Operation and Maintenance Agreement (O&M)
Stormwater Management Best Management Practices (SWM BMPs)
THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into this day of ____, 20____, by and between __________________ (hereinafter the “Landowner”), and Springfield Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania (hereinafter “Township”);
WHEREAS, the Landowner is the owner of certain real property as recorded by deed in the land records of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Deed Book _______at page ______. (hereinafter “Property”).
WHEREAS, the Landowner is proceeding to build and develop the Property; and
WHEREAS, the SWM BMP Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Plan approved by the Township (hereinafter referred to as the “O&M” Plan”) for the property identified herein, which is attached hereto as Appendix A and made part hereof, as approved by the Township, provides for management of stormwater within the confines of the Property through the use of BMPs; and
WHEREAS, the Township and the Landowner, his successors and assigns, agree that the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the Township and the protection and maintenance of water quality require that on-site SWM BMPs be constructed and maintained on the property; and
WHEREAS, the Township requires, through the implementation of the SWM Site Plan, that SWM BMPs as required by said SWM Site Plan and the Township Stormwater Management Ordinance be constructed and adequately operated and maintained by the Landowner, successors, and assigns.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing promises, the mutual covenants contained herein, and the following terms and conditions, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. The Landowner shall construct the BMPs in accordance with the plans and specifications identified in the SWM Site Plan.
2. The Landowner shall operate and maintain the BMPs as shown on the SWM Site Plan in good working order in accordance with the specific operation and maintenance requirements noted on the approved O&M Plan.
3. The Landowner hereby grants permission to the Township, its authorized agents and employees, to enter upon the property, at reasonable times and upon presentation of proper credentials, to inspect the BMPs whenever necessary. Whenever possible, the Township shall notify the Landowner prior to entering the property.
4. In the event the Landowner fails to operate and maintain the BMPs per paragraph 2, the Township or its representatives may enter upon the Property and take whatever action is deemed necessary to maintain said BMP(s). It is expressly understood and agreed that the Township is under no obligation to maintain or repair said facilities, and in no event shall this Agreement be construed to impose any such obligation on the Township.
5. In the event the Township, pursuant to this Agreement, performs work of any nature, or expends any funds in performance of said work for labor, use of equipment, supplies, materials, and the like, the Landowner shall reimburse the Township for all expenses (direct and indirect) incurred within 10 days of receipt of invoice from the Township.
6. The intent and purpose of this Agreement is to ensure the proper maintenance of the on-site BMPs by the Landowner; provided, however that this Agreement shall not be deemed to create any additional liability of any party for damage alleged to result from or be caused by stormwater runoff.
7. The Landowner, its executors, administrators, assigns, and other successors in interests, shall release the Township from all damages, accidents, casualties, occurrences, or claims which might arise or be asserted against said employees and representatives from the construction, presence, existence, or maintenance of the BMP(s) by the Landowner or Township.
8. The Township intends to inspect the BMP’s at a minimum of once every three years to ensure their continued functioning.
This Agreement shall be recorded at the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and shall constitute a covenant running with the property and/or equitable servitude, and shall be binding on the Landowner, his administrators, executors, assigns, heirs, and any other successors in interests, in perpetuity.
ATTEST:
WITNESS the following signatures and seals:
(SEAL)
For the Township:
______________________________________
For the Landowner:
_____________________________________
ATTEST:
County of Bucks, Pennsylvania
I, __________________________________, a Notary Public in and for the County and State aforesaid, whose commission expires on the____ day of _____________, 20_____, do hereby certify that ________________________________ whose name(s) is/are signed to the foregoing Agreement bearing date of the ______ day of___________________, 20_____, has acknowledged the same before me in my said County and State.
GIVEN UNDER MY HAND THIS _____ day of _____________________, 20_____.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
NOTARY PUBLIC (SEAL)