DOCSLIB.ORG

Water Resources Plan Shaping Our Future a Comprehensive Plan for Montgomery County

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Water Resources Plan Shaping Our Future a Comprehensive Plan for Montgomery County Water Resources Plan Shaping Our Future A Comprehensive Plan for Montgomery County M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y P E N N S Y L V A N I A Montgomery County Commissioners James R. Matthews, Chairman Thomas J. Ellis, Esq. Ruth S. Damsker Montgomery County Planning Commission Board P. Gregory Shelly, Chair Scott Exley, Vice Chair Dulcie F. Flaharty Henry P. Jacquelin Pasquale N. Mascaro Megan M. McDonough, Esq. Roy Rodriguez, Jr. Charles J. Tornetta V. Scott Zelov Kenneth B. Hughes, Director Water Resources Plan Shaping Our Future A Comprehensive Plan for Montgomery County 2005 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y P L A N N I N G C O M M I S S I O N Water Resources Plan This plan was financed, in part, by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development. ii Shaping Our Future ofTable Contents Introduction . ix Chapter 1 Water Resources Goals and Actions Goal 31. Provide an Adequate Supply of Water for Both Consumption and Natural Habitats . 1 Goal 32. Protect Water Quality . 1 Goal 33. Effectively Manage Flooding . 2 Goal 34. Create Attractive Stormwater Facilities that Control Flooding, Recharge Groundwater, and Improve Water Quality . 3 Chapter 2 Water Supply Existing Conditions . 5 Public Water Systems, Small Community Systems, and Private Wells . 5 Understanding Water Supply Sources: Public Water . 7 Understanding Water Supply Sources: Private Wells . 8 Ground Water and Generalized Geology of Montgomery County . 8 Triassic Lowlands . 9 Piedmont Uplands . 10 Regulating Major Water Withdrawals: The DRBC and DEP . 11 Regulating Individual Water Supply Systems: The Montgomery County Health Department (MCHD) . 12 Groundwater Supply Problems: Emergency Well Permits and Contamination . 13 Emergency Well Permits . 13 Contaminated Wells . 15 Water Supply Plan . 15 Conservation Measures . 16 Public Water Supply . 19 Individual Well Water Supply . 19 Recommendations . 21 Conclusion . 25 Chapter 3 Water Quality Existing Conditions . 27 Surface Water Quality . 28 Streams . 28 Rivers . 29 Lakes and Ponds . 30 Groundwater Quality . 31 iii Water Resources Plan Neighboring Counties . 32 Causes of Water Contamination . 33 Water Quality Plan . 37 Point Source Pollution . 37 Nonpoint Source Pollution . 39 Using Stormwater Best Management Practices . 39 Limiting The Effects of Land Disturbance . 39 Cutting Down on Runoff . 40 Keeping Golf Courses and Playing Fields Green . 41 Protecting Riparian Corridors . 41 Keeping Agricultural Runoff Under Control . 43 Natural Features Protection Ordinances . 44 Groundwater . 45 Wellhead Protection . 46 Land Acquisition . 47 Conclusion . 47 Chapter 4 Flooding Existing Conditions . 49 Flood Protection Plan . 53 Emergency Services . 53 Preventative Activities . 54 Building Code Development and Enforcement . 54 Drainage System Maintenance . 55 Stormwater Management . 55 Redeveloping Areas . 55 Constriction Points . 55 Property Protection . 56 Acquisition and Relocation . 56 Retrofitting . 56 Floodplain Management . 56 Flood Insurance . 57 Flood Control Structures . 58 Natural Resources Protection . 59 Public Information Programs . 60 Conclusion . 60 Chapter 5 Stormwater Management Existing Conditions . 61 The Stormwater Management System . 61 Managing Runoff . 62 Cumulative Impacts . 65 iv Shaping Our Future Stormwater Plan . 67 Best Management Practices . 68 Stormwater Basins . 71 NPDES Phase II . 72 Conclusion . 73 Chapter 6 Pulling It All Together — The Water Cycle Water Resources as a Whole . 75 Relationship of Water Resources to the Whole Comprehensive Plan . 77 Implementation . 78 Appendix A Montgomery County Health Department Water Quality Standards Water Standards for Wells . 81 Isolation Distances for Wells . 81 Appendix B Superfund Sites as of 2004, Montgomery County PA . 83 Appendix C Common Household Hazardous Waste . 85 v Water Resources Plan vi Shaping Our Future ofList Figures Chapter 1 Figure 1 2000 Montgomery County Private Well Demand: Proportion of People Using Wells by Municipality . 6 Figure 2 Estimated Population Using Public Water and Private Wells by Municipality, 2000 . 7 Figure 3 Residents Using Private Wells: Top Twenty Municipalities . 7 Figure 4 Montgomery County Estimates of New Population Using Private Wells . 8 Figure 5 Generalized Geology in Montgomery County . 9 Figure 6 Montgomery County Sub-basins . ..
Load more

Recommended publications
  • FY 2007 TIP for PA
    DVRPC FY 2007-2010 Transportation Improvement Program for Pennsylvania Modified After June 2006 Adoption Final Version Modified After June 2006 Adoption Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission DVRPC FY 2007 Transportation Improvement Program for Pennsylvania Modified After June 2006 Adoption Pennsylvania Highway Program Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission DVRPC FY 2007-2010 TIP for PA Final Version Pennsylvania - Highway Program Bucks MPMS# 12782 PA 263, York Road Center Turn Lane AQ Code 2010M Cty Line Rd/ Henry Ave & Roberts/Bristol Roadway and Intersection Improvement Warminster Township Funds account for Accrued Unbilled Costs Provide center left turn lane areas and/or median barriers on Old York Road between County Line Road & Henry Ave. and also between Roberts Road & Bristol Road. LET TIP Program Years ($ 000) Later FYs Phase Fund FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 CON STU 2,063 Fiscal Year Total 2,063 0 0 0 0 Total FY 07-10 2,063 MPMS# 12923 Bristol Road Extension AQ Code 2020M US 202 to Park Avenue Major SOV Capacity Two Lane Extension Subcorr(s): 8H Chalfont Borough; New Britain Borough; New Britain Township Provide a two lane extension of Bristol Road (approximately 2000 ft.) from US 202 to Park Avenue. When completed, this improvement will provide a two-lane bypass around Chalfont Borough which will eliminate trips on US 202 and turning movements at the US 202/PA 152 intersection. SAFETEA DEMO #500 - $1.6 Million SAFETEA DEMO #4775 - $400,000 TIP Program Years ($ 000) Later FYs Phase Fund FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY2010
    [Show full text]
  • (TMDL) Assessment for the Neshaminy Creek Watershed in Southeast Pennsylvania Table of Contents
    Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Assessment for the Neshaminy Creek Watershed in Southeast Pennsylvania Table of Contents Page A1.0 OVERVIEW………………………………………………………………………… 1 A2.0 HYDROLOGIC /WATER QUALITY MODELING………………………………. 8 A2.1 Data Compilation and Model Overview………………………………………… 8 A2.2 GIS-Based Derivation of Input Data……………………………………………. 10 A2.3 Watershed Model Calibration…………………………………………………… 10 A2.4 Relationship Between Dissolved Oxygen Levels, Nutrient Loads and Organic Enrichment…………………………………………………………….. 16 B. POINT SOURCE TMDLs FOR THE ENTIRE NESHAMINY CREEK WATERSHED (Executive Summary)……….……….………………………. 18 B1.0 INTRODUCTION.…………………………………………………………………. 19 B2.0 EVALUATION OF POINT SOURCE LOADS……………………………………. 20 B3.0 REACH BY REACH ASSESSMENT……………………………………………… 27 B3.1 Cooks Run (482A)………………………………………………………………. 27 B3.2 Little Neshaminy Creek (980629-1342-GLW)………………..………………… 27 B3.3 Mill Creek (20010417-1342-GLW)…………………………………………….. 29 B3.4 Neshaminy Creek (467)………………………………………….……………… 30 B3.5 Neshaminy Creek (980515-1347-GLW)..…………………….………….……… 32 B3.6 Neshaminy Creek (980609-1259-GLW)………………………..………………. 32 B3.7 Park Creek (980622-1146-GLW)………………………………..……………… 34 B3.8 Park Creek (980622-1147-GLW)……………………………..………………… 35 B3.9 West Branch Neshaminy Creek (492)……………………………..……………. 35 B3.10 West Branch Neshaminy Creek (980202-1043-GLW)…………..……………. 36 B3.11 West Branch Neshaminy Creek (980205-1330-GLW)………………………… 37 B3.12 West Branch Neshaminy Creek (980205-1333-GLW)………………………… 38 C. LITTLE NESHAMINY CREEK……………………………………………………… 40 D. LAKE GALENA……………………………………………………………………… 58 E. PINE RUN…………………………………………………………………………….. 78 i Table of Contents (cont.) Page F. SUB-BASIN #1 OF WEST BRANCH NESHAMINY CREEK……………………… 94 G. SUB-BASIN #2 OF WEST BRANCH NESHAMINY CREEK……………………… 107 H. SUB-BASIN #3 OF WEST BRANCH NESHAMINY CREEK…………………….. 121 I. SUB-BASIN #4 OF WEST BRANCH NESHAMINY CREEK……………………… 138 J. COOKS RUN………………………………………………………………………….. 155 K.
    [Show full text]
  • Neshaminy Act 167 Ordinance
    NESHAMINY CREEK WATERSHED ACT 167 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE Implementing the requirements of the Neshaminy Creek Watershed Act 167 Stormwater Management Plan (includes Little Neshaminy Creek Watershed) ORDINANCE NO.________ WARMINSTER TOWNSHIP, BUCKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Adopted at a Public Meeting Held on __________________, 20__ - 1 - TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE ARTICLE I. GENERAL PROVISIONS............................................................................. 4 §101. Short Title......................................................................................................... 4 §102. Statement of Findings....................................................................................... 4 §103. Purpose............................................................................................................ 5 §104. Statutory Authority............................................................................................ 5 §105. Applicability/Regulated Activities ...................................................................... 6 §106. Exemptions ...................................................................................................... 6 §107. Repealer........................................................................................................... 8 §108. Severability....................................................................................................... 8 §109. Compatibility with Other Ordinance or Legal Requirements.............................. 8 ARTICLE II. DEFINITIONS
    [Show full text]
  • Neshaminy Creek Watershed Ordinance
    WARRINGTON TOWNSHIP NESHAMINY CREEK WATERSHED ACT 167 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE Implementing the requirements of the Neshaminy Creek Watershed Act 167 Stormwater Management Plan (includes Little Neshaminy Creek Watershed) ORDINANCE NO.________ Warrington Township, Bucks COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Adopted at a Public Meeting Held on XXXXXXXX, 2011 Warrington Township Neshaminy Creek Watershed Act 167 Ordinance - 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE ARTICLE I. GENERAL PROVISIONS .............................................................................4 Section 101. Short Title ..................................................................................................4 Section 102. Statement of Findings ................................................................................4 Section 103. Purpose .......................................................................................................5 Section 104. Statutory Authority ....................................................................................5 Section 105. Applicability/Regulated Activities.............................................................6 Section 106. Exemptions ................................................................................................6 Section 107. Repealer .....................................................................................................8 Section 108. Severability ................................................................................................8 Section 109. Compatibility with Other Ordinance
    [Show full text]
  • (TMDL) Assessment for the Neshaminy Creek Watershed In
    C2.0 Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Development Plan for Little Neshaminy Watershed 19 Table of Contents Page Executive Summary ……….…………………………………………………………….. 22 C2.0 Introduction ………………………………………………………………….……. 23 C2.0.1 Watershed Description …………………………………………… .…… 23 C2.0.2 Surface Water Quality ………………………………………… …….…. 23 C2.1 Approach to TMDL Development…………………………………………...……… 25 C2.1.1 Water/Flow Variability Resulting from Urban Runoff/Storm Sewers … 26 C2.1.2 Siltation Caused by Urban Runoff/Storm Sewers ……………….……… 26 C2.1.3 Nutrients and DO/BOD from Municipal Point Sources..…………..…… 26 C2.1.4 Oil and Grease from Other Sources…………………………………….. 26 C2.1.5 Watershed Assessment and Modeling………………………………….. 27 C2.2 Load Allocation Procedure for Sediment TMDL ……………….………………….. 28 C2.2.1 TMDL Total Load ..…………………………………………………..….. 29 C2.2.2 Margin of Safety ………………………………………...……………… 29 C2.2.3 Waste Load Allocation for Sediment………………………..……………. 29 C2.2.4 Sediment Load Reduction Procedures………………………..…………… 29 C2.3 Consideration of Critical Conditions ………………………………………………. 30 C2.4 Consideration of Seasonal Variations …………………………………..………..… 30 C2.5 Reasonable Assurance of Implementation ……………………………………….... 31 C2.6 Public Participation …………………………………………………………. …….. 31 20 List of Tables Page C2.1. Physical Characteristics of Little Neshaminy ……………………………………. 25 C2.2. Loading Values for Little Neshaminy Watershed, Year 1992 Land Use Conditions …………………………..………………….. 27 C2.3. Loading Values for Little Neshaminy Watershed, Year 2000 Land Use Conditions …………………………..…………………… 28 C2.4. Header Information for Tables C2.2 and C2.3………………………………..…… 28 C2.5. Sediment Load Allocation by Land Use/Source ……………………….……….... 30 List of Figures Page C2.1. Little Neshaminy Watershed ……………………………………………….……. 24 21 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Little Neshaminy Creek is a tributary of Neshaminy Creek, and its watershed covers an area of 43.2 square miles in Bucks and Montgomery Counties.
    [Show full text]
  • Delaware River Basin
    DELAWARE RIVER BASIN NATIONAL PARK SERVICE | NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS SYSTEM | US DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVER VALUES DELAWARE RIVER BASIN | NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVER VALUES DELAWARE RIVER BASIN DELAWARE | NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVER VALUES NATIONAL Photo: David B. Soete PENNSYLVANIA • NEW YORK • NEW JERSEY EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA NATIONAL PARK SERVICE | NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS SYSTEM | US DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR DELAWARE RIVER BASIN CONTENTS WILD AND SCENIC RIVER VALUES PENNSYLVANIA, NEW YORK, AND NEW JERSEY Overview ....................................... 4 Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River ....... 50 Dear friends of the Delaware River Basin, The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act . 7 ° Cultural . 52 Outstandingly Remarkable Values . 10 ~ Lower Delaware River (including Tinicum Creek, What comes to mind when you think about the Delaware River and its tributaries? Tohickon Creek, and Paunacussing Creek) . 52 ° Cultural Values . 12 Do you think of a beautiful river valley where one can experience solitude in nature and Ecological Values . 14 ° Ecological . 53 enjoy the incredible scenery of the meandering river and forested hillsides? A family friendly ° ~ Lower Delaware River . 53 destination that provides great opportunities for boating, fi shing, and picnicking? A rare example ° Geological Values . 16 ~ Tinicum Creek . 54 of a large, undammed river that allows continual natural migration of native fi sh from the sea to ° Recreational Values . 18 the river headwaters and back? An intact network of aquatic and riparian habitat that supports Scenic Values . 19 ~ Tohickon Creek . 54 abundance and diversity of plants, fi sh, birds, and other animals? A waterway and valley with an ° ~ Paunacussing Creek .
    [Show full text]
  • Pesticide Compounds in Streamwater in the Delaware River Basin, December 1998–August 2001
    NATIONAL WATER-QUALITY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM Pesticide Compounds in Streamwater in the Delaware River Basin, December 1998–August 2001 Scientific Investigations Report 2004-5105 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey NATIONAL WATER-QUALITY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM Pesticide Compounds in Streamwater in the Delaware River Basin, December 1998–August 2001 Scientific Investigations Report 2004-5105 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey Pesticide Compounds in Streamwater in the Delaware River Basin, December 1998–August 2001 By R. Edward Hickman Prepared as part of the NATIONAL WATER-QUALITY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM Scientific Investigations Report 2004-5105 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Department of the Interior Gale A. Norton, Secretary U.S. Geological Survey Charles G. Groat, Director U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2004 For sale by U.S. Geological Survey, Information Services Box 25286, Denver Federal Center Denver, CO 80225 For additional information write to: District Chief U.S. Geological Survey Mountain View Office Park 810 Bear Tavern Road West Trenton, NJ 08628 For more information about the USGS and its products: Telephone: 1-888-ASK-USGS World Wide Web: http://www.usgs.gov/ Any use of trade, product, or firm names in this publication is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual copyright owners to reproduce any copyrighted materials contained within this report. iii Foreword The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is committed to serve the Nation with accurate and timely sci- entific information that helps enhance and protect the overall quality of life, and facilitates effec- tive management of water, biological, energy, and mineral resources.
    [Show full text]
  • Marking 25 Years As the Voice of the Delaware River 1988
    Delaware riverkeeper Network Marking 25 Years as the Voice of the Delaware River 1988 39 York Street Lambertville, NJ 08530 1994 1997 1298 General Washington Memorial Boulevard PO Box 326 Washington Crossing, PA 18977 2002 2000 2005 2008 2006 300 Pond Street Bristol, PA 19007 2011 925 Canal Street, Suite 3701 Bristol, PA 19007 2013 River Reflections: 25 Years of Speaking for the River Maya van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper oo often the needs of our rivers go unde- action. Our restoration work has restored the ecologi- fended, their enemies unchallenged. Rivers cal functions and values of numerous local streams. Tcannot speak for themselves; they cannot take We have helped many communities organize around those who harm them to court. In the late 1980s, even local streams and local issues, and given citizens the though the health of the Delaware River had recov- tools they need to take meaningful and successful ac- ered from the days when pollution caused a 20 mile tion. oxygen dead zone in the Philadelphia/Camden reach, I wish I could say that my job was done, the Riv- a small group of individuals became convinced that er and its tributaries protected and restored, but as the Delaware River needed an individual who could in 1988, the River still needs an individual to speak personify the importance taking personal responsibil- for it today. The Delaware River is unique and mag- ity for river protection. nificent, but it continues to be threatened by under- At that time, a New York citizen-based environ- regulated stormwater, toxic discharges, massive water mental organization had appointed its own watchdog, withdrawals, dredging and more.
    [Show full text]
  • Executive Summary Little Neshaminy Creek River Conservation Plan
    Executive Summary Little Neshaminy Creek River Conservation Plan Little Neshaminy Creek at Forks of the Neshaminy September 2007 Project was funded by a Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund Program Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 85 Old Dublin Pike Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. Doylestown, PA 18901 (215) 345-7020 (215) 345-4328 www.heritageconservancy.org Pennsylvania Coastal Zone Management Program FINAL REPORT “Little Neshaminy Creek River Conservation Plan” Final Report September 2007 CZM PROJECT NUMBER: CZ1: 2004-PD.08 This project was funded, in part, through a Federal Coastal Zone Management Grant, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Funding provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), United States Department of Commerce, under Award Number: NA07OZ0130. The views expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA, the PA DEP nor any of their sub-agencies. Acknowledgements This project is funded in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnership Program, administered by the Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Matching funds were provided through a grant of the Pennsylvania Coastal Zone Management Program, funded by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration and administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The following
    [Show full text]
  • Sewage Treatment Facilities 2005 Status Report
    SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES 2005 Status Report Montgomery County, Pennsylvania MONTGOMERY COUNTY Commissioners Chairman Thomas Jay Ellis, Esq. James R. Matthews Ruth S. Damsker Planning Commission Board Members Chairperson P. Gregory Shelly, Vice Chairperson Scott Exley, Dulcie F. Flaharty Henry P. Jacquelin Pat N. Mascaro Megan M. McDonough, Esq. Roy Rodriguez, Jr. Charles J. Tornetta V. Scott Zelov Director Kenneth B. Hughes, SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES 2005 Status Report Prepared 2007 Montgomery County Planning Commission . Table of Contents Introduction....................................................................... .1 Summary of Findings ................................................................ .6 Condition of Sewage Facilities ......................................................... .9 Distribution, Status, and Growth of Municipal Sewage Treatment Plants.......................... .9 Appendix A – Glossary of Sewage Facilities Terms ......................................... .19 Appendix B – Sewage Fees ........................................................... .21 Appendix C – Sewage Facilities Survey Results ............................................ .23 Appendix D – List of Municipal and Nonmunicipal Sewage Treatment Plants ..................... .45 Appendix E – Montgomery County Sewage Treatment Contacts ............................... .51 Sewage Treatment Facilities Status Report 2005 iii Sewage Treatment Facilities Status Report 2005 iv List of Figures Figure 1 Sewage Treatment Plants with Excess Capacity ..................................
    [Show full text]
  • Neshaminy Creek Environmental Control (NCEC)
    Neshaminy Creek Environmental Control (NCEC) David Litz, Yunjie Yu, RoseMarie Scalzo, Garrett Becker, Liancheng Jin University of Delaware UAPP 411: Watershed Management Dr. Gerald Kauffman Mission Statement The NCEC’s mission is to restore and protect the Neshaminy Creek watershed by increasing wildlife habitat by 20%, reduce flooding by 30%, and accomplish fishable and swimmable water quality standards throughout the watershed by the year 2040. History The Neshaminy Creek is a 40.7 mile-long stream that runs through all of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. This stream begins in the borough of Chalfont and flows southeast toward Bristol Township and Bensalem Township into the Delaware River. Running mostly through suburban areas to the north of Philadelphia, a few sections of rural and semi-rural terrain and forested areas remain. Neshaminy Creek also runs through through two state parks, Tyler State Park and Neshaminy State Park. The Leni Lenape first named this stream to translate to “the place where we drink twice.” The Nehsaminy Creek was the first stream in Bucks County to have been crossed by ferries and bridges. The Neshaminy Creek was the first stream in bucks county to be crossed by bridges and ferries. The creek was used for early transportation and shipping needs. Because of the frequency of transportation, it was declared a public highway on March 9, 1771. Over the years, the creek has been target to many historical floods. Two of the largest floods were in 1833 and 1865. Both flood destroyed bridges and the flood in 1865 destroyed a dam. During the flood of 1865, the flow was so great it reached the shore line of New Jersey and deposited debris across the Delaware River, blocking transportation along the river.
    [Show full text]
  • Montgomery Township, Pennsylvania Montgomery Township Experienced Rapid Suburbanization Over the Last Decades
    Montgomery Township, Pennsylvania Montgomery Township experienced rapid suburbanization over the last decades. To better manage runoff, the township initiated a stormwater basin naturalization program to maintain its 66 stormwater basins. In addition, a fee in lieu of installing new stormwater facilities for small land disturbances collects funds to support future water quality improvements. By: Seung Ah Byun, PhD, PE Brandywine Conservancy Background Montgomery Township is located in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, 25 miles north of Philadelphia. The township’s land use characteristics and recent population changes offer several constraints in its water quality protection efforts. The township has a total land area of approximately 11 square miles, 95 percent of which is developed. Much of this development, though not all, is impermeable, leading to flooding and water quality degradation in the township. According to its 2008 comprehensive plan, the majority of Montgomery Township’s land is residential (47 percent), followed by parks/open space (15 percent) and commercial/office (11 percent). Roads, a notable source of impervious surface in communities, make up almost 10 percent of the township’s land use. Less than 1 percent of the township is water. Township officials had the foresight in the 1970s to strategically preserve local open space, riparian corridors, and greenways. Three contiguous open space parcels totaling approximately 270 acres now create an interconnected active and passive recreation area in the township. Township officials see their open space and natural resources as an important community benefit (Supervisor Michael J. Fox 2016). 1 Montgomery Township Case Study Map: Montgomery Township Watershed Population With a population of 25,640 people (2015 Five-Year American Community Survey), Montgomery Township is large by county and state standards: the ninth largest municipality in Montgomery County and the 59th largest municipality in Pennsylvania.
    [Show full text]