This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Borough
of Honesdale Stormwater Management Ordinance."
The Council of Honesdale Borough finds that:
A.
Inadequate management of accelerated runoff of stormwater resulting
from development throughout a watershed:
(1)
Increases flows and velocities;
(2)
Contributes to erosion and sedimentation;
(3)
Overtaxes the carrying capacity of streams and storm sewers;
(4)
Greatly increases the cost of public facilities to carry and control
stormwater;
(5)
Undermines floodplain management and flood control efforts in downstream
communities;
(6)
Reduces groundwater recharge;
(7)
Threatens public health and safety; and
(8)
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 Borough and its watershed by minimizing the harms and maximizing the benefits described in § 177-2 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
and groundwater quality and to otherwise protect water resources.
F.
Prevent scour and erosion of stream banks and streambeds.
G.
Provide proper operation and maintenance of all permanent SWM BMPs
that are implemented within the municipality.
H.
Provide standards to meet NPDES permit requirements.
The Honesdale Borough Council is empowered to regulate these
activities by the authority of the Act of October 4, 1978, P.L. 864
(Act 167), 32 P.S. § 680.1 et seq., as amended, the "Stormwater
Management Act" and the appropriate municipal code.
All regulated activities and all activities that may affect
stormwater runoff, including land development or earth disturbance,
are subject to regulation by this chapter. This chapter contains only
those stormwater runoff criteria and standards from a total watershed
perspective. Additional design standards for stormwater management
facilities (i.e., inlet spacing, inlet type, collection system details,
etc.) may be listed in the Honesdale Borough Subdivision and Land
Development Ordinance[1] or may be instituted by Borough Engineer.
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.
