Definitions.
ACCELERATED EROSION
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.
ACCESS EASEMENT
A right granted by a landowner to a grantee, allowing entry
for the purpose of inspecting, maintaining and repairing SWM facilities.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
ACT
The Stormwater Management Act, Act No. 167, October 4, 1978,
P.L. 851, as amended and supplemented, and all regulations promulgated
thereunder.
ACT 167 PLAN
A plan prepared under the authority of Pennsylvania's Stormwater
Management Act of October 4, 1978.
[Amended 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
AGRICULTURE
The cultivation of the soil and raising and harvesting of
the products of the soil, including but not limited to nursery, horticulture,
forestry and animal husbandry.
AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY
Activities associated with agriculture such as agricultural
cultivation, agricultural operation, and animal heavy use areas. This
includes the work of producing crops and raising livestock including
tillage, land clearing, plowing, disking, harrowing, planting, harvesting
crops, or pasturing and raising of livestock and installation of conservation
practices. Construction of new buildings or impervious areas is not
considered an agricultural activity.
[Amended 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
ALLUVIAL SOILS
Soils formed from materials such as gravel, sand or silt
deposited by a stream of water and showing little or no modification
of the original materials by soil forming processes. These soils may
be identified by the Soil Survey of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
or through an on-site analysis.
ALTERATION
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.
ANIMAL HEAVY USE AREAS
A barnyard, feedlot, loafing area, exercise lot, or other
similar area on an agricultural operation where due to the concentration
of animals, it is not possible to establish and maintain vegetative
cover of a density capable of minimizing accelerated erosion and sedimentation
by usual planting methods. The term does not include entrances, pathways
and walkways between areas where animals are housed or kept in concentration.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
APPLICANT
A landowner or developer who has filed an application for approval to engage in any regulated activities as defined in §
93-5 of this chapter.
BMP (BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE)
Activities, facilities, control measures, planning or procedures
used to minimize accelerated erosion and sedimentation and manage
stormwater to protect, maintain, reclaim, and restore the quality
of waters and the existing and designated uses of waters within this
commonwealth before, during and after earth disturbance activities.
See also "nonstructural BMP" and "structural BMP."
[Amended 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
BMP MANUAL
The Pennsylvania Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual
of December 2006, or most recent version thereof.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
BASE FLOOD
A flood which has a one-percent chance of being equaled or
exceeded in any given year (also called the "one-hundred-year flood"
or one-percent-annual-chance flood).
[Added 4-9-2013 by Ord.
No. 187-2013; amended 3-8-2016 by Ord. No. 210-2016]
BASE FLOOD ELEVATION
The elevation shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)
for Zones AE, AH, A1-30 that indicates the water surface elevation
resulting from a flood that has a one-percent or greater chance of
being equaled or exceeded in any given year.
[Added 4-9-2013 by Ord.
No. 187-2013; amended 3-8-2016 by Ord. No. 210-2016]
BUILDING
Any structure or appendage to a structure constructed or
used for a residence, business, industry or other public or private
purpose, or accessory thereto, or which is designed for the housing,
shelter, enclosure, or support of individuals, animals or property
of any kind.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
Documentation verifying that all permanent SWM facilities
have been constructed according to the plans and specifications and
approved revisions thereto.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
CHANNEL
A natural or artificial watercourse with a definite bed and
banks which confine and conduct continuously for periodically flowing
water.
CHANNEL FLOW
That water which is flowing within the limits of a defined
channel.
CHAPTER 102
Chapter 102 of the regulations of PA DEP, 25 Pa. Code § 102.1
et seq.
CHAPTER 105
Chapter 105 of the regulations of PA DEP, 25 Pa. Code § 105.1
et seq.
CHAPTER 106
Chapter 106 of the regulations of PA DEP, 25 Pa. Code § 106.1
et seq.
CISTERN
A reservoir or tank for storing rainwater.
[Amended 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
CLEAN WATER ACT
The 1972 Amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control
Act, P.L. 92-500 of 1972, 33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
CONSERVATION PLAN
A plan written by an NRCS-certified planner that identifies
conservation practices and includes site-specific BMPs for agricultural
plowing or tilling activities and animal heavy use areas.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
CONSERVATION PRACTICES
Practices installed on agricultural lands to improve farmland,
soil and/or water quality which have been identified in a current
conservation plan.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
CONSTRUCTION
The construction, reconstruction, renovation, repair, extension,
expansion, alteration or relocation of a building or structure, including
the placement of mobile homes.
CONVEYANCE
Any structure that carries a flow. The ability of a pipe,
culvert, swale or similar facility to carry the peak flow from the
design storm.
[Amended 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
CULVERT
A structure with appurtenant works which carries a stream
under or through an embankment or fill.
DAM
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 dam falls under the requirements of Chapter
105, Dam Safety and Waterway Management, if the following is true:
(1)
The contributory drainage area exceeds 100 acres.
(2)
The greatest depth of water measured by upstream
toe of the dam at maximum storage elevation exceeds 15 feet.
(3)
The impounding capacity at maximum storage elevation
exceeds 50 acre-feet.
DEP; also PA DEP or PADEP
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection or
any agency successor to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
DESIGN STORM
The magnitude and temporal distribution of precipitation
from a storm event measured in probability of occurrence (e.g., five-year
storm) and duration (e.g., 24 hours), used in the design and evaluation
of stormwater management systems.
DESIGNEE
The agent of a municipal governing body involved with the
administration, review or enforcement of any provisions of this chapter
by contract or memorandum of understanding.
DETENTION BASIN
An impoundment structure designed to manage stormwater runoff
by temporarily storing the runoff and releasing it at a predetermined
rate. In order not to fall under the requirements of Chapter 105,
Dam Safety and Waterway Management, the following must be true:
(1)
The contributory drainage area may not exceed
100 acres.
(2)
The greatest depth of water measured by upstream
toe of the dam at maximum storage elevation may not exceed 15 feet.
(3)
The impounding capacity at maximum storage elevation
may not exceed 50 acre-feet.
DETENTION VOLUME
The volume of runoff that is captured and released into the
waters of the commonwealth at a controlled rate.
[Added 11-8-2022 by Ord.
No. 231-2022]
DEVELOPER
Any landowner, agent of such landowner, or tenant with the
permission of such landowner who makes or causes to make a subdivision
of land or a land development or other activities covered by this
chapter.
DEVELOPMENT
Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate,
including but not limited to the construction, reconstruction, renovation,
repair, expansion or alteration of buildings or other structures;
the placement of manufactured homes; streets and other paving; utilities;
filling, grading, and excavation; mining; dredging; drilling operations;
storage of equipment or materials; or the subdivision of land.
[Amended 4-9-2013 by Ord.
No. 187-2013]
DEVELOPMENT SITE (SITE)
The specific area of land where regulated activities in the
Township are planned, conducted or maintained.
[Amended 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
DISAPPEARING STREAM
A stream in an area underlain by limestone or dolomite which
flows underground for a portion of its length.
DISTURBED AREA
A land area where an earth disturbance activity is occurring
or has occurred.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
DOWNSLOPE PROPERTY LINE
That portion of a property line of a tract located at the
topographically lowest point of the tract such that some or all overland,
swale, or pipe flow from a development site would be directed toward
it.
DRAINAGE CONVEYANCE FACILITY
A stormwater management facility designed to transmit stormwater
runoff and shall include streams, channels, swales, pipes, conduits,
storm sewers, etc.
DRAINAGE EASEMENT
Rights to occupy and use another person's real property for
the installation and operation of stormwater management facilities,
or for the maintenance of natural drainageways to preserve and maintain
a channel for the flow of stormwater therein, or to safeguard health,
safety, property, and facilities.
[Amended 4-9-2013 by Ord.
No. 187-2013; 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
DRAINAGE PERMIT
A permit issued by the municipal governing body after the
stormwater management site plan has been approved. Said permit is
issued prior to or with the final municipal approval.
E&S
Erosion and sediment.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
EARTH DISTURBANCE ACTIVITY
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; operation of animal heavy use areas; timber harvesting
activities; road maintenance activities; oil and gas activities; well
drilling; mineral extraction; building construction; and the moving,
depositing, stockpiling, or storing of soil, rock, or earth materials.
[Amended 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
ENGINEER
An individual professional engineer or engineering firm appointed
by the Board to provide engineering services and consultation to the
Township.
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREA
Slopes greater than 15%, shallow bedrock (located within
six feet of ground surface), wetlands, natural heritage areas and
other areas designated as conservation or preservation in Greenscapes,
the Green Infrastructure Element of the Lancaster County Comprehensive
Plan, where encroachment by land development or land disturbance results
in degradation of the natural resource.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
EPHEMERAL STREAM
A transient stream, one that flows for a relatively short
time.
EROSION
The movement of soil particles by the action of water, wind,
ice, or other natural forces.
EROSION AND SEDIMENT POLLUTION CONTROL PLAN (E&S PLAN)
A site-specific plan consisting of both drawings and a narrative
that identifies BMPs to minimize accelerated erosion and sedimentation
before, during and after earth disturbance activities.
[Amended 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
EXISTING CONDITIONS
The dominant land cover during the five-year period immediately
preceding a proposed regulated activity.
[Amended 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
FEMA
The Federal Emergency Management Agency.
FLOOD
A temporary inundation of normally dry land areas.
[Amended 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM)
The official map on which the Federal Emergency Management
Agency has delineated both the areas of special flood hazards and
the risk premium zones applicable to the community.
[Added 3-8-2016 by Ord.
No. 210-2016]
FLOODPLAIN AREA
A relatively flat or low land area which is subject to partial
or complete inundation from an adjoining or nearby stream, river or
watercourse; and/or any area subject to the unusual and rapid accumulation
of surface waters from any source.
[Amended 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014; 3-8-2016 by Ord. No. 210-2016]
FLOODWAY
The channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent
land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood
without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than
one foot.
[Amended 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014; 3-8-2016 by Ord. No. 210-2016]
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT ACT
Act of October 4, 1978, P.L. 851, No. 166, as amended, 32
P.S. § 679.101 et seq.
[Amended 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
FOREST MANAGEMENT/TIMBER OPERATIONS
Planning and activities necessary for the management of forest
land. 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,
which does not include any redevelopment or clear-cutting.
FREEBOARD
A vertical distance between the maximum design high water
elevation and the top of a dam, levee, tank, basin, or diversion ridge.
FREQUENCY
The probability or chance that a given storm event/flood
will be equaled or exceeded in a given year.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
GRADE
A slope, usually of a road, channel or natural ground, specified
in percent and shown on plans as specified herein. (To) Grade - To
finish the surface of a roadbed, top of embankment or bottom of excavation.
GRASSED WATERWAY
A natural or constructed waterway, usually broad and shallow,
covered with erosion-resistant grasses, used to conduct surface water
from cropland.
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
Systems and practices that use or mimic natural processes
to infiltrate, evapotranspire, or reuse stormwater on the site where
it is generated.
[Added 11-8-2022 by Ord.
No. 231-2022]
GROUNDWATER RECHARGE
The process by which water from above the ground surface
is added to the saturated zone of an aquifer, either directly or indirectly.
[Amended 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
HEC-HMS
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hydrologic Engineering
Center (HEC) - Hydrologic Modeling System (HMS).
HIGH TUNNEL
A structure which meets the following:
[Added 7-14-2020 by Ord.
No. 223-2020]
(1)
Is used for the production, processing, keeping, storing, sale
or shelter of an agricultural commodity as defined in Section 2 of
the Act of December 19, 1974 (P.L. 973, No. 319), known as the "Pennsylvania
Farmland and Forest Land Assessment Act of 1974," or for the storage of agricultural equipment or supplies;
and
(2)
Is constructed with all the following:
(a)
Has a metal, wood or plastic frame;
(b)
When covered, has a plastic, woven textile or other flexible
covering; and
(c)
Has a floor made of soil, crushed stone, matting, pavers or
a floating concrete slab.
HYDROLOGIC SOIL GROUP (HSG)
Refers to soils grouped according to their runoff-producing
characteristics by NRCS. There are four runoff potential groups ranging
from A to D.
[Amended 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
(1)
A. (Low runoff potential) Soils having high infiltration rates
even when thoroughly wetted and consisting chiefly of deep, well to
excessively drained sands or gravels. These soils have a high rate
of water transmission (greater than 0.30 inches/hour).
(2)
B. Soils having moderate infiltration rates when thoroughly
wetted and consisting chiefly of moderately deep to deep, moderately
well to well drained soils with moderately fine to moderately coarse
textures. These soils have a moderate rate of water transmission (from
0.15 to 0.30 inches/hour).
(3)
C. Soils having slow infiltration rates when thoroughly wetted
and consisting chiefly of soils with a layer that impedes downward
movement of water, or soils with moderately fine to fine texture.
These soils have a slow rate of water transmission (from 0.05 to 0.15
inches/hour).
(4)
D. (High runoff potential) Soils having very slow infiltration
rates when thoroughly wetted and consisting chiefly of clay soils
with a high swelling potential, soils with a permanent high water
table, soils with a clay pan or clay layer at or near the surface,
and shallow soils over nearly impervious material. These soils have
a very slow rate of water transmission (from 0 to 0.05 inches/hour).
HYDROGRAPH
A plot which illustrates the variation of a specific hydrologic
measurement for a given point; such as water level and discharge or
velocity, over a period of time, often during a particular storm or
flood event. Water level is typically measured as a unit of height
usually in feet from a specific datum or elevation. Velocity is measured
as a unit of length per time, usually feet per second. Discharge is
the volume of water flowing past a location per unit of time, usually
measured in cubic feet per second.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE (IMPERVIOUS AREA)
Surfaces which prevent the infiltration of water into the
ground. All structures, buildings, parking areas, driveways, roads,
streets, sidewalks, and any areas of concrete, asphalt, packed stone,
and compacted soil shall be considered impervious surface if they
prevent infiltration.
[Amended 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
IMPOUNDMENT
A retention or detention basin designed to retain stormwater
runoff and infiltrate it into the ground (in the case of a retention
basin) or release it at a controlled rate (in the case of a detention
basin).
INFILTRATION
The passing of stormwater through the soil from the surface.
INFILTRATION STRUCTURES
A structure designed to direct runoff into the ground (e.g.,
french drains, seepage pits, seepage trench).
INLET
A surface connection to a pipe.
INTERMITTENT
A natural, transient body or conveyance of water that exists
for a relatively long time, but for weeks or months of the year is
below the local water table and obtains its flow from both surface
runoff and groundwater discharges.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
INVASIVE VEGETATION (INVASIVES)
Plants which grow quickly and aggressively, spreading, and
displacing other plants. Invasives typically are introduced into a
region far from their native habitat. See Invasive Plants in Pennsylvania
by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
KARST
A type of topography or landscape characterized by features
including but not limited to surface depressions, sinkholes, rock
pinnacles/uneven bedrock surface, underground drainage, and caves.
Karst is formed on carbonate rocks, such as limestone or dolomite.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
LAND DEVELOPMENT
Any of the following activities.
(1)
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 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
(b)
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.
(3)
Development in accordance with Section 503(1.1)
of the MPC.
LANDOWNER
The legal or beneficial owner or owners of land, including
the holder of an option or contract to purchase (whether or not such
option or contract is subject to any condition), a lessee if he is
authorized under the lease to exercise the rights of the landowner,
or other person having a proprietary interest in land.
LAND DISTURBANCE
See "earth disturbance activity."
[Amended 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
LIMITING ZONE
A soil horizon or condition in the soil profile or underlying
strata which includes one of the following:
(1)
A seasonal high water table, whether perched
or regional, determined by direct observation of the water table or
indicated by soil mottling.
(2)
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.
(3)
A rock formation, other stratum or soil condition
which is so slowly permeable that it effectively limits downward passage
of water, stormwater, groundwater or other liquids.
LINEAMENT
Surface manifestations of vertical or near vertical zones
of fracture concentrations. Visible primarily on aerial photographs
and typically greater than one mile.
LOW-IMPACT DEVELOPMENT (LID)
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.
[Added 11-8-2022 by Ord.
No. 231-2022]
MAIN STEM (MAIN CHANNEL)
Any stream segment or other runoff conveyance facility used
as a reach in the Conestoga River 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.
MAXIMUM EXTENT PRACTICABLE (MEP)
Applies when the applicant demonstrates to the Township's
satisfaction that the performance standard is not achievable. The
applicant shall take into account the best available technology, cost
effectiveness, geographic features, and other competing interests
such as protection of human safety and welfare, protection of endangered
and threatened resources, and preservation of historic properties
in making the assertion that the performance standard cannot be met
and that a different means of control is appropriate.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
An agreement between Brecknock Township and the Lancaster
County Conservation District to provide for cooperation between the
Lancaster County Conservation District and the Brecknock Township
officials, Lancaster County, to include within its ordinances, and
to jointly promote conservation of natural resources within Brecknock
Township on lands both public and private, for the purposes of preventing
accelerated soil erosion and sedimentation of streams, reducing stormwater
damage, and promoting the health, safety and general welfare of the
residents of Brecknock Township.
MPC
The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act of July
1, 1967, P.L. 805, No. 247, as reenacted and amended, 53 P.S. § 10101
et seq., and as may be amended in the future.
MUNICIPALITY
The Township of Brecknock, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER
A conveyance or system of conveyances (including roads with
drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters,
ditches, manmade channels, or storm drains), which is all of the following:
(1) owned or operated by a state, city, town, borough, township, county,
district, association or other public body (created under state law)
having jurisdiction over disposal of sewage, industrial wastes, stormwater
or other wastes; (2) designed or used for collecting or conveying
stormwater; (3) not a combined sewer; and (4) not part of a publicly
owned treatment works as defined at 40 CFR § 122.2.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEM (MS4)
All separate storm sewers that are defined as large or medium
or small municipal separate storm sewer systems pursuant to 40 CFR
§§ 122.26(b)(18), or designated as regulated under
40 CFR § 122.26(a)(1)(v).
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
NATIVE VEGETATION
Plant species that have evolved or are indigenous to a specific
geographical area. These plants are adapted to local soil and weather
conditions as well as pests and diseases.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
NATURAL GROUND COVER
Ground cover which mimics the infiltration characteristics
of predominant hydrologic soil group found at the site.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
NPDES
The U.S. EPA's National Pollution Discharge Elimination System,
which regulates point discharges (discrete conveyances such as pipes
or man-made ditches).
NRCS
Natural Resources Conservation Service (previously SCS).
NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION
Any source of water pollution that does not meet the legal
definition of "point source" in section 502(14) of the Clean Water
Act.
[Amended 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
NONSTRUCTURAL BMPs
Planning and design approaches, operational and/or behavior-related
practices which minimize stormwater runoff generation resulting from
an alteration of the land surface or limit contact of pollutants with
stormwater runoff.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
OPEN CHANNEL
A drainage element in which stormwater flows with an open
surface. Open channels include, but shall not be limited to, natural
and man-made drainage ways, swales, streams, ditches, canals, and
pipes flowing partly full.
OUTFALL
Point where water flows from a conduit, stream, or drain.
OUTLET
Points of water disposal from a stream, river, lake, tidewater
or artificial drain.
PARKING LOT STORAGE
Involves the use of impervious parking areas as temporary
impoundments with controlled release rates during rainstorms.
PA DEP
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection,
former entity the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources,
or any agency successor to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection [Note: The Department of Environmental Resources was abolished
by Act 18 of 1995.]
PA DOT OR PENNDOT
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation or any agency
successor thereto.
PARENT TRACT
All contiguous land held in single and separate ownership,
regardless of whether: such land is divided into one or more lots,
parcels, purparts or tracts; such land was acquired by the landowner
at different times or by different deeds, devise, partition or otherwise;
or such land is bisected by public or private streets or rights-of-way,
which was held by the landowner or his predecessor in title on the
effective date of this chapter.
PEAK DISCHARGE
The maximum rate of stormwater runoff from a specific storm
event.
PERVIOUS AREA
Any material/surface that allows water to pass through at
a rate equal to or greater than natural ground cover.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
PIPE
A culvert, closed conduit, or similar structure (including
appurtenances) that conveys stormwater.
PLAN
The stormwater management and erosion and sediment pollution
control plans and narratives.
PLANNING COMMISSION
The Brecknock Township Planning Commission. The Planning
Commission is vested with the right to review and recommend action
to the Board of Supervisors for all plans submitted to the Township.
PMF (PROBABLE MAXIMUM FLOOD)
The flood that may be expected from the most severe combination
of critical meteorologic 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).
PRESENT WORTH
The equivalence of any future amount to any present amount.
PROCESS WASTEWATER
Water that comes in contact with any raw material, product,
by-product, or waste during any production or industrial process.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
PROJECT SITE
The specific area of land where any regulated activities
in the municipality are planned, conducted or maintained.
[Added 11-8-2022 by Ord.
No. 231-2022]
QUALIFIED PERSON
Any person licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of State
or otherwise qualified by law to perform the work required by this
chapter.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
RATE CONTROL
SWM controls used to manage the peak flows for the purposes
of channel protection and flood mitigation.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
RECHARGE
Stormwater which infiltrates and replenishes the underground
and ground water.
RECORD PLAN
Where a regulated activity constitutes a subdivision or land
development, the final subdivision or land development plan which
contains the information the chapter requires. Where a regulated activity
does not constitute a subdivision or land development, a stormwater
management site plan containing all required information and prepared
in a form acceptable to the Office of the Recorder of Deeds for recording.
REDEVELOPMENT
Any physical improvement to a previously developed lot that
involves earthmoving, removal, or addition of impervious surfaces.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord.
No. 198-2014]
REGIONAL STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
A plan to manage stormwater runoff from an area larger than
a single development site. A regional stormwater management plan could
include two adjacent parcels, an entire watershed, or some defined
area in between. Regional stormwater management plans can be prepared
for new development, or as a retrofit to manage runoff from already
developed areas.
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REGULATED ACTIVITIES
Activities, including earth disturbance activities, that
involve the alteration or development of land in a manner that may
affect stormwater runoff. Regulated activities shall include, but
not be limited to:
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No. 198-2014]
(1)
Land development subject to the requirements of the Brecknock
Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance;
(2)
Removal of ground cover, grading, filling or excavation;
(3)
Construction of new or additional impervious or semi-impervious
surfaces (driveways, parking lots, etc.), and associated improvements;
(4)
Construction of new buildings or additions to existing buildings;
(5)
Installation or alteration of stormwater management facilities
and appurtenances thereto;
(6)
Diversion or piping of any natural or man-made watercourse;
(7)
Development of any use within a flood-prone area as delineated
by the Township Zoning Ordinance; and
(8)
Any other regulated activities where the Township determines
that said activities may affect any existing watercourse's stormwater
management facilities or stormwater drainage patterns.
RELEASE RATE
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.
RELEASE RATE MAP
A graphical representation of the release rates for a specific
area.
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No. 198-2014]
RETENTION BASIN
A stormwater management facility that includes a permanent
pool for water quality treatment and additional capacity above the
permanent pool for temporary runoff storage.
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RETENTION VOLUME/REMOVED RUNOFF
The volume of runoff that is captured and not released directly
into the surface waters of the commonwealth during or after a storm
event.
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No. 231-2022]
RETURN PERIOD
The average interval, in years, within which a storm event
of a given magnitude can be expected to recur. For example, the twenty-five-year
return period rainfall would be expected to recur on the average once
every 25 years.
RIPARIAN
Pertaining to a stream, river or other watercourse. Also,
plant communities occurring in association with any spring, lake,
river, stream or creek through which waters flow at least periodically.
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RIPARIAN BUFFER
A BMP that is an area of permanent vegetation along a watercourse.
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RIPARIAN CORRIDOR
A narrow strip of land, centered on a stream or river that
includes the floodplain as well as related riparian habitats adjacent
to the floodplain.
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RIPARIAN CORRIDOR EASEMENT
An easement created for the purpose of protecting and preserving
a riparian corridor.
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RIPARIAN FOREST BUFFER
A type of riparian buffer that consists of permanent vegetation
that is predominantly native trees, shrubs and forbs along a watercourse
that is maintained in a natural state or sustainably managed to protect
and enhance water quality, stabilize stream channels and banks, and
separate land use activities from surface waters.
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RISER
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.
ROOFTOP DETENTION
Temporary ponding and gradual release of stormwater falling
directly onto flat roof surfaces by incorporating controlled-flow
roof drains into building designs.
RUNOFF
The surface water discharge and rate of discharge of a given
watershed after a full rain or snow that does not enter the soil but
runs off the surface of the land.
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No. 187-2013]
SCS
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service
(now known as NRCS).
SEDIMENT
Soils or other materials transported by stormwater as a product
of erosion.
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SEDIMENT BASIN
A barrier, dam, retention or detention basin located and
designed to retain rock, sand, gravel, silt, or other material transported
by water.
SEDIMENT POLLUTION
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 this chapter.
SEDIMENTATION
The process by which soil or other surface material is accumulated
or deposited by wind, water or gravity.
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SEEPAGE PIT/SEEPAGE TRENCH
An area of excavated earth filled with loose stone or similar
coarse material into which surface water is directed for infiltration
into the ground.
SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEM
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.
SHEET FLOW
Runoff which flows over the ground surface as a thin, even
layer, not concentrated in a channel.
SMALL PROJECT
Regulated activities that, measured on a cumulative basis
from the date of adoption of the Stormwater Management Ordinance (April
8, 2014), create additional impervious areas of more than 1,000 square
feet and less than 5,000 square feet, or involve earthmoving activity
of an area less than 5,000 square feet and do not involve the alteration
of stormwater facilities or watercourses.
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SMALL STORM EVENT
A storm having a frequency of recurrence of once every two
years or smaller.
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SOIL-COVER COMPLEX METHOD
A method of runoff computation developed by the SCS (now
NRCS) that is based on relating soil type and land use/cover to a
runoff parameter called curve number (CN).
SOURCE
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 § 92.1.
SPILLWAY
A depression in the embankment of a pond or basin which is
used to pass a postdevelopment one-hundred-year storm peak flow rate.
STATE WATER QUALITY REQUIREMENTS
The regulatory requirements to protect, maintain, reclaim,
and restore water quality under Title 25 of the Pennsylvania Code,
the Clean Streams Law and the Clean Water Act.
STORAGE
A volume above or below ground that is available to hold
stormwater.
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STORAGE INDICATION METHOD
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.
STORM EVENT
A storm of a specific duration, intensity, and frequency.
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STORM FREQUENCY
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."
STORM SEWER
A system of pipes and/or open channels that convey intercepted
runoff and stormwater from other sources, but excludes domestic sewage
and industrial wastes.
STORMWATER
Drainage runoff from the surface of the land resulting from
precipitation or snow or ice melt.
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STORMWATER MANAGEMENT ACT
Act of October 4, 1978, P.L. 864, No. 167, as amended 32
P.S. § 680.1 et seq., and as may be amended in the future.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT FACILITY (SWM FACILITY)
Any structure, natural or man-made, that, due to its condition,
design, or construction, conveys, stores, infiltrates/evaporates/transpires,
cleans or otherwise affects stormwater runoff. Typical SWM facilities
include, but are not limited to, detention and retention basins, open
channels, watercourses, road gutters, swales, storm sewers, pipes,
BMPs, and infiltration structures.
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STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SITE PLAN
The plan prepared by the developer or his representative indicating how stormwater runoff will be managed at a particular development site according to this chapter. The contents of a stormwater management site plan are established in §
93-20.
STREAM
A watercourse.
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No. 198-2014]
STREAM ENCLOSURE
A bridge, culvert or other structure in excess of 100 feet
in length, upstream to downstream, which encloses a regulated water
of this commonwealth.
STRUCTURAL BMPs
Physical devices and practices that capture and treat stormwater
runoff. Structural stormwater BMPs are permanent appurtenances to
the development site.
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No. 198-2014]
STRUCTURE
Anything constructed or erected on the ground or attached
to the ground, including but not limited to building, sheds, manufactured
homes, and other similar items. This term includes any man-made object
having an ascertainable stationary location on or in land or water,
whether or not affixed to the land.
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SUBWATERSHED AREA
The smallest drainage unit of a watershed for which stormwater
management criteria have been established in the Act 167 Plan.
SUBDIVISION
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, petition 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.
SWALE
A shallow ditch of land which gathers or carries surface
water runoff.
SWM
Stormwater management.
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SWM SITE PLAN
A stormwater management site plan.
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TIME OF CONCENTRATION (TC)
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.
TOP OF STREAMBANK
First substantial break in slope between the edge of the
bed of the stream and the surrounding terrain. The top of streambank
can either be a natural or constructed (that is, road or railroad
grade) feature, lying generally parallel to the watercourse.
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TR-20 (CALIBRATED)
The computer-based hydrologic modeling technique adapted
to the Conestoga River Watershed for the Act 167 Plan. The model has
been calibrated to reflect published and observed flow values by adjusting
key model input parameters.
TR-55
A method for determining runoff volumes and rates developed
by NRCS.
TREATMENT TRAIN
The sequencing of structural best management practices to
achieve optimal flow management and pollutant removal from urban stormwater.
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USDA
United States Department of Agriculture.
VOLUME CONTROL
SWM controls, or BMPs, used to remove a predetermined amount
of runoff or the increase in volume between the pre- and post-development
design storm.
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WATERCOURSE
Any channel or conveyance of surface waters having a defined
bed and banks, whether natural or artificial, with perennial or intermittent
flow.
WATERSHED
The entire region or area drained by a watercourse.
WATERS OF THE COMMONWEALTH
Any and all rivers, streams, creeks, rivulets, 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.
WATERTIGHT JOINTS
Joints that are constructed to prevent the infiltration of
soil and exfiltration of stormwater.
WETLAND
Those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or
ground water 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.
WOODLAND
Land predominantly covered with trees and shrubs. Without
limiting the foregoing, "woodlands" include all land areas of 10,000
square feet or greater, supporting at least 100 trees per acre, so
that either (i) at least 50 trees are two inches or greater in diameter
at breast height (DBH), or (ii) 50 trees are at least 12 feet in height.
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