This chapter shall be known and may be cited
as the "Allegheny Township Stormwater Management Ordinance."
The governing body of the municipality finds
that:
A. Inadequate management of accelerated runoff of stormwater
resulting from development throughout a watershed increases flows
and velocities, contributes to erosion and sedimentation, overtaxes
the carrying capacity of streams and storm sewers, greatly increases
the cost of public facilities to carry and control stormwater, undermines
floodplain management and flood control efforts in downstream communities,
reduces groundwater recharge, threatens public health and safety,
and increases non-point source pollution of water resources.
B. A comprehensive program of stormwater management,
including reasonable regulation of development and activities causing
accelerated runoff, is fundamental to the public health, safety and
welfare and the protection of people of the commonwealth, their resources
and the environment.
C. Stormwater is an important water resource, which provides
groundwater recharge for water supplies and base flow of streams,
which also protects and maintains surface water quality.
D. Federal and state regulations require certain municipalities
to implement a program of stormwater controls. These municipalities
are required to obtain a permit for stormwater discharges from their
separate storm sewer systems under the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES).
The purpose of this chapter is to promote health, safety, and welfare within the municipality and its watershed by minimizing the harms and maximizing the benefits described in §
217-2 of this chapter, through provisions designed to:
A. Meet legal water quality requirements under state
law, including regulations at 25 Pa. Code Chapter 93 to protect, maintain,
reclaim and restore the existing and designated uses.
B. Preserve the natural drainage systems as much as possible.
C. Manage stormwater runoff close to the source.
D. Provide procedures and performance standards for stormwater
planning and management.
E. Maintain groundwater recharge to prevent degradation
of surface water and groundwater quality and to otherwise protect
water resources.
F. Prevent scour and erosion of stream banks and streambeds.
G. Provide proper operations and maintenance of all permanent
SWM BMPs that are implemented within the municipality.
H. Provide standards to meet NPDES permit requirements.
All regulated activities and all activities
that may affect stormwater runoff, including land development or earth
disturbance, are subject to regulation by this chapter.
Approvals issued and actions taken under this
chapter do not relieve the applicant of the responsibility to secure
required permits or approvals for activities regulated by any other
code, law, regulation or ordinance.