A.
For the purposes of this chapter, certain terms and words used herein shall be interpreted as follows:
(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 words "shall" and "must" are mandatory; the words "may" and "should" are permissive.
B. ACCELERATED EROSION AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY APPLICANT BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE (BMP) BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE PLAN BIORETENTION BUFFER(1) (2) CAPTURE/REUSE CARBONATE BEDROCK CISTERN CLOSED DEPRESSION CONCENTRATED DRAINAGE DISCHARGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS CULVERT DAM DEP DESIGN STORM DETENTION BASIN DETENTION VOLUME DEVELOPER DEVELOPMENT SITE (SITE) DIFFUSED DRAINAGE DIRECT RECHARGE/SUBSURFACE BMP DISTURBED AREA DRAINAGE EASEMENT DRAINAGE PLAN EARTH DISTURBANCE ACTIVITY EROSION EXISTING USES FEMA FILL FILTER STRIPS FLOODPLAIN FLOODWAY FOREST MANAGEMENT/TIMBER OPERATIONS FREEBOARD GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE GROUNDWATER RECHARGE HARDSHIP WAIVER REQUEST HOT SPOT LAND USES HYDROLOGIC SOIL GROUP (HSG) HYDROLOQIC ENGINEERING CENTER-HYDROLOGIC MODELING SYSTEM (HEC-HMS) IMPERVIOUS SURFACE (IMPERVIOUS COVER) INFILTRATION PRACTICE KARST LAND DEVELOPMENT (DEVELOPMENT)(1) (a) (b) (2) (3) LOADING RATE LOCAL RUNOFF CONVEYANCE FACILITIES LOCAL RUNOFF CONVEYANCE FACILITIES LOW-IMPACT DEVELOPMENT (LID) MAINSTEM (MAIN CHANNEL) MANNING EQUATION (MANNING FORMULA) MARYLAND STORMWATER DESIGN MANUAL MINIMUM DISTURBANCE/MINIMUM MAINTENANCE PRACTICES (MD/MM) MUNICIPALITY NO HARM OPTION NPDES NRCS or NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE OIL/WATER SEPARATOR OUTFALL OWNER PEAK DISCHARGE PENN STATE RUNOFF MODEL (PSRM) PERSON PERVIOUS AREA POINT SOURCE PRE-TREATMENT PRELIMINARY SITE INVESTIGATION PROJECT SITE PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIER PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM QUALIFIED GEOTECHNICAL PROFESSIONAL QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL RATIONAL METHOD REACH RECHARGE VOLUME (REV) REGULATED ACTIVITIES REGULATED EARTH DISTURBANCE ACTIVITIES RELEASE RATE RETENTION VOLUME/REMOVED RUNOFF RETURN PERIOD RIPARIAN BUFFER ROAD MAINTENANCE RUNOFF RUNOFF BMP SEDIMENT SEDIMENT TRAPS/CATCH BASIN SUMPS SEEPAGE PIT/SEEPAGE TRENCH SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEM SHEET FLOW SOIL-COVER-COMPLEX METHOD SPECIAL GEOLOGIC FEATURES SPILL PREVENTION AND RESPONSE PROGRAM STATE WATER QUALITY REQUIREMENTS(1) (2) (3) STORAGE INDICATION METHOD STORM DRAINAGE PROBLEM AREAS STORM SEWER STORMWATER STORMWATER DRAINAGE WELLS STORMWATER FILTERS STORMWATER MANAGEMENT FACILITY STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SITE PLAN STREAM SUBAREA SUBDIVISION SURFACE WATERS SWALE TECHNICAL BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE MANUAL AND INFILTRATION FEASIBILITY REPORT, NOVEMBER 2002 TIMBER HARVESTING ACTIVITIES TRASH/DEBRIS COLLECTORS USDA VEGETATED BUFFERS VEGETATED ROOFS VEGETATED SWALES(1) (2) VEGETATED/SURFACE BMP WATER QUALITY INSERTS WATER QUALITY VOLUME (WQV) WATERCOURSE WATERCOURSE WATERS OF THIS COMMONWEALTH WATERSHED WET DETENTION PONDS WETLAND
These definitions do not necessarily reflect the definitions contained in pertinent regulations or statutes, and are intended for this chapter only.
The removal of the surface of the land through the combined action of human activities and natural processes, at a rate greater than would occur because of the natural processes 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.
A landowner, developer, or other person who has filed an application to the municipality for approval to engage in any regulated activity at a project site in the municipality.
Activities, facilities, designs, measures, or procedures used to manage stormwater impacts from regulated activities listed in § 247-5, 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 non-structural. In this chapter, non-structural 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.
Documentation, included as part of a drainage plan, detailing the proposed BMPs, how they will be operated and maintained and who will be responsible.
Densely vegetated, depressed features that store stormwater and filter it through vegetation, mulch, planting soil, etc. Ultimately stormwater is evapotranspirated, infiltrated, or discharged. Optimal bioretention areas mimic natural forest ecosystems in terms of species diversity, density, distribution, use of native plants, etc.
STREAMSIDE BUFFERA zone of variable width located along a stream that is vegetated and is designed to filter pollutants from runoff.
SPECIAL GEOLOGIC FEATURE BUFFERA required isolation distance from a special geologic feature to a proposed BMP needed to reduce the risk of sinkhole formation due to stormwater management activities.
Stormwater management techniques such as cisterns and rain barrels which direct runoff into storage devices, surface or subsurface, for later reuse, such as for irrigation of gardens and other planted areas. Because this stormwater is utilized and no pollutant discharge results, water quality performance is superior to other noninfiltration BMPs.
Rock consisting chiefly of carbonate minerals, such as limestone and dolomite; specifically a sedimentary rock composed of more than 50% by weight of carbonate minerals that underlies soil or other unconsolidated, superficial material.
An underground reservoir or tank for storing rainwater.
A distinctive bowl-shaped depression in the land surface. It is characterized by internal drainage, varying magnitude, and an unbroken ground surface.
Stormwater runoff leaving a property via a point source.
The Northampton County Conservation District, as applicable and 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.
Constructed wetlands are similar to wet ponds (see below) and consist of a basin which provides for necessary stormwater storage as well as a permanent pool or water level, planted with wetland vegetation. To be successful, constructed wetlands must have adequate natural hydrology (both runoff inputs as well as soils and water table which allow for maintenance of a permanent pool of water). In these cases, the permanent pool must be designed carefully, usually with shallow edge benches, so that water levels are appropriate to support carefully selected wetland vegetation.
A pipe, conduit or similar structure including appurtenant works which carries surface water.
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.
A basin designed to retard stormwater runoff by temporarily storing the runoff and releasing it at the appropriate release 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."
See "sheet flow."
A BMP designed to direct runoff to groundwater recharge without providing for vegetative uptake. Examples include infiltration trenches, seepage beds, drywells and stormwater drainage wells such that nearly all runoff becomes recharge to groundwater.
An unstabilized land area where an earth disturbance activity is occurring or has occurred.
A right granted by a landowner to a grantee, allowing the use of private land for stormwater management purposes.
The documentation of the proposed stormwater quantity and quality management controls to be used for a given development site, including a BMP operations and maintenance plan, the contents of which are established in § 247-27.
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 natural process by which the surface of the land is worn away by water, wind, or chemical action.
Those uses actually attained in the water body on or after November 28, 1975, whether or not they are included in the water quality standards (25 Pa. Code § 93.1).
Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Man-made deposits of natural soils or rock products and waste materials.
See "vegetated buffers."
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).
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.
The incremental depth in a stormwater management structure, provided as a safety factor of design, above that required to convey the design runoff event.
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.
A written request for a waiver alleging that the provisions of this chapter inflict unnecessary hardship upon the applicant. A hardship waiver does not apply to and is not available from the water quality provisions of this chapter and should not be granted.
A land use or activity that generates higher concentrations of hydrocarbons, trace metals or other toxic substances than typically found in stormwater runoff. These land uses are listed in § 247-17P.
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 1, 2). The soils in the area of the development site may be identified from a web soil survey report that can be accessed at www.websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm.
The computer-based hydrologic modeling technique developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and adapted to the Monocacy Creek Watershed for the Act 167 Plan Update. The model was "calibrated" to reflect actual flow values by adjusting key model input parameters.
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 practice designed to direct runoff into the ground, e.g., French drain, seepage pit, seepage trench or bioretention area.
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: i) the improvement of one lot or two or more contiguous lots, tracts, or parcels of land for any purpose involving a) a group of two or more buildings or b) the division or allocation of land or space between or among two or more existing or prospective occupants by means of, or for the purpose of streets, common areas, leaseholds, condominiums, building groups, or other features; ii) any subdivision of land; iii) development in accordance with § 503(1.1) of the PA Municipalities Planning Code, including any of the following activities:
The improvement of one lot or two or more contiguous lots, tracts or parcels of land for any purpose involving:
A group of two or more residential or nonresidential buildings, whether proposed initially or cumulatively, or a single nonresidential building on a lot or lots regardless of the number of occupants or tenure; or
The division or allocation of land or space, whether initially or cumulatively, between or among two or more existing or prospective occupants by means of, or for the purpose of streets, common areas, leaseholds, condominiums, building groups or other features.
A subdivision of land.
Development in accordance with § 503(1.1) of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code. [See 53 P.S. § 10503(1.1).]
The ratio of the land area draining to the system, as modified by the weighting factors in § 247-19, compared to the base area of the infiltration system.
Any natural channel or man-made conveyance system which has the purpose of transporting runoff from the site to the Mainstem.
Any natural channel or man-made conveyance system which has the purpose of transporting runoff from the site to the mainstem.
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 conveyance used as a reach in the Monocacy Creek hydrologic model-Manning Equation (Manning formula) - 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.
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.
A stormwater design manual written by the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Center for Watershed Protection. As of January 2004, the Manual can be obtained through the following website: www.mde.state.md.us.
Site design practices in which careful limits are placed on site clearance prior to development allowing for maximum retention of existing vegetation (woodlands and other), minimum disturbance and compaction of existing soil mantle and minimum site application of chemicals post-development. Typically, MD/MM includes disturbance setback criteria from buildings as well as related site improvements such as walkways, driveways, roadways, and any other improvements. These criteria may vary by community context as well as by type of development being proposed. Additionally, MD/MM also shall include provisions (e.g., deed restrictions, conservation easements) to protect these areas from future disturbance and from application of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.
Moore Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania.
The option of using a less restrictive runoff quantity control if it can be shown that adequate and safe runoff conveyance exists and that the less restrictive control would not adversely affect health, safety and property.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (previously SCS).
A structural mechanism designed to remove free oil and grease (and possibly solids) from stormwater runoff.
"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.
One with an interest in and often dominion over a property.
The maximum rate of stormwater runoff from a specific storm event.
The computer-based hydrologic modeling technique adapted to each watershed for the Act 167 plans. The model was calibrated to reflect actual flow values by adjusting key model input parameters.
An individual, partnership, public or private association or corporation, firm, trust, estate, municipality, 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.
Any discernible, confined and 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 Pa. Code § 92a.2.
Measures implemented for hot spot land uses designed to reduce the concentration of hydrocarbons, trace metals and other toxic substances to levels typically found in stormwater runoff.
The determination of the depth to bedrock, the depth to the seasonal high water table and the soil permeability for a possible infiltration location on a site through the use of published data and on-site surveys. In carbonate bedrock areas, the location of special geologic features must also be determined along with the associated buffer distance to the possible infiltration area. See Appendix G.[1]
The specific area of land where any regulated activities in the municipality are planned, conducted, or maintained.
A person who owns or operates a public water system.
A system which provides water to the public for human consumption which has at least 15 service connections or regularly serves an average of at least 25 individuals daily at least 60 days out of the year. (See 25 Pa. Code Chapter 109.)
A licensed professional geologist or a licensed professional engineer who has a background or expertise in geology or hydrogeology.
Any person licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of State or otherwise qualified by law to perform the work required by this chapter.
A method of peak runoff calculation using a standardized runoff coefficient (rational 'c'), acreage of tract and rainfall intensity determined by return period and by the time necessary for the entire tract to contribute runoff. The rational method formula is stated as follows: Q = ciA, where "Q" is the calculated peak flow rate in cubic feet per second, "c" is the dimensionless runoff coefficient (see Appendix C[2]), "i" is the rainfall intensity in inches per hour, and "A" is the area of the tract in acres. The rational method formula for runoff volume calculation is as follows: V = cPA/12 where "c" and "A" areas noted above, "P" is the total depth of precipitation for the design event in inches, and "V" is the total runoff volume in acre-feet.
Any of the natural or man-made runoff conveyance channels used for watershed runoff modeling purposes to connect the subareas and transport flows downstream.
The portion of the water quality volume (WQv) used to maintain groundwater recharge rates at development sites. (See § 247-16.)
Any earth disturbance activities or any activities that involve the alteration or development of land in a manner that may affect stormwater runoff, governed by this chapter as specified in § 247-5.
Activity involving earth disturbance subject to regulation under 25 Pa. Code Chapter 92, 25 Pa. Code Chapter 102, or the Clean Streams Law.
The percentage of the predevelopment peak rate of runoff for a development site to which the post-development peak rate of runoff must be controlled to avoid peak flow increases throughout the watershed.
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 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.
Earth disturbance activities within the existing road cross section such as grading and repairing existing unpaved road surfaces, cutting road banks, cleaning or clearing drainage ditches and other similar activities.
Any part of precipitation that flows over the land.
A BMP designed for essentially the full volume of runoff entering the BMP to be discharged off-site.
Soils or other materials transported by surface water as a product of erosion.
Chambers which provide storage below the outlet in a storm inlet to collect sediment, debris and associated pollutants, typically requiring periodic cleanout.
An area of excavated earth filled with loose stone or similar material and 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.
Stormwater runoff flowing in a thin layer over the ground surface.
A method of runoff computation developed by NRCS which is based upon relating soil type and land use/cover to a runoff parameter called a "curve number."
Carbonate bedrock features, including but not limited to closed depressions, existing sinkholes, fracture traces, lineaments, joints, faults, caves, pinnacles, and geologic contacts between carbonate and noncarbonate bedrock which may exist and must be identified on a site when stormwater management BMPs are being considered.
A program that identifies procedures for preventing and as needed, cleaning up potential spills and makes such procedures known and the necessary equipment available to appropriate personnel.
The regulatory requirements to protect, maintain, reclaim, and restore water quality under Title 25 of the Pennsylvania Code (Chapters 93 and 96) and the Clean Streams Law, including:
Each stream segment in Pennsylvania has a designated use, such as "cold water fishes" or "potable water supply," which is listed in Chapter 93. These uses must be protected and maintained, under state regulations.
"Existing uses" are those attained as of November 1975, regardless whether they have been designated in Chapter 93. Regulated earth disturbance activities must be designed to protect and maintain existing uses and maintain the level of water quality necessary to protect those uses in all streams, and to protect and maintain water quality in special protection streams.
Water quality involves the chemical, biological and physical characteristics of surface water bodies. After regulated earth disturbance activities are complete, these characteristics can be impacted by addition of pollutants such as sediment, and changes in habitat through increased flow volumes and/or rates as a result of changes in land surface area from those activities. Therefore, permanent discharges to surface waters must be managed to protect the stream bank, streambed and structural integrity of the waterway, to prevent these impacts.
A method of routing or moving an inflow hydrograph through a reservoir or detention structure. The method solves the mass conservation equation to determine an outflow hydrograph as it leaves the storage facility.
Areas which lack adequate stormwater collection and/or conveyance facilities and which present a hazard to persons or property. These areas are either documented in Appendix B[3] of this chapter or identified by the municipality or Municipal Engineer.
A system of pipes or other conduits which carries intercepted surface runoff, street water and other wash waters, or drainage, but excludes domestic sewage and industrial wastes.
Drainage runoff from the surface of the land resulting from precipitation or snow or ice melt.
Wells for injection of stormwater to the subsurface that are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to protect underground sources of drinking water.
Any number of structural mechanisms such as multichamber catch basins, sand/peat filters, sand filters, and so forth which are installed to intercept stormwater flow and remove pollutants prior to discharge. Typically, these systems require periodic maintenance and cleanout.
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.
The plan prepared by the developer or his representative indicating how stormwater runoff will be managed at the development site in accordance with this chapter, adopted by Lehigh and/or Northampton County for the Monocacy Creek Watershed as required by the Act of October 4, 1978, P.L. 864, (Act 167), as amended, and known as the "Stormwater Management Act."[4] Stormwater management site plan will be designated as SWM site plan throughout this chapter.
A watercourse.
The smallest unit of watershed breakdown for hydrologic modeling purposes for which the runoff control 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,[5] the division or redivision of a lot, tract or parcel of land by any means into two or more lots, tracts, parcels or other divisions of land, including changes in existing lot lines for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of lease, partition by the court for distribution to heirs or devisees, transfer of ownership or building or lot development; provided, however, that the subdivision by lease of land for agricultural purposes into parcels of more than 10 acres, not involving any new street or easement of access or any residential dwelling, shall be exempted.
Perennial and intermittent streams, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, ponds, wetlands, springs, natural seeps and estuaries, excluding water at facilities approved for wastewater treatment such as wastewater treatment impoundments, cooling water ponds and constructed wetlands used as part of a wastewater treatment process.
A low-lying stretch of land which gathers or carries surface water runoff. See also "vegetated swale."
The report written by Cahill Associates that addresses the feasibility of infiltration in carbonate bedrock areas in the Little Lehigh Creek Watershed. The report is available at the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission offices.
Earth disturbance activities, including the construction of skid trails, logging roads, landing areas and other similar logging or silvicultural practices.
Racks, screens or other similar devices installed in a storm drainage system to capture coarse pollutants (trash, leaves, etc.).
United States Department of Agriculture.
Gently sloping areas that convey stormwater as sheet flow over a broad, densely vegetated earthen area, possibly coupled with the use of level spreading devices. Vegetated buffers should be situated on minimally disturbed soils, have low-flow velocities and extended residence times.
Vegetated systems installed on roofs that generally consist of a waterproof layer, a root-barrier, drainage layer (optional), growth media, and suitable vegetation. Vegetated roofs store and eventually evapotranspirate the collected rooftop rainfall; overflows may be provided for larger storms.
Vegetated earthen channels designed to convey stormwater. These swales are not considered to be water quality BMPs.
Broad, shallow, densely vegetated, earthen channels designed to treat stormwater while slowly infiltrating, evapotranspirating, and conveying it. Swales should be gently sloping with low flow velocities to prevent erosion. Check dams may be added to enhance performance.
A BMP designed to provide vegetative uptake and soil renovation or surface infiltration of runoff. Capture/reuse BMPs are included if the captured runoff is applied to vegetated areas. Examples include bioretention and surface infiltration basins.
Any number of commercially available devices that are inserted into storm inlets to capture sediment, oil, grease, metals, trash, debris, etc.
The volume needed to capture and treat 90% of the average annual rainfall volume. (See § 247-16.)
Any channel of conveyance of surface water having defined bed and banks, whether natural or artificial, with perennial or intermittent flow.
Any channel of conveyance of surface water having defined bed and banks, whether natural or artificial, 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.
Basins that provide for necessary stormwater storage as well as a permanent pool of water. To be successful, wet ponds must have adequate natural hydrology (both runoff inputs as well as soils and water table which allow for maintenance of a permanent pool of water) and must be able to support a healthy aquatic community so as to avoid creation of mosquito and other health and nuisance problems.
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.
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendix G is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[2]
Editor's Note: Appendix C is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[3]
Editor's Note: Appendix B is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[4]
Editor's Note: See 32 P.S. § 680.1 et seq.
[5]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10107.