For the purposes of this chapter, certain terms and words used herein shall be interpreted as follows:
A. 
Words used in the present tense include the future tense; the singular number includes the plural, and the plural number includes the singular; words of masculine gender include those of feminine gender and vice versa.
B. 
The word "includes" or "including" shall not limit the term to the specific example but is intended to extend its meaning to all other instances of like kind and character.
C. 
The word "person" includes an individual, firm, association, organization, partnership, trust, company, corporation, or any other similar entity and the members of such partnership or association and the officers of such corporation.
D. 
The words "shall," "must" and "will" are mandatory in nature and establish an obligation or duty to comply with the particular provision. The words "may" and "should" are permissive.
[Amended 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
E. 
The words "used or occupied" include the words "intended, designed, maintained, or arranged to be used or occupied."
F. 
The word "lot" includes the words "plot," "tract," and "parcel."
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
G. 
The time within which any act required by this chapter is to be performed shall be computed by excluding the first day and including the last day. However, if the last day is a Saturday or Sunday or a holiday declared by the United States Congress or the Pennsylvania General Assembly, it shall also be excluded. The word "day" shall mean a calendar day, unless otherwise indicated.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
H. 
Any words not defined in this chapter or in Section 107 of the MPC shall be construed as defined in standard dictionary usage.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
I. 
References to officially adopted regulations, standards, or publications of DEP or other governmental agencies shall include the regulation, publication, or standard in effect on the date when a SWM site plan is first filed. It is the intent of the Board of Supervisors in enacting this section to incorporate such changes to statutes, regulations, and publications to the extent authorized by 1 Pa. C.S. § 1937.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
J. 
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]
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
The Board of Supervisors of Brecknock Township.
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]
CARBONATE GEOLOGY
Limestone or dolomite bedrock.
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 DISTRICT
The Lancaster County Conservation District.
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.[1]
[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,"[2] 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.
(2) 
A subdivision of land.
(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 DRAINAGEWAY
An existing channel for water runoff that was formed by natural forces.
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]
RATIONAL FORMULA (RATIONAL METHOD)
A rainfall-runoff relation used to estimate peak flow.
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.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
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:
[Amended 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
(1) 
Land development subject to the requirements of the Brecknock Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance;[3]
(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;[4] 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.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord. 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.
[Amended 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
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.
[Added 11-8-2022 by Ord. 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.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
RIPARIAN BUFFER
A BMP that is an area of permanent vegetation along a watercourse.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
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.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
RIPARIAN CORRIDOR EASEMENT
An easement created for the purpose of protecting and preserving a riparian corridor.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
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.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
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.
[Amended 4-9-2013 by Ord. 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.
[Amended 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
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.
[Amended 4-9-2013 by Ord. No. 187-2013]
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.
SEMI-IMPERVIOUS/SEMI-PERVIOUS SURFACE
A surface which prevents some infiltration of water into the ground.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
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.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
SMALL STORM EVENT
A storm having a frequency of recurrence of once every two years or smaller.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
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).
SOIL GROUP, HYDROLOGIC
See "hydrologic soil group."
[Amended 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
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.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
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.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
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.
[Amended 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
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 BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (SWM BMP)
See "BMP."
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
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.
[Amended 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PLAN (O&M PLAN)
A plan, including a narrative, to ensure proper functioning of the SWM facilities in accordance with Article VI of this chapter.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
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.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord. 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.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord. 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.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
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.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
SWM SITE PLAN
A stormwater management site plan.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
TIMBER OPERATIONS
See "forest management."
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.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
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.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
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.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
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.
[Added 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014]
[1]
Editor's Note: The former definition of "flood fringe," as amended, which immediately followed this definition, was repealed 4-8-2014 by Ord. No. 198-2014.
[2]
Editor's Note: See 72 P.S. § 5490.2.
[3]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 110, Zoning.
[4]
Editor's Note: Said appendix is on file in the Township offices.