§ 255-31.   Intent.
[Amended 12-13-2022 by Ord. No. 22-1377]
In the interest of the public health, safety and welfare, the provisions of this chapter and this article in particular are intended:
   A.   To minimize stormwater runoff, flooding, streambank and soil erosion caused by inappropriate of steep slope land areas and/or the conversion of undeveloped, porous surfaces to impervious ground cover.
   B.   To protect the Township from which may cause flooding and a subsequent expenditure for public works and disaster relief affecting the economic well-being of the Township and its residents.
   C.   To protect residents from property damage and personal injury due to runoff, flooding, erosion and landslides attributable to nearby , particularly on steeply sloping land.
   D.   To relate the intensity of to the ability of the natural and man-made environment to support it, including the steepness of terrain, in order to minimize grading, the removal of vegetation, the of nonabsorbent surfaces, runoff and erosion and to help ensure the utilization of land in accordance with its natural capabilities to support .
   E.   To restrict the impact of erosion and sedimentation and the alteration of natural drainage patterns which may aggravate flooding both in the immediate area and in downstream areas.
   F.   To maximize groundwater recharge and maintain the base flow of streams and , thereby ensuring both the quantity and quality of groundwater and surface waters.
   G.   Improve surface water quality by reducing the amount of nutrients, sediment, organic matter, pesticides, and other harmful substances that reach , wetlands, subsurface, and surface water bodies by using scientifically proven processes including filtration, deposition, absorption, adsorption, plant uptake, and denitrification, and by improving infiltration, encouraging sheet flow, and stabilizing concentrated flows.
   H.   Improve and maintain the safety, reliability, and adequacy of the water supply for domestic, agricultural, commercial, industrial, and recreational uses along with sustaining diverse populations of aquatic flora and fauna.
   I.   Preserve and protect areas that intercept surface water runoff, wastewater, subsurface flow, and/or deep groundwater flows from upland sources and function to remove or buffer the effects of associated nutrients, sediment, organic matter, pesticides, or other pollutants prior to entry into surface waters, as well as provide wildlife habitat, moderate water temperature in surface waters, attenuate flood flow, and provide opportunities for passive recreation
   J.   Work with , steep , and other requirements that regulate environmentally sensitive areas to minimize hazards to life, property, and riparian features.
   K.   Recognize that natural features contribute to the welfare and quality of life of the Township residents.
   L.   Conserve natural, scenic, and recreation areas within and adjacent to riparian areas for the community's benefit.