The governing body of the Municipality finds that:
(a) Inadequate management of accelerated runoff of storm water resulting from development throughout a watershed increases flows and velocities, contributes to erosion and sedimentation, overtaxes the carrying capacity of streams and storm sewers, greatly increases the cost of public facilities to carry and control storm water, undermines floodplain management and flood control efforts in downstream communities, reduces ground water recharge, threatens public health and safety, and increases non-point source pollution of water resources.
(b) A comprehensive program of storm water 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) Storm water is an important water resource, which provides ground water recharge for water supplies and base flow of streams, which protects and maintains surface water quality.
(d) Federal and State regulations require certain Municipalities to implement a program of storm water controls. These Municipalities are required to obtain a permit for storm water discharges from their separate storm sewer systems under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).
(Ord. 2458. Passed 11-15-10.)