Article III: Stormwater Management Standards

"H. All regulated activities shall include such measures as necessary to:

2. Meet the water quality goals of this Ordinance by implementing measures to:

f. Minimize soil disturbance and compaction. Topsoil, if removed, shall be replaced to a minimum depth equal to its depth prior to removal or four (4) inches, whichever is greater. (Additional topsoil may be needed for vegetation other than sod).

K. All natural streams, channels, swales, drainage systems and/or areas of surface water concentration shall be maintained in their existing condition unless an alteration in approved by the Township. All encroachment activities shall comply with the requirements of PA DEP 25 PA Code Chapter 105 (Water Obstructions and Encroachments), Rules and Regulations of PA DEP. Any approvals or permits issued do not relieve compliance as referenced in Section 108, Compatibility with Other Permit and Ordinance Requirements."

Link to Lower Windsor Township Act 167 Ordinance

"B. Maintenance of natural drainageways - All natural streams, channels, swales, drainage systems and/or areas of surface water concentration shall be maintained in their existing condition unless an alteration is approved by the Municipality. All encroachment activities shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 105 (Water Obstructions and Encroachments) of Title 25, Rules and Regulations of PA DEP.

C. Methods of stormwater runoff detention and control - The following is a listing of detention and control methods which may be utilized in stormwater management systems, if appropriate. The choice of control techniques is not limited to the ones appearing on this list.

1. Retention basins;
2. Detention basins;
3. Roof-top storage;
4. Parking lot and street ponding;
5. Seepage pits, seepage trenches or other infiltration structures;
6. Porous pavement and concrete lattice block surfaces;
7. Grassed channels and vegetated strips;
8. Cisterns and underground reservoirs;
9. Routed flow over grass; and
10. Decreased impervious area coverage.

The use of other control methods which meet the criteria in this section will be permitted when approved by the municipal engineer. Various combinations of methods should be tailored to suit the particular requirements of the type of development and the topographic features of the project area."

Link to Conewago Township Act 167 Ordinance

"(q) In selecting the appropriate BMPs or combinations thereof, the applicant shall consider the following:

(1) Total contributing drainage area.

(2) Permeability and infiltration rate of the site's soils.

(3) Slope and depth to bedrock.

(4) Seasonal high water table.

[...]

(6) Erodibility of soils.

(7) Land availability and configuration of the topography.

(8) Peak discharge and required volume control.

(9) Stream bank erosion.

(10) Efficiency of the BMPs to mitigate potential water quality problems.

(11) The volume of runoff that will be effectively treated.

[...]"

Link to Swarthmore Borough Act 167 Ordinance

"J. Whenever a watercourse is located within a development site, it shall remain open in the natural state and location and shall not be piped, impeded, or altered (except for road crossings), and drainage easements shall be provided conforming to the line of such watercourses. The terms of the easement shall prohibit excavation, the placing of fill or structures, the removal of trees/vegetation, and any alterations that may adversely affect the flow of stormwater within any portion of the easement. The width of the easement shall be defined as the Riparian Corridor Zone 1 limits, a minimum of 25 feet wide, measured horizontally on both sides from the top of the bank of the identified watercourse. Also, the property owner shall be responsible for maintenance of vegetation within the easement as governed by the requirements referenced under the definition of the riparian corridor. For all subdivisions and land developments, the developer shall stabilize all eroded stream/channel beds and banks and obtain all permits necessary from PADEP to do so. The developer must submit pictorial documentation of existing stream/channel banks to determine whether existing banks must be stabilized."

Link to Towamencin Township Act 167 Ordinance

"8. Innovative stormwater management systems may be used when approved by Baldwin Township. Various combinations of stormwater management systems should be developed to suit the particular, unique requirements of the development and topographic features of the development site. Approval of a proposed stormwater management control facility using these innovate methods shall depend on the effectiveness of the facility in controlling the impacts of post-development runoff rates and volumes. The following is a partial listing of control methods which can be used in stormwater management facilities where appropriate.

A. Impervious area runoff diffused over pervious area.

B. Infiltration pits, trenches, and dry wells.

C. Porous asphalt.

D. Grass waterways.

E. Detention basins.

F. Oversized conveyance systems.

G. Parking lot storage.

H. Rooftop detention.

I. Gravel parking lots and driveways"

Link to Baldwin Township Act 167 Ordinance

Link to Dallastown Borough Act 167 Ordinance

"[..]

D. Credits for Use of Nonstructural BMPs

The developer may obtain credits for the use of nonstructural BMPs using the procedures outlined below. Examples of nonstructural credit calculations are provided in Appendix E.

Volume Reduction Method #1: Natural Area Conservation

A water quality volume reduction can be taken when undisturbed natural areas are conserved on a site, thereby retaining their pre-development hydrologic and water quality characteristics. Under this method, a designer would be able to subtract the conservation area from the total site area when computing the water quality protection volume.

[...]

Volume Reduction Method #2: Stream Buffers

This reduction can be undertaken when a stream buffer effectively treats stormwater runoff. Effective treatment constitutes treating runoff through overland flow in a naturally vegetated or forested buffer. Under the proposed method, a designer would be able to subtract areas draining via overland flow to the buffer from total site area when computing water quality protection volume requirements.

[...]

Volume Reduction Method #3: Enhanced Swales

This reduction may be taken when enhanced swales are used for water quality protection. Under the proposed method, a designer would be able to subtract the areas draining to an enhanced swale from total site area when computing water quality protection volume requirements. An enhanced swale can fully meet the water quality protection volume requirements for certain kinds of low density residential development (see Volume Reduction Method #5). An added benefit is the post-development peak discharges will likely be lower due to a longer time of concentration for the site.

[...]

Volume Reduction Method #4: Overland Flow Filtration/Groundwater Recharge Zones

This reduction can be taken when "overland flow filtration/infiltration zones" are incorporated into the site design to receive runoff from rooftops or other small impervious areas (e.g., driveways, small parking lots, etc). This can be achieved by grading the site to promote overland vegetative filtering or by providing infiltration or "rain garden" areas. If impervious areas are adequately disconnected, they can be deducted from total site area when computing the water quality protection volume requirements. An added benefit will be that the post-development peak discharges will likely be lower due to a longer time of concentration for the site.

[...]

Volume Reduction Method #5: Environmentally Sensitive Large Lot Subdivisions

This reduction can be taken when a group of environmental site design techniques are applied to low and very low density residential development (e.g., 1 dwelling unit per 2 acres [du/ac] or lower). The use of this method can eliminate the need for structural storm water controls to treat water quality protection volume requirements. This method is targeted towards large lot subdivisions and will likely have limited application.

[...]"

Link to Etna Borough Act 167 Ordinance

"B. It is extremely important that strict erosion and sedimentation control measures be applied surrounding infiltration structures during installation to prevent the infiltrative surfaces from becoming clogged. Additional erosion and sedimentation control design standards and criteria must be applied where infiltration BMPs are proposed shall include the following:

1. Areas proposed for infiltration BMPs shall be protected from sedimentation and compaction during the construction phase, so as to maintain their maximum infiltration capacity."

Link to Chanceford Township Act 167 Ordinance

"D. Requirements for land disturbance activities:

1. Major land disturbance activities shall be required to submit an E&S control plan prepared by a qualified person or professional. This plan shall be reviewed by the Township Engineer and approved through YCCD. Written approval must be submitted to the Township prior to the release of any permits. Once approved, this plan must remain on site during all phases of construction.

a) A post-construction stormwater management plan (PCSMP) shall be submitted to the Township and YCCD for review and approval prior to the release of a certificate of occupancy or any financial guarantees.

b) The developer shall demonstrate that the post-development hydrograph flows during the erosion and sedimentation control phase are less than or equal to the predevelopment hydrograph flows to assure the rate and volume of runoff leaving the site is controlled for the two-, five-, and ten-year frequency storms. All calculation methodology shall be in accordance with §§ 415-14, 415-15 and Article VI of this chapter.

[...]

4. Agricultural plowing and tilling, animal heavy-use areas, road maintenance activities and earth disturbance activities under another DEP permit or under Section 404 of the Federal Clean Water Act which are not required to obtain an NPDES permit are excluded under this provision. Road maintenance activities involving 25 acres of right-of-way area or more are required to obtain an E&S permit as approved by YCCD.

5. Timber harvesting activities for 25 acres or more in area or for the preparation of a site for future land development shall obtain an E&S permit as reviewed by the Township Engineer and approved by YCCD. Timber harvesting less than 25 acres in area (unless preparing a site for future land development) shall be required to submit an E&S control plan to the Township per Chapter 444 of this Code of Ordinances."

Link to Hellam Township Act 167 Ordinance

"A. Maintaining runoff volumes of pre-developed conditions requires groundwater recharge of the areas being developed. Design of the infiltration/recharge storm water management facilities shall incorporate groundwater recharge to compensate for the reduction in the percolation that occurs when the ground surface is converted to an impervious surface. These measure are required unless the applicant can prove the development site is physically incapable of recharge. If physical limitations exist preventing groundwater recharge runoff volumes must be rescued through another acceptable BMP proposed by the owner's engineer.

B. Groundwater recharge facilities must be provided for all proposed impervious area equal to or greater than 500 S.F.

C. Infiltration BMPs shall meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Infiltration BMPs intended to receive runoff from developed areas shall be selected based on suitability of soils and site conditions and shall be constructed on soils that have the following characteristics:

a) A minimum depth of twelve (12) inches between the bottom of the facility and the seasonal high water table and/or bedrock (limiting zones). Limiting zones to be determined by probe hole excavation. In areas of Karst geology and or Limestone or Dolomitic bedrock, a minimum of twenty-four (24) inches between the bottom of the facility and limiting zones is required.

B) An infiltration and/or percolation rate sufficient to accept the additional stormwater load and drain completely as determined by field tests conducted by the owners professional designer."

Link to Windsor Township Act 167 Ordinance

Conewago Township's Ordinance took the unique step of including an Infiltration Design Structure Worksheet, which allows a detailed look at percolation and runoff rates allowed for storms of different lengths and distributions. While not included here to allow for a more streamlined web experience, this resource is accessible at the link below.

Link to Conewago Township Act 167 Ordinance

"The Applicant shall comply with the following water quality requirements of this Article.

To control post-construction stormwater impacts from regulated activities and conform to state water quality requirements, BMPs which replicate pre-development stormwater infiltration and runoff conditions must be provided in the site design such that post-construction stormwater discharges do not degrade the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of the receiving waters. This may be achieved by the following:

1. Infiltration: replication of pre construction stormwater infiltration conditions,

2. Treatment: use of water quality treatment BMPs to provide filtering of chemical pollutants from the stormwater runoff, and

3. Stream bank and stream bed protection: management of volume and rate of post-construction stormwater discharges to prevent physical degradation of receiving waters (e.g., from scouring)."

[The remaining provisions of this section are available at the link below]

Link to Bethel Township Act 167 Ordinance

For an almost identical example from Allegheny County, see Brentwood Township § 177-3

Link to Brentwood Township's Act 167 Ordinance

"The applicant shall comply with the following water quality requirements of this chapter:

a) No regulated earth disturbance activities within the Municipality shall commence until approval by the Municipality of a plan which demonstrates compliance with post-construction state water quality requirements.

b) [...]

c) To control post-construction stormwater impacts from regulated earth disturbance activities, state water quality requirements can be met by BMPs, including site design, which provide for replication of pre-construction stormwater infiltration and runoff conditions so that post-construction stormwater discharges do not degrade the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of the receiving waters. As described in the DEP Comprehensive Stormwater Management Policy (#392-0300-002, September 28,2002), this may be achieved by the following:

1) Infiltration: replication of pre-construction stormwater infiltration conditions;

2) Treatment: use of water quality treatment BMPs to ensure filtering out of the chemical and physical pollutants from the stormwater runoff; and

3) Stream bank and stream bed protection: management of volume and rate of post-construction stormwater discharges to prevent physical degradation of receiving waters (e.g., from scouring).

d) [...]

e) For areas within defined special protection subwatersheds that include EV and HQ waters, the temperature and quality of water and streams shall be maintained through the use of temperature sensitive BMPs and stormwater conveyance systems.

f) [...]

g) If a surface water body (such as lakes, ponds, streams or wetlands) exists on the site, the applicant shall create a stream buffer extending a minimum of 100 feet to each side of the top-of-bank of the channel. The buffer area shall be maintained with and encouraged to use appropriate native vegetation. (Refer to Appendix H of the Pennsylvania Handbook of Best Management Practices for Developing Areas for plant lists.) If an existing buffer is legally prescribed (i.e., deed, covenant, easement, etc.) and it exceeds the requirements of this chapter, the existing buffer shall be maintained.

[Amended 11-10-2016 by Ord. No. 496]

h) Evidence of any necessary permit(s) for regulated earth disturbance activities from the appropriate DEP regional office must be provided to the Municipality. The issuance of an NPDES construction permit (or permit coverage under the statewide general permit (PAG-2) satisfies the requirements of this division (h)."

Link to Upper Providence Township Act 167 Ordinance

For an almost identical provision from Allegheny County, see Emsworth Borough Article III § 203-12

Link to Emsworth Borough Act 167 Oridnance

"I. All regulated activities shall include such measures as necessary to:

[...]

4. Incorporate green infrastructure stormwater management facilities in accordance with applicable City codes and specifications.

J. A planting plan is required for all vegetated stormwater BMPs.

1. All trees and other vegetation shall be planted in accordance with the standards and regulations set forth in applicable City codes and ordinances, including but not limited to Chapter 265, the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance; Chapter 273, the Trees Ordinance; and Chapter 300, the Zoning Ordinance.

2. Native or naturalized/noninvasive vegetation suitable to the soil and hydrologic conditions of the development site shall be used unless otherwise specified in applicable state and local codes and regulations, including but not limited to the City Spec Manual and the BMP Manual."

Link to Lancaster City Act 167 Ordinance

"Areas immediately adjacent to the Township's perennial streams, areas of springs, watercourses where the drainage area to the wetland or watercourse exceeds 75 acres, and areas deemed by the Township to possess environmental value shall be defined as the "riparian buffer zone" or "RBZ". In the RBZ, special requirements as set forth in this section shall apply in order to maintain important natural functions. These RBZ requirements are based on both the heightened sensitivity of the RBZ and the potential to negatively impact the stream system when this RBZ is disturbed, as well as the potential of this RBZ to mitigate to the maximum extent the negative effects of development in areas adjacent to the stream system. The RBZ shall include three sub-zones, Zones 1 through 3, extending landward from the top of the streambank where different requirements are imposed. These RBZs are to be established and protected, as defined below:

A. Zone 1, a fifteen-foot setback zone, measured from the top of the bank of the watercourse, where no disturbance of vegetation and soil except for construction of roadway structures or conveyance systems in accordance with the design standards of this chapter and restoration shall occur, in order to shade the stream with natural vegetation, to provide a source of numerous other organic inputs to the aquatic system, to anchor the streambank and floodplain area, and to consume and otherwise remove nitrogen, sediment, and other substances which can adversely affect stream systems.

B. Zone 2, a managed buffer zone, extending a distance equal to 35 feet outward from Zone 1 or to the one-hundred-year floodplain boundary, whichever is larger, where disturbance of natural vegetative cover shall be limited to selective logging and other activities which minimally disrupt existing tree cover, in accordance with applicable zoning restrictions, and soil mantle, in order to maximize filtering and overall physical removal of particulate-form pollutants from runoff generated upgradient and to promote subsurface vegetative uptake of nitrogen and other nonparticulate elements from stormwater generated upgradient. The developer shall use land within Zone 2 only for those uses authorized within the one-hundred-year floodplain as allowed in Chapter 255, Zoning, even if portions of Zone 2 are located outside of the one-hundred-year floodplain.

C. Zone 3, a zone of 50 feet extending outward from Zone 2; Zone 3 is defined in those cases where up-slope areas adjacent to the RBZ are being disturbed during the development process and where direct discharge of stormwater would otherwise occur, Zone 3 must include level spreading devices as necessary to ensure that any directly discharged stormwater flows are properly distributed as sheet flow. The developer shall avoid channelization and point source discharges.

D. An RBZ adjacent to "high quality waters" and "exceptional value waters" designated by DEP shall be subject to the provisions of the most recent edition of DEP's "Special Protection Waters Implementation Handbook." To the extent the Township and DEP requirements are not consistent, the more restrictive requirements shall apply.

E. For areas immediately adjacent to the Township's perennial streams, areas of springs, watercourses where the drainage area to the wetland or watercourse less than 75 acres, the RBZ shall be defined as a zone extending 15 feet outward from the top of the bank(s) of the watercourse. Within this area, no disturbance of vegetation and soil except for construction of roadway structures or conveyance systems in accordance with the design standards of this chapter and restoration shall occur, in order to shade the stream with natural vegetation, to provide a source of numerous other organic inputs to the aquatic system, to anchor the streambank and floodplain area, and to consume and otherwise remove nitrogen, sediment, and other substances which can adversely affect stream systems."

Link to East Manchester Township Act 167 Ordinance

"A. In order to protect and improve water quality, a riparian corridor easement shall be created and recorded as part of any subdivision or land development that encompasses a riparian corridor.

B. Except as otherwise required by Chapter 102, the riparian corridor easement shall be measured to be the greater of the limit of the one-hundred-year floodplain or 35 feet from the top of stream bank (on each side).

C. Minimum management requirements for riparian corridors.

1) Existing native vegetation shall be protected and maintained within the riparian corridor easement.

2) Whenever practicable, invasive vegetation shall be actively removed and the riparian corridor easement shall be planted with native trees, shrubs and other vegetation to create a diverse native plant community appropriate to the intended ecological context of the site.

D. The riparian corridor easement shall be enforceable by the Township and shall be recorded in the Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds Office, so that it shall run with the land and shall limit the use of the property located therein. The easement shall allow for the continued private ownership and shall count toward the lot area as required by Chapter 185, Zoning.

E. Any permitted use within the riparian corridor easement shall be conducted in a manner that will maintain the extent of the existing one-hundred-year floodplain, improve or maintain the stream stability, and preserve and protect the ecological function of the floodplain.

F. The following conditions shall apply when public and/or private recreation trails are permitted within riparian corridors:

1) Trails shall be for nonmotorized use only.

2) Trails shall be designed to have the least impact on native plant species and other sensitive environmental features.

G. Septic drainfields and sewage disposal systems shall not be permitted within the riparian corridor easement and shall comply with setback requirements established under 25 Pa. Code Chapter 73."

Link to Elizabeth Township Stormwater Management Ordinance

"The design of all regulated activities shall include the following to minimize stormwater impacts to reduce the surface discharge of stormwater, reduce the creation of unnecessary impervious surfaces, prevent the degradation of waters of the commonwealth, and maintain as much as possible the natural hydrologic regime of the site:

A. The applicant may apply low-impact development (LID) methods such as those listed in Appendix D, provided that use of this method does not conflict with other local codes.

B. The applicant shall demonstrate that the design process follows the sequence noted below. The goal of the sequence is to minimize the increases in stormwater runoff and impacts to water quality resulting from the proposed regulated activity:

1) The following items in this subsection shall be addressed prior to development of other stormwater management site plan design elements:

a) Prepare an existing resource and site analysis map (ERSAM) showing environmentally sensitive areas, including, but not limited to, steep slopes, ponds, lakes, streams, wetlands, hydric soils, vernal pools, stream buffers, and hydrologic soil groups. Land development, any existing recharge areas, and other requirements outlined in the municipal SALDO shall also be included.

b) Establish a stream buffer according to § 105-306D.

c) Prepare a draft project layout avoiding sensitive areas identified in § 105-304B(1)(a).

d) Identify site-specific existing conditions drainage areas, discharge points, recharge areas, and Hydrologic Soil Groups A and B (areas conducive to infiltration).

e) Evaluate nonstructural stormwater management alternatives:

[1] Minimize earth disturbance.

[2] Minimize impervious surfaces.

[3] Break up large impervious surfaces.

f) Determine into what management district the site falls (Appendix A), and conduct an existing conditions' runoff analysis."

[The remaining provisions of this section are available at the link below]

Link to Chadds Ford Township Act 167 Ordinance

"If a perennial or intermittent stream passes through the site, the Applicant shall create a riparian buffer extending a minimum of fifty (50) feet to either side of the top-of-bank of the channel. The buffer area shall be established and maintained in an undisturbed state. This buffer area may be maintained as a meadow with minimal mowing of the grassed area, or as a forested buffer, being planted with appropriate native vegetation (refer to Appendix B of the BMP Manual for plant lists). If the applicable rear or side yard setback is less than fifty (50) feet, the buffer width may be reduced to twenty-five (25) percent of the setback to a minimum of ten (10) feet. If an existing buffer is legally prescribed (i.e., deed, covenant, easement, etc.) and it exceeds the requirements of this Ordinance, the existing buffer shall be maintained. This buffer requirement is for perennial or intermittent streams and does not include lakes or wetlands.

Applicants shall adhere to the following Stream Bank Erosion/Channel Protection Requirements:

A. In addition to the control of water quality volume (in order to minimize the impact of stormwater runoff on downstream stream bank erosion), the primary requirement is to design a BMP to detain the proposed conditions 2-year, 24-hour storm event to the existing conditions I-year flow using the SCS Type II distribution. Additionally, provisions shall be made (such as adding a small orifice at the bottom of the outlet structure or a sand filter) so that the proposed conditions I-year, 24-hour storm event takes at least twenty-four (24) hours to drain from the facility from a point when the maximum volume of water from the I-year, 24-hour storm event is captured (i.e., the maximum water surface elevation is achieved in the facility). Release of water can begin at the start of the storm (i.e., the invert of the water volume control or (or Water Quality) orifice is at the invert of the facility).

B. The minimum orifice size in the outlet structure to the BMP shall be three (3) inches in diameter where possible, and a trash rack shall be installed to prevent clogging. On sites with small drainage areas contributing to this BMP that do not provide enough runoff volume to allow a 24-hour attenuation with the 3-inch orifice, the calculations shall be submitted showing this condition. Orifice sizes less than three (3) inches can be utilized, provided that the design will prevent clogging of the intake. It is recommended that the design, to accommodate maintenance, include a sand or porous media filter."

Link to Abington Township Act 167 Ordinance

"Stream buffer shall be provided for new development as per the following requirements:

4.5.1 A minimum stream buffer width of 50 feet landward in each direction from the top of stream backs is required for all waterways having both a defined bank and a contributing watershed area of greater than 100 acres

[...]

4.5.3 The stream buffer are should be maintained in a natural state

4.5.4 When wetlands extend beyond the edge of the required buffer width, the buffer shall be adjusted so that the buffer consists of the extent of the wetland plus a 25 foot zone extending beyond the wetland edge

4.5.5 Stream buffer averaging may be applied to account for encroachments such as road crossings. The following criteria must be met in order to utilize buffer averaging on a development site:

1. Buffer averaging is required for water quality buffers that have stream crossings

2. An overall average buffer width of at least 50 feet must be achieved within the boundaries of the property to be developed. Stream buffer corridors on adjoining properties cannot be included with buffer averaging on a separate property, even id owned by the same property owner.

3. The average width must be calculated based upon the entire length of stream bank that is located within the boundaries of the property to be developed. When calculating the buffer length, the natural stream channel should be followed.

4. Stream buffer averaging shall be applied to each side of a stream independently. If the property being developed encompasses both sides of the stream, buffer averaging can be applied to both sides of the stream, but must be applied to both sides of the stream independently.

5. On each stream bank, the total width of the buffer shall not be less than 25 feet at any location, except at approved stream crossings. Those areas of the buffer having a minimum width of 25 feet (or less at approved stream crossings) can comprise no more than 50% of the buffer length.

4.5.6 Stream buffer location and width should be illustrated on all subdivision plans with notations requiring that they be maintained in a natural state.

4.5.7 Stream buffers should be illustrated on all grading and erosion and sedimentation control plans. The defined stream buffer location should be properly recorded. The recording should provide a plan illustrating the stream buffer location, width and the requirement that it be maintained in a natural state."

Link to Etna Borough Act 167 Ordinance

"A. Landscaping shall be required in and around all constructed stormwater management facilities with a surface area of 1,000 square feet or greater for the purposes of:

1. Assisting in the management of stormwater;

2. Stabilizing the soil within such facilities to minimize and control erosion;

3. Enhancing the visual appearance of such facilities; and

4. Mitigating maintenance problems commonly associated with the creation of such facilities.

B. A planting plan and planting schedule shall be submitted in accordance with the following:

1. Wet meadows, including floors of stormwater management facilities.

a) Wet meadows and floors of stormwater management facilities shall be planted with noninvasive plants native to western Pennsylvania, such as wildflowers and noninvasive grasses, the intent being to create a mixed meadow of such plantings, where appropriate. Selection of plantings shall be based on whether the area in question is usually well drained or permanently wet and whether the area will be used for recreation purposes. No woody plants shall be planted within the saturated zone (phreatic line) of a stormwater management practice or on a berm constructed for impounded water.

b) Seeding by drills, corrugated rollers, cyclone or drop seeders or hand seeding of such areas is preferred; however, hydroseeding followed by hydromulching can be used on wet ground and steep slopes.

c) Fertilizers, as a nutrient supplement, shall not be used unless it is documented that soil conditions warrant such use and nutrient applied does not exceed plant uptake. Soil for planting of wildflowers shall contain not less than 3% or more than 10% organic matter, as determined by an agricultural chemist, with certification of the test before planting.

d) Seeding shall take place either between April 1 and May 15 or between September 1 and October 15. Planting areas shall be soaked to maintain a consistent level of moisture for at least four to six weeks after planting. For seeding recommendations, reference the DEP's E&S Pollution Control Program Manual.

e) Once established, a single annual mowing when plants are dormant should be sufficient to maintain a wet meadow and/or floor of a stormwater management practice.

2. Wet edges that remain wet all or most of the year shall be planted with wildflowers, grasses and shrubs. Plants to be located on rims or banks, which remain dry most of the year, shall be planted with species tolerant of dry soil conditions.

3. Wooded areas.

a) Where stormwater management facilities adjoin wooded areas, trees and shrubs shall be selected and planted outside the practice so as to blend with existing surroundings.

b) Plantings in such areas shall be of sufficient density to eliminate the need for mowing.

c) It is recommended that clusters of trees and shrubs be planted around stormwater management facilities but well away from outfalls and any constructed berms, where applicable, to provide for wildlife habitat, wind control and buffering and screening.

d) Vegetation shall be planted during appropriate times of the year, predominantly between late March and mid May or from early October until evidence of ground freezing, depending upon the species selected. Most deciduous trees and shrubs can be planted in either spring or fall. Evergreens are best planted in late summer or early fall.

4. Slopes.

a) Where slopes are gentle, a mixture of meadow grasses and wildflowers (for wet meadows) shall be planted.

b) On steep slopes, as defined by the Borough's Code, dense spreading shrubs (shrubs tolerant of dry soils) shall be planted. Heavy mat mulch shall be used during the period of establishment.

c) No woody plant materials or trees shall be located on a constructed or natural berm acting as the impoundment structure of a stormwater management practice. Trees shall be located downstream of an impoundment berm a sufficient distance from the toe of the constructed slope to assure that the toe of the slope is outside the dripline of the species planted at maturity but in no case less than 15 feet.

5. In cases where stormwater management facilities are to be located in proximity to wetlands or waterways, the applicant's planting plan and schedule shall consider the sensitive conditions existing therein and be modified accordingly to reflect existing flora.

6. Stormwater management facilities shall be screened in a manner which complements the existing landscape and provides sufficient access for maintenance."

Link to Fox Chapel Borough Act 167 Ordinance