the Centre County Commissioners on June 21, 2002, as required by the Act of October 4, 1978, P.L. 864, (Act 167), and known as the "Spring Creek Watershed Action 167 Stormwater Management Plan."
The proper placing, grading and/or covering of soil, rock or earth to ensure their resistance to erosion, sliding or other movement.
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 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 structures.
The plan prepared by the developer or their representative indicating how stormwater runoff will be managed at the development site in accordance with this chapter.
The regulatory requirements to protect, maintain, reclaim, and restore water quality under Title 25 of the Pennsylvania Code and the Clean Streams Law.
For the purposes of this chapter, shall imply any soil mass that is compacted in lifts to some tested criteria (standard or modified proctor) such as those under foundations or adjacent to retaining walls. Areas that for several years after construction respond to precipitation events similar to impervious areas.
As defined in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act of July 31, 1968, P.L. 805, No. 247.[5]
The process by which water or moisture moves from a subsurface trench, bed, or other feature into the subsoil. Exfiltration is best measured by a soil's percolation rate.
A natural low-lying stretch of land or minor man-made conveyance channel which gathers or carries surface water runoff.
Stormwater management.
The general configuration of a land surface or any part of the earth's surface, including its relief and position of its natural and man-made features. The natural or physical surface features of a region, considered collectively as to its form.
An area of a site that cannot be routed to a stormwater management facility because of its location. Generally small areas around access drives or below stormwater management facilities.
United States Department of Agriculture.
Depth of precipitation required to be used in computing the water quality volume based on the percentage of imperviousness of a site.
Land development projects that have a high potential to cause catastrophic loss to local water quality and could potentially threaten groundwater reservoirs. See § 310-14 for additional definition.
Volume of runoff required to be controlled from a site in a water quality BMP.
Upper surface of a layer of saturated material in the soil.
Any and all rivers, streams, creeks, rivulets, ditches, watercourses, 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.
The entire region or area drained by a river or other body of water, whether natural or artificial, a drainage basin or subbasin.
Those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water 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, fens, and similar areas.