(a) Inadequate management of accelerated runoff of stormwater resulting from development throughout a watershed increases runoff volumes, 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 stormwater, undermines flood plain management and flood control efforts in downstream communities, reduces groundwater recharge, threatens public health and safety, and increases non-point source pollution of water resources.
(b) A comprehensive program of stormwater management (SWM), 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) Stormwater is an important water resource, that provides groundwater recharge for water supplies and base flow of streams, which also protects and maintains surface water quality.
(d) The use of green infrastructure and low impact development (LID) are intended to address the root cause of water quality impairment by using systems and practices which use or mimic natural processes to: 1) infiltrate and recharge, 2) evapotranspire, and/or 3) harvest and use precipitation near where if falls to earth. Green infrastructure practices and LID contribute to the restoration or maintenance of pre-development hydrology.
(e) Federal and state regulations require certain municipalities to implement a program of stormwater controls. These municipalities are required to obtain a permit for stormwater discharges from their separate storm sewer systems under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program.
(Ord. 42-2022. Passed 8-16-22.)