Embedded Files
Statement of Findings
Statement of Findings
A statement of findings serves as a platform for outlining the intent of your Act 167 plan; it conveys the importance of supporting and maintaining natural hydrology in managing stormwater runoff. It has been shown that using green stormwater techniques is beneficial for effective stormwater management, maintaining water quality, and preserving species habitat. This language can help ensure those benefits are realized in new municipal development projects. A statement of findings explains the reasons behind using green stormwater infrastructure elements in the development of your Act 167 ordinance.
Example A: Paradise Township, York County - Article I § 123-2, Part C
Example A: Paradise Township, York County - Article I § 123-2, Part C
"Through project design, impacts from stormwater runoff can be minimized to maintain the natural hydrologic regime, and sustain high water quality, groundwater recharge, stream baseflow and aquatic ecosystems. The most cost-effective and environmentally advantageous way to manage stormwater runoff is through nonstructural project design, minimizing impervious surfaces and sprawl, avoiding sensitive areas (i.e. buffers, floodplains, steep slopes), and designing new development in a manner which uses existing topography and soil characteristics, to the extent practicable, to maintain the natural hydrologic regime."
Example B: Manheim Township, York County - Article I § 103, Part 5
Example B: Manheim Township, York County - Article I § 103, Part 5
"Riparian buffers and riparian forest buffers enhance water quality by filtering pollutants in runoff, providing light control and temperature moderation, processing pollutants, increasing infiltration and providing channel and shoreline stability thus decreasing erosion. (Refer to DEP Riparian Forest Buffer Guidance, November 27, 2010 or latest edition)"
Purpose
Purpose
Similar to a statement of findings, a purpose statement that includes green infrastructure can convey the seriousness of the municipality's commitment to green infrastructure. According to 3RWW, these kinds of declarations can provide judges with interpretative latitude in court, as well as serve as a guide for future city leaders.
Example A: Conewago Township, York County - Article I § 102, Parts D and E
Example A: Conewago Township, York County - Article I § 102, Parts D and E
"D. Maintain the existing flows and quality of streams and water courses in the Municipality and the Commonwealth.
E. Preserve and restore the flood carrying capacity of streams."
Example B: Shaler Township, Allegheny County - Article I § 190-2, Parts D, E, F, G, H, and L
Example B: Shaler Township, Allegheny County - Article I § 190-2, Parts D, E, F, G, H, and L
"D. Maintain runoff characteristics of the site after completion of development that are consistent with the carrying capacity and stable channel conditions of the receiving streams.
E. Protect water quality by removing and/or treating pollutants prior to discharge to groundwaters and surface waters throughout the Township and to protect, restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological quality of groundwaters and surface waters.
F. Protect in-stream channels and geomorphology conditions of the receiving streams, protect their flood-carrying capacity and aquatic habitats and to reduce in-stream erosion and sedimentation.
G. Reduce flooding impacts and prevent a significant increase in surface runoff rates and volumes, predevelopment to post development, which could worsen flooding downstream in the watershed, enlarge floodplains, erode stream banks and create other flood-related, health-welfare-property losses; in general, to preserve and restore the natural flood-carrying capacity of streams and their floodplains.
H. Protect adjacent lands from adverse impacts of direct stormwater discharges.
L. Maintain the existing water balance in all watersheds, subwatersheds and streams in the Township, and protect and/or restore natural hydrologic characteristics and habitats wherever possible throughout the watershed systems."
Example C: Darby Borough, Delaware County - Article I § 103, Parts B, C, D, and O
Example C: Darby Borough, Delaware County - Article I § 103, Parts B, C, D, and O
"B. Promote Non-Structural Best Management Practices (BMPs)
C. Minimize increases in runoff stormwater volume
D. Minimize impervious surfaces
[...]
O. Preserve the flood carrying capacity of streams"
Example D: Etna Borough, Allegheny County - § 1.10, 1.11
Example D: Etna Borough, Allegheny County - § 1.10, 1.11
"1.10 Maintain natural drainage patterns and encourage the use of natural drainage systems.
1.11 Treat and release stormwater as close to the source of runoff as possible using a minimum of structures and maximizing reliance on natural processes."
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