Where a riparian buffer is required for a regulated activity
under Title 25 Pa. Code Chapter 102, titled "Erosion and Sedimentation
Control and Stormwater Management," the riparian buffer shall be established
as follows:
B.
In accordance with the latest revision of 25 Pa. Code Chapter 102,
riparian stream buffers are required in all high quality watersheds.
The only high quality watershed in Peters Township is the Little Chartiers
Creek watershed which extends from its headwaters to Canonsburg Lake
Dam.
C.
The riparian buffer shall be located on both sides of all perennial
and intermittent streams. The perennial and intermittent streams and
the riparian buffer boundaries shall be shown on all applications
for building permits, subdivision, or land development. Existing uses
within the buffer are permitted to continue but not be expanded. Placement
of new structures or roadways (except where a roadway crossing is
designed nearly as perpendicular as is practical) within the riparian
buffer shall be prohibited.
D.
The buffer shall be undisturbed forest consisting of appropriate
native species.
E.
Where wetlands are located partially or entirely within a buffer,
the buffer shall be extended to encompass the wetland and shall be
widened by a distance sufficient to provide a twenty-five-foot forested
buffer measured perpendicularly from the wetland boundary.
F.
The following uses shall be permitted in the required buffer:
(2)
Stream crossings, provided the crossing is designed and constructed
in such a manner as to minimize the impact to the buffer. The riparian
buffer shall be restored to its original condition, to the maximum
extent practical, upon completion of construction.
(3)
Utility lines, provided that the crossing is designed and constructed
in such a manner as to minimize the impact to the inner buffer and
provided that there is no practical alternative to locating the utility
line within the buffer. The riparian buffer shall be restored to its
original condition, to the maximum extent practical, upon completion
of construction.
(4)
Maintenance and restoration of the riparian buffer.
(5)
Projects conducted with the objective of improvement, stabilization,
restoration, or enhancement of the stream bank, stream channel, floodplain,
watershed hydrology, riparian buffers, or aquatic habitat and maintenance
activities associated with such projects. These projects include,
but are not limited to agricultural and stormwater management best
management practices. Such projects must receive appropriate permits
and approvals from PADEP prior to starting the project.
(6)
Minor private recreational uses for the property owner. Such uses
include benches, fire rings, and similar uses. Such uses do not include
structures such as cabins, sheds, pavilions, garages, dwellings or
similar structures.
G.
Disturbance of the riparian buffer shall be limited to the area necessary
to perform an allowable use.
H.
Where possible and practical, disturbances shall be phased with each
phase restored prior to beginning the next phase.
I.
Allowable activities shall not cause stormwater flow to concentrate.
J.
Any vegetation removed for an allowable activity shall be replaced
immediately upon completion of the activity. Where mature trees are
removed, such trees shall be replaced with the largest practical tree
of acceptable native species.
K.
Erosion and sediment pollution control shall be installed and maintained
during construction. Evidence of an approved erosion and sediment
control plan and/or NPDES permit, if required, shall be submitted
prior to issuance of local permits.
L.
If a permit from PADEP is required for the activity, evidence of
an approved permit shall be submitted prior to issuance of local permits.
M.
Proper maintenance of riparian buffers is the responsibility of the
landowner consistent with sound forest management practices. In the
absence of a site specific management plan, the following maintenance
guidelines apply:
(1)
Buffers shall be inspected periodically by the landowner for evidence
of excessive sediment deposition, erosion or concentrated flow channels.
Prompt action shall be taken to correct these problems and prevent
future occurrence.
(2)
Trees presenting an unusual hazard of creating downstream obstructions
shall be removed. Such material shall be removed from the floodplain
or the riparian buffer (whichever is widest); or cut into sections
small enough so as to prevent the possibility of creating obstructions
downstream. Wherever possible, large stable debris should be conserved.
(3)
Vegetation should be inspected periodically to ensure diverse vegetative
cover and vigorous plant growth consistent with buffering objectives.
(4)
Excessive use of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals
shall be avoided. These products should be used only when absolutely
necessary to maintain buffer vegetation.
For all required riparian buffers, an easement shall be provided
to allow Peters Township to take enforcement actions against an applicant
for failure to satisfy the requirements of the riparian buffer requirements.
