Ordinance No. 810: Proposed Stormwater Management Revisions
Ordinance No. 810: Stormwater Management Revisions in Hollidaysburg
This ordinance amends Chapter 22 of the Hollidaysburg Code of Ordinances to update stormwater management regulations. It was adopted by the Borough Council on July 13, 2005, and approved by Mayor James L. Shoemaker on an unspecified date in July 2005.
Key Changes & New Definitions (Section 1)
The ordinance adds new definitions to Section 202(2), including:
- Accelerated Erosion: Land surface removal caused by human activity plus natural processes at a rate faster than nature alone.
- BMP (Best Management Practice): Tools or methods used to manage stormwater impacts, meet state water quality rules, promote groundwater recharge, and fulfill the ordinance’s goals.
- Erosion and Sediment Control Plan: A site-specific plan identifying BMPs to reduce erosion and sedimentation.
- NPDES: National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System — the federal permit system under the Clean Water Act, delegated to Pennsylvania’s DEP.
- Point Source: Any identifiable pipe, ditch, channel, etc., from which stormwater is discharged (per 25 PA Code §92.1).
- State Water Quality Requirements: Defined by state regulations protecting designated water uses (see 25 PA Code Chapters 93 and 96).
- Surface Water of the Commonwealth: All rivers, streams, creeks, rivulets, impoundments, ditches, lakes, wetlands, ponds, springs, and other conveyances — natural or artificial — within Pennsylvania’s borders.
Compliance & Permitting (Section 2)
- Subpart (E) added to Section 509(1): Requires compliance with the Municipality’s Stormwater NPDES Permit conditions.
Toxic Materials & Permits (Section 3)
- Replaces Section 509(3)(A)(3): Prohibits discharge of toxic materials into stormwater systems.
- Landowners/developers must obtain NPDES permits for stormwater discharges if required by federal or state law.
Water Quality Requirements (Section 4)
Replaces Sections 509(C)(2)(a) and (b):
- (a) Regulated activities cannot begin until the Municipality approves a plan showing post-construction compliance with State Water Quality Requirements.
- (b) Stormwater BMPs must be designed, implemented, and maintained to meet State Water Quality Requirements — and any stricter local standards.
- (c) Post-construction stormwater impacts must be controlled via BMPs that replicate pre-construction infiltration/runoff conditions to avoid degrading receiving waters. This may include:
- Infiltration (replicating pre-construction conditions)
- Treatment (removing chemical/physical pollutants)
- Streambank and Streambed Protection (managing volume/rate to prevent scouring)
- (d) Long-term operation and maintenance of BMPs must follow Section 509.6.
- (e) Acceptable BMPs must manage net increase in runoff from a 2-year/24-hour storm (equivalent to 2.6 inches of rain over 24 hours).
- (f) Developers must provide evidence of necessary earth disturbance permits from the appropriate DEP regional office.
- (g) Detention/retention outlets must discharge the 1-year, 24-hour storm over a 24-hour period.
BMP Selection Criteria (Section 5)
Replaces Section 509(3)(C)(3)(a):
BMP selection must follow DEP-published handbooks and manuals. Developers must consider:
- Total contributing area
- Soil permeability and infiltration rate
- Slope and depth to bedrock
- Seasonal high water table
- Proximity to building foundations and well heads
- Soil erodibility
Adoption & Approval
- Adopted by Council: July 13, 2005
- Attested by: Ann M. Andrews, Secretary
- Approved by Mayor: James L. Shoemaker (date blank)
This ordinance strengthens Hollidaysburg’s stormwater management framework by clarifying definitions, requiring permits for toxic discharges, mandating post-construction water quality controls, and setting clear criteria for selecting effective BMPs — all aligned with state and federal environmental standards.