Northwestern Pennsylvania Homeowner’s Guide To Stormwater .
Northwestern PennsylvaniaHomeowner’s Guide toStormwater Management
Northwestern PennsylvaniaHomeowner’s Guideto Stormwater ManagementThis guide is intended to help property owners living in Northwestern Pennsylvaniaevaluate current runoff pathways and identify practices to better managestormwater runoff on their properties. This guide includes several practices tochoose from that are fairly simple to plan and construct.This guide was funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental ProtectionGrowing Greener Grant Program administered by the Northwest Commission. Theguide was produced by the Center for Watershed Protection for the Erie CountyDepartment of Planning and Community Development.For more information, please contact:Michael GuelcherErie County Department of Planning and Community his guide was adapted in part from the Southwestern Pennsylvania’s Homeowner’sGuide to Stormwater produced by Penn’s Corner Conservancy and Charitable Trust,Inc. and partners, as well as The Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater produced bythe Little Conestoga Partnership and its funder the National Fish and WildlifeFoundation.Northwestern Pennsylvania Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater Management2
Section 1: What is Stormwater Runoffand Why is it a Concern?Stormwater runoff is precipitation (rain or snowmelt) that flows over the landsurface. It is created when precipitation falls on roads, driveways, parking lots,rooftops and other paved surfaces that do not allow water to soak into the ground.Rain that becomes runoff carries soil, pollutants, and other materials from the landswiftly into storm drains or streams that ultimately flow to Lake Erie or the OhioRiver. Where rain falls on paved surfaces, a much greater amount of runoff isgenerated compared to runoff from the same storm falling over a forested area,where most of the water is absorbed by trees or soaks into the soil.The Negative Impacts of Stormwater RunoffPoorly managed stormwater runoff can cause many problems. These include: Flooding: When rain falls on hard surfaces, such as rooftops, parking lots,and roads, large volumes of stormwater runoff are created and quickly reachstreams, causing them to rise and flood. As more hard surfaces are added toan area, the frequency and severity of flooding increases, threateninginfrastructure, property, and people.Pollution: Stormwater runoff also picks up and carries with it many differentpollutants that are found on paved surfaces such as sediment, nutrients,bacteria, oil and grease, trash, pesticides and metals. These pollutants comefrom a variety of sources, including pet waste, lawn fertilization, and illegaldumping and spills, and flow untreated into local streams, polluting ourwaters.Northwestern Pennsylvania Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater Management3
Erosion: The unnaturally high volume and speed of stormwater runoff cancause severe stream bank erosion when it enters the stream channel.Ongoing bank erosion can eat away at streamside property andinfrastructure, and damages natural habitat for fish and other aquatic life.This erosion is another source of sediment pollution in streams.Threats to Human Health: Polluted runoff is the leading known cause ofhigh bacteria levels triggering beach closings, swimming advisories, and bansor restrictions on shellfish harvesting. Stormwater runoff can also carry toxicpollutants and viruses. Excessive stormwater runoff can overwhelm sewagetreatment plants in combined sewer areas, causing discharges of thesepollutants directly into waterways. These pollutants can contaminate drinkingwater supplies and hamper recreational opportunities, as well as harm fishand other aquatic life.Regulations Created to Address the Negative Impactsof Stormwater RunoffTo combat ineffective stormwater management, especially after Hurricane Agnes,PA Act 167 was put into effect on October 4, 1978. Act 167 was created specificallyto address “inadequate management of accelerated runoff of storm water resultingfrom development throughout a watershed.” The Act requires that counties mustcreate and submit a detailed stormwater plan to the Pennsylvania Department ofEnvironmental Protection that discusses how runoff will be addressed. This processrequires that ordinances and regulations are created, and that they must beadopted by all municipalities within the county.Northwestern Pennsylvania Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater Management4
Homeowner Stormwater Management Requirements inErie CountyFor all additions of new impervious area within Erie County, the followingrequirements contained in the Regulated Activities Table below apply. For detailsregarding the Small Project Stormwater Management (SWM) Application, VolumeControl, and Peak Rate Control, please see the local municipal StormwaterManagement Ordinance.Amount of New Impervious Area(Square Feet or SF)Stormwater Management ApplicationRequirements0 SF new impervious area 1000 SFRequired: Exempt from additionalrequirements1000 SF new impervious area 2500 SFRequired: Documentation of ImperviousArea22500 SF new impervious area 5000 SFRequired: Volume Control(Section 304) and Small Project SWMApplication (See Appendix F)5000 SF new impervious areaRequired: Peak Rate Control (Section305), Volume Control (Section 304), andStormwater Management Site Plan1The municipality can require the applicant to provide supplemental and additional informationbeyond the Small Project SWM Application if there is a threat to property, health or safety2(Optional) The Small Project SWM Application allows documentation of new impervious surface,credits through disconnection of imperious surface and tree planning, and sizing Volume Control BMP’sthat may be required.Note that all Regulated Activities must comply with the State Water QualityRequirements.For further information regarding stormwater management requirements near youplease contact:Michael GuelcherErie County Department of Planning and Community orthwestern Pennsylvania Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater Management5
Section 2: Evaluating Stormwater Runoffon Your PropertyIt is important to fully assess the opportunities and challenges on your propertywhen selecting the most appropriate stormwater management practices. Somepractices may not be feasible, and others may not be practical. Some may even bepotentially dangerous or otherwise problematic. Following these steps will helpeliminate some guesswork, ensure functional and effective practices are selected,and provide the greatest chance of long-term success. This is intended to be aquick reference tool.Step 1 – Create an Existing Condition or Base MapStart with an aerial photo from an online mapping tool like Google Maps, or perhapsa plat if one is available. The figure on Page 7 shows the site constraints that mayaffect the choice of practice and location. First, map the following on your plat oraerial photo: Outline property boundariesHighlight the impervious surfaces such as roofs, decks, sheds, pools,driveways, and sidewalksMark locations of trees and landscaped areasMeasure and calculate the areas of impervious surfaces for use in calculatingsize of practicesStep 2 – Map Flow PathsMark on the map the flow paths of runoff around the site. It is often easier tointercept water where it naturally flows, rather than divert it elsewhere.Step 3 – Map Utilities and EasementsResources such as Pennsylvania One Call may help identify the location ofunderground utilities such as electric, gas, sewer, water, cable andtelecommunications lines, which must be avoided when digging. Always callPennsylvania One Call (dial 811 or 1-800-242-1776) before digging!Step 4 – Map Problem Locations and Areas of InterestErosion, poor grass cover, invasive plants, steep slopes, rocky areas, areas plannedfor some future use, and environmentally sensitive areas such as stream buffersand forest conservation areas are all considerations relating to location andfeasibility of stormwater management practices. Soils also play a big role indetermining which practices are feasible.Northwestern Pennsylvania Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater Management6
Step 5 – Create Proposed Conditions MapMark the locations available for projects. The available space may partiallydetermine which practices are feasible; undersized practices may not withstandstorms or provide any benefit, and oversized practices may not get enough water tosustain the plants that are part of the practice. Use the local municipal regulationsto determine the ideal size of the practices being considered.Northwestern Pennsylvania Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater Management7
Section 3: Creating an Effective Stormwater Planfor Your PropertyTools for the Job - Stormwater Management PracticesThere are several different tools available to effectively treat stormwatermanagement from your property. Each practice has sizing and siting constraints.The table below shows which practices are and are not appropriate for specificlocations. It also lists special needs for certain practices to work on those locations.Four of the most common and easier to install stormwater management practicesare introduced below:RainGardensLocationNext s1. Refer to chapter forguidelines, section“Location and Feasibility”.2. Stormwater planters orultra-urban bioretentionare also options.3. Direct overflow at least5 ft. from foundation.4. Locate undergroundtanks at least 10 ft. fromfoundation. 1. Direct overflow at least25 ft. from well.2,3Next todrinkingwater wellInfiltrationTrenchesand DryWells2,3Next toseptic drainfield 1. Do not site directly ondrain field due to potentialcompression.Under treecanopy 1. Plant selections shouldmatch sunlight conditions.Sandy soils Northwestern Pennsylvania Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater Management8
RainGardensLocation 1Clay soilsInfiltrationTrenchesand DryWells PermeableHardscapes 1VegetatedChannelsNotes 1. Soil amendment orlocalized replacement maybe necessary. See SoilAssessment for moredetail.1Top ofslope 1 1. Locate where they canaccept more runoff.2. Permeable Hardscapescan be at the bottom of aslope, but care should betaken in sizing to notoverload the practice.3. Vegetated channelsshould only be used forslopes between 1% and6%.Bottom ofslope 1. It is important not tosend too much water tothese practices.1Near/overutilitylines 2 221 231 21. Allowable proximity toutility lines should beconfirmed by utilitycompany or municipalgovernment.2. Under certain specialcircumstances, it may bepossible to locate theseover underground utilities,with careful coordinationwith the utility companies.3. Underground tankshave the sameconsiderations as belowground practices. (Seenote 2)Northwestern Pennsylvania Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater Management9
Rain GardensWhat is it?Rain Gardens are shallow landscaped depressions that receive stormwater runofffrom surrounding areas, and hold and naturally treat that runoff. They are verysimilar to Conservation Landscapes, except that they are lower than thesurrounding ground – therefore they collect and treat more runoff. The plants usedin Rain Gardens need to be able to tolerate occasional inundation as well as dryconditions between rain storms. Do:Conduct a full site assessment to choose best spot for Rain GardenPlace Rain Garden in a low spot and direct runoff to Rain GardenConsider “treatment train” options, such as catching roof runoff in RainBarrels and draining those into the Rain GardenCall Pennsylvania One Call before diggingUse appropriate soil mix, depending on existing soil characteristicsWater plants during the first growing season, especially during dry conditionsInspect finished Rain Garden after several stormsDon’t:Place Rain Garden in a soggy area (poorly drained soil) that already stayswet for many days after rainPlace Rain Garden within 10 feet of building foundationPlace Rain Garden under tree canopy, above utilities or septic fields, or nextto wellsCompact the soil under the Rain Garden during excavationA homeowner with experience in landscaping can undertake a simple Rain Gardenproject. Consult a landscape contractor or design profession for moderate tocomplex projects, or when the project requirements are uncertain.Northwestern Pennsylvania Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater Management10
OverviewWhere NOT to Locate a Rain GardenNorthwestern Pennsylvania Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater Management11
Recommended Maintenance for Rain Gardens Maintenance TasksFrequencyWater often during the first 2 months, and then asneeded during first growing season (April-October),depending on rainfallExpect up to 10% of the plant stock to fail in the firstyear, and plan accordingly for replacement plantsUpon establishmentSmall herbaceous plantswill require more watering Check and repair eroded areasCheck inlets and overflow areas for debris or leaves thatare blocking flow Remove weeds by hand For meadow type Rain Gardens consisting of grasses,mow the Rain Garden in early springFor other types of plantings, check for winter damageand add mulch to bare spots as desired (2–3 inches).Do not let mulch touch base of plants.Cut back perennials and remove dead growthHigh winter wildlife value perennials/grasses can be leftuntil they start sprouting in the spring Add reinforcement planting to maintain the desiredvegetation densityPrune trees and shrubsThin herbaceous plants as desiredRemove excess leaf matter after all leaves have fallenin the fall Remove invasive plants using recommended controlmethodsRemove any dead or diseased plantsStabilize bare areas draining to the Rain Garden,especially if there is erosionRemove trash Remove accumulated sediment at inflow points After heavy rains in first6 monthsPeriodically in subsequentyearsMonthly for first growingseasonEvery 3 months insubsequent yearsFebruary or MarchFallAs neededAnnuallyNorthwestern Pennsylvania Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater Management12
Infiltration Trenches and Dry WellsWhat is it?Infiltration Trenches and Dry Wells are gravel-filled trenches and pits,respectively, that temporarily store stormwater runoff and allow it to seep into theground. The primary functional structure of an Infiltration Practice is the belowground gravel reservoir, as the water infiltrates into the soils through the base ofthe practice. The underlying soils must allow water to percolate through.Infiltration Trenches are typically open-topped, and Dry Wells are typically coveredover with a layer of soil and planted with grass to blend in. Do:Locate any utilities present when planning location of Dry WellsPlan for removal, disposal or use of excess soilSize the Infiltration Trench or Dry Well properly, and plan carefully for overflowsCall Pennsylvania One Call to locate any utility lines before diggingScarify (roughen) the bottom of the trench or basinPlace gravel in 4-12 inch layersDon’t:Install close to building foundation, especially if uphill from buildingLocate near water wells or septic fieldsUse filter fabric on the bottom of the excavationCompact the soils in the trenchRush if the excavation is near utilities – a little extra time could save a lotNorthwestern Pennsylvania Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater Management13
OverviewWhere NOT to Locate an Infiltration PracticeNorthwestern Pennsylvania Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater Management14
Recommended Maintenance for Infiltration Practices Maintenance TasksFrequencyEnsure the contributing drainage area is stabilized, andrepair any areas that are erodingCheck downspouts and channels leading to the trenches,and remove any accumulated debrisQuarterlyCheck observation wells (if any) 3 days after a rain eventwith ½ inch of rainfall or greater.Treat the practice for clogging if standing water is stillpresent after 3 daysIf no observation wells are included, but the practice isvery shallow, observe ponding by removing some peagravel at the surface of the trenchTwice/year(Clogging troubleshooting) If the Infiltration Trench starts to drain slowly, remove thetop pea gravel or topsoil/turf layer. If filter fabric ispresent, this may be the source of the clogging. Removethis layer of filter fabric. Check to see if the trench willdraw down and replace the overlying material with cleanpea gravel or topsoil. If a Dry Well does not drain properly, dig down to checkinflow points for excessive leaves or debris.Once/year or asneeded(Overhaul) If the Infiltration Trench or Dry Well is clogged from thebottom, and water stands on the surface, then the practicewill need to be reconstructed. If the issue is the underlyingsoils, the practice should be replaced with a Rain Garden orConservation Landscape.Once/year or asneededInfiltration Practices should be designed and constructed by a contractor withexperience and knowledge about this practice. The design and construction detailsprovided in this chapter may allow homeowners to better understand the practice,but not to construct this practice without the help of an experienced contractor.Northwestern Pennsylvania Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater Management15
Permeable HardscapesWhat is it?Permeable Hardscapes use alternatives to traditional paving materials that allowwater to seep into the ground rather than become runoff. The surface materialsused can be pavers that have spaces between them to allow water to flow through,or in some cases, porous concrete or asphalt. After infiltrating through the surfacelayer, rainfall seeps into a thick layer of gravel below. This gravel stores and thenslowly routes the water into the ground or to a stable outfall. PermeableHardscapes at the residential and small commercial or institutional scale aretypically used for walkways, patios, or parking spots. Do:Test soil to determine suitability for Permeable Hardscape (needs infiltration rate1 inch/hour or more)Add underdrain if soils infiltrate slowly, or if the drainage area is largeAdd a grass filter strip or other pre-treatment of incoming water to minimizemaintenance and chances of failureRake, till, or otherwise scarify the bottom surface of the excavation to improveinfiltrationCheck levels and elevations carefully and frequently during installationMake sure the edges around the installation are solid. If the surroundings slumpor get washed away, so will the hardscape!Don’t:Locate next to building foundation, water well, septic fieldDirect runoff toward a building foundationSend too much water to Permeable Hardscape, especially from pervioussurfaces. Too much fine sediment cloggingIgnore manufacturer specifications and recommendations – each product mayhave different requirementsPressure-wash the spaces between pavers to clean sediment. Instead, use lightvacuuming.Northwestern Pennsylvania Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater Management16
OverviewWhere NOT to Locate a Permeable HardscapeNorthwestern Pennsylvania Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater Management17
Recommended Maintenance for Permeable HardscapesMaintenance Tasks ScheduleSweep the surface if sand or debris accumulatesLeaf blowers can also be used, but make suredebris is removed from the pavement surfaceAgitate with a rough brush and vacuum thesurface with a wet/dry vac if the joints fill withsandRemove and replace clogged blocks in segmentedpaversHire a vacuum sweeper to restore the surface formoderate or larger applicationsRepair any structural damage to the paver surface(e.g., cracking, broken pavers, sinkholes)As needed, particularly atchange of seasons whenleaves, winter sanding,and other debris mayaccumulateRepair and stabilize any areas that are eroding orwashing dirt or debris onto the surfaceCheck downspouts and channels leading to thePermeable Hardscape and remove anyaccumulated debrisQuarterly, if other areasdrain to the hardscapePer
Northwestern Pennsylvania Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater Management 2 Northwestern Pennsylvania Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater Management . This guide is intended to help property owners living in Northwestern Pennsylvania evaluate current runoff pathways and identify practices to better manage stormwater runoff on their properties.
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