(A) The purpose of this chapter is to protect, maintain, and enhance the public health, safety, and general welfare by establishing minimum requirements and procedures to control the adverse impacts associated with increased stormwater runoff. The goal is to manage stormwater by using environmental site design (ESD) to the maximum extent practicable (MEP) to maintain after development as nearly as possible, the predevelopment runoff characteristics, and to reduce stream channel erosion, pollution, siltation and sedimentation, and local flooding, and use appropriate structural best management practices (BMPs) only when necessary. This will help restore, enhance, and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of streams, minimize damage to public and private property, and reduce impacts of land development.
(B) This chapter is adopted pursuant to the Md. Code, Environment Article, Title 4, Subtitle 2, and shall apply to all development occurring within the unincorporated areas of the county. The application of this chapter shall be the minimum stormwater management (SWM) requirements and shall not be deemed a limitation or repeal of any other powers granted by state statute. This county shall be responsible for the coordination and enforcement of this chapter.
(C) The degree of stormwater management (SWM) necessary to satisfy the requirements of this chapter is considered reasonable to regulate the effects of stormwater runoff on the receiving land and water:
(1) Quantity - overbank flood control (Qp10);
(2) Bank erosion - stream capacity (Cpv);
(3) Quality - waterborne pollutants (WQv); and
(4) Local groundwater table - groundwater recharge (Rev).
(D) The amount of protection required is based upon state law, scientific study, and local engineering experience.
(E) Rainfall events beyond the capacity of management measures provided to satisfy this chapter have occurred in the past and may occur in the future. The severity of these events and their effects may be increased by man-made or natural causes.
(F) Implementation of the provisions of this chapter does not create liability on the part of the county or any officer or employee thereof for any damage that may result from reliance on this chapter.
(2004 Code, § 191-1) (Ord. 01-12, passed 9-27-2001; Ord. 04-07, passed 4-1-2004; Ord. 07-08, passed 5-3-2007; Ord. 2010-05, passed 4-29-2010)