In accordance with the purpose contained in Article I, § 175-2, of this chapter and the community development objectives contained in Article I, § 175-3, of this chapter, and in recognition of the fact that natural features contribute to the welfare of its residents, it is the purpose of this article to provide reasonable controls governing the restoration, conservation, disturbance and management of existing riparian corridors by establishing a designated Riparian Corridor Conservation District (District) specifically to:
A. Reduce the amount of nutrients, sediment, organic matter, pesticides and other harmful substances that reach watercourses, wetlands, subsurface and surface water bodies by using processes, including filtration, deposition, absorption, adsorption, plant uptake and denitrification, and by improving infiltration, encouraging sheet flow and stabilizing concentrated flows.
B. 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.
C. Regulate the land use, siting and engineering of all development, so as to be consistent with the intent and objectives of this ordinance, accepted conservation practices and to work within the carrying capacity of existing natural resources.
D. Assist in the implementation of pertinent state laws concerning erosion and sediment control practices, specifically erosion control, of the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law, Act 394, p.1. 1987, Chapter 102 of the Administrative Code (as amended October 10, 1980, Act 157 P.L.), Title 25, and any subsequent amendments thereto, as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Bucks Conservation District.
E. Conserve the natural features important to land or water resources (e.g., headwater areas, groundwater recharge zones, floodway, floodplain, springs, streams, wetlands, woodlands, prime wildlife habitats) and other features constituting high recreational value or containing amenities that exist on developed and undeveloped land.
F. Work with the floodplain overlay district, the environmental protection standards and other ordinances that regulate environmentally sensitive areas to minimize hazards to life, property and riparian features.
G. Conserve natural, scenic and recreation areas within and adjacent to riparian areas for the community's benefit.
See Article XIXA: Riparian Corridor Conservation District for complete, detailed information about this overlay district.
