Storm water management involves the control of water that runs off the surface of the land from rain or melting ice & snow. The volume or amount of runoff and its’ rate of runoff often substantially increases as land development occurs. Construction of impervious surfaces, such as roofs and parking lots, prevent the natural infiltration of rainfall into the soil. Management of storm water is necessary to compensate for the effects of development on runoff.
The Blair County Conservation District has very limited authority with storm water issues. The Conservation District only has authority if the problem is a result of an active construction (earthmoving) activity in accordance with Chapter 102, Erosion Control Regulations. Storm water may be controlled during construction through the use of temporary erosion and sediment control devices. Once the site is permanently stabilized (defined in Chapter 102 as an acceptable best management practice, or a minimum of 70% uniform vegetative cover with a density capable of resisting accelerated erosion and sedimentation) the Blair County Conservation District will not have jurisdiction over stormwater issues. Upon completion of a project and the stabilization of the disturbed areas, Chapter 102 does not regulate the quantity, velocity, or direction of flow of water runoff. Chapter 102 only regulates the quality of water runoff in order to minimize sediment pollution to the Waters of the Commonwealth.
Since there is no countywide stormwater management or land development ordinance in Blair County, the local municipality (city, township, or borough) has the primary authority over the management of storm water resulting from development. Historically, municipalities have been responsible for how stormwater is managed as part of their review and approval of subdivision and land development plans in accordance with the Municipal Planning Code.
The Storm Water Management Act, No. 167 of 1978, provides for a program of storm water management and encourages local administration and management of storm water. Section 13 of the Act requires that landowners and persons engaged in development of land shall implement measures consistent with watershed plans prepared under the act. Any aggrieved person may institute lawsuits to restrain, prevent, or abate violations of the Act.
Suggestions in Resolving Storm Water Problems:
1) Document problems, take photographs, videos, and make sketches.
2) Try to determine the source of storm water runoff. Is there a new development up-stream from your location? Are there near-by road improvements, such as a widening or new drainage pipes installed?
3) Is the runoff originating from and active construction site having earthmoving or is the sediment or mud leaving the site? The Conservation District can assist with any erosion and sediment pollution control problems during the active construction phase only.
4) In the case of runoff originating from recent development, contact the municipality in which the development is located.
5) If, after seeking assistance from all involved parties or agencies, the problem has not been resolved, seek legal council. Section 15 of the Storm Water Management Act does identify civil remedies for violations of the Act.
"Consensus of the Local Site Planning Roundtable"
This document is a product of the Blair County Site Planning Roundtable, a year-long consensus process initiated by the Builders for the Bay to review existing development ordinances and identify regulatory barriers to environmentally-sensitive residential and commercial development at the site level. A diverse cross-section of local government, non-profit, environmental, homebuilding, business, development and other community professionals made up the membership of the Blair County Roundtable. Through a consensus process, members of the Roundtable adapted the National Model Development Principles to specific conditions. Roundtable recommendations include specific ordinance revisions that would increase flexibility in site design standards and promote the use of open space and flexible design development in Blair County. The National Model Development Principles adapted by the Blair County Site Planning Roundtable are designed to collectively meet the objectives of Better Site Design (BSD), which are to 1) reduce overall site impervious cover, 2) preserve and enhance existing natural areas, 3) integrate stormwater management, and 4) retain a marketable product. Code modifications and other Roundtable recommendations were crafted to remove regulatory hurdles and provide incentives, flexibility, and guidance for developers implementing BSD.
To view the Principles developed for Blair County, click here
To learn more about the Builders for the Bay Process click here.