COMPREHENSIVE PLAN of the TOWNSHIP of EAST ROCKHILL

Home , Hickory Run State Park, Lake Nockamixon, Tohickon Creek

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN of the TOWNSHIP OF EAST ROCKHILL

May 31, 1987 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE INTRODUCTION 1 COMMUNITY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 3 PART I: INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS CHAPTER A: POPULATION GROWTH 9 Pouulation Trends 9 Population Comuosition 10 Population Proiections 12 Cohort-survival Method 12 Range of Projections 13 Analvsis 14 CHAPTER B: HOUSING GROWTH 17 Past Housing Trends 17 Household Proiections 18 Analvsis 21 CHAPTER C: EMPLOYMENT 23 Existing Emulovment 23 Employment Proiections 26 Location 28 Analysis 29 CHAPTER D: EXISTING LAND USE 31 Extent of Land Uses 31 Distribution of Land Uses 33 Analvsis 35

I PAGE CHAPTERE: VILLAGES 37 Hagersville 38 K&lersville 39 Rich Hill 39 Rockhill Station 40 Analysis 40 CHAPTER F: NATURAL RESOURCES 43 Land Resources 45 Woodlands 45 Farmland 46 Wetlands 48 Special Natural Features 49 Analysis 51 Water ResourceS 52 Watersheds 52 Lakes and Ponds 53 Groundwater 54 Analysis 57 Resource Limitations 58 Steep Slopes 58 Floodplains and Floodplain Soils 60 Restrictive Soils 62 Analysis 66 Resource DeveloDment 67 Mineral Recovery 67 Energy Development 68 Analysis 69 CHAPTER G: COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES 71 Water Facilities 71 Wastewater Facilities 75 Solid Waste Management 78 Police Services 81 Fire Services 82 Emergency Medical Services 84 Parks and Recreational Facilities 85 Classification of Park Facilities 85 Local Patterns of Park Use 93 Schools 93 Analysis 95-102 PAGE CHAPTER H: TRANSPORTATION 103 Functional Highwav Classification 103 Level of Service 104 Traffic Accidents 106 Hiehwav ImDrovements Promams 107 Protection of Highway Functions 108 Public Transportation 110 Abm 112 Analysis 113 CHAPTER I: MUNICIPAL FINANCES 115 DescriDtion 115 v 116 Analvsk 123 PART 11: POLICIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS CHAPTER J: PLAN CONCEPT 125 Planning Area 126 Rural Areas 127 Resource Protection Areas 128 A 'cultural Areas 128 &[Area 130 Subur anAreas 130 Development Areas 131 Areas of Existing Development 132 CHAPTER K. IMPLEMENTATION CONSIDERATIONS 133 Continued Planning Process 133 TransDortation 133 ommendations 135 137 Zoning Ordi nance 138 Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance 138 Sewape Facilities Plan 139 Impact Analysis 139 MuniciDd Finances 140

... 111 LIST OF MAPS

AFTER PAGE PART I: INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS F.l WOODLANDS 46 F.2 IMPORTANTFARMLANDS 48 F.3 ACI'IVEFARMLAND 48 F.4 WETLANDS 50 F.5 FLOODPLAIN AND WATERSHEDS 52 F.6 GEOLOGY 54 F.7 STEEP SLOPES 58 F.8 RESTRICTIVESOILS 64 F.9 SOIL SUITABILITY FOR SUBSURFACE SEWAGE DISPOSAL 66 F. 10 SOIL SUITABILITY FOR SPRAY IRRIGATION 66 G. 1 PUBLIC WATER FACILITIES 72 G.2 WASTEWATER FACILITIES 76 G.3 FIRE PROTECI'ION AND AMBULANCE RESPONSE AREAS 84 G.4 RECREATIONAL FACILITIES 92 H. 1 LEVELS OF SERVICE OF ROADS 106 PART 11: POLICIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS J. 1 LAND USE PLAN 132 K. 1 HIGHWAY CLASSIFICATION 136

N P I i LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES

I PAGE A. 1 POPULATION TRENDS, 1940-1980 10 1 A.2 POPULATION BY AGE AND SEX, 1970-1980 11 A.3 POPULATION PROJECTIONS, 1980-2000 14 A.4 PAST AND PROJECTED POPULATION GROWTH, 1940-2000 15 I B.l CHANGE IN EAST ROCKHILL HOUSING, 1950-1980 19 B.2 PROJECTED HOUSEHOLDS, 1990 and 2000 19 B.3 PROJECTED ADDITIONAL HOUSEHOLDS 19 B.4 PROJECTED HOUSEHOLDS, INCLUDING VACANCIES 19 I B.5 PAST AND PROJECTED HOUSEHOLD GROWTH, 1950-2000 20 c.1 "3ER OF ESTABLISHMENTS AND EMPLOYEES 25 c.2 EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS 27 0 D. 1 EXTENT OF LAND USES 32 D.2 TYPES OF YEAR-ROUND DWELLING UNITS 33 F. 1 RARE PLANTS OF THE PENNRIDGE AREA 50 I F.2 ESTIMATED AVAILABLE GROUNDWATER 56 G .-l FIRE CALLS 82 G.2 TOWNSHIP CONTRIBUTIONS TO FIRE COMPANIES, 1985 83 G.3 NATIONAL RECREATION AND PARK I ASSOCIATION: PARK CLASSIFICATION 87 G.4 TOWNSHIP PUBLIC PARKS: EXISTING AND NEEDED 88 G.5 RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN EAST ROCKHILL TOWNSHIP 92 I G.6 FIVE-YEAR ENROLLMENT PROJECTIONS 94 H. 1 LEVELS OF SERVICE OF ROADS 105 I H.2 DATA FOR PENNRIDGE AIRPORT 113 I I i 1 I I I II 1I L ST OF ABBREVATIONS Ii

BCDH BUCKS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 1I BCPC BUCKS COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION BOCA BUILDING OFFICIALS CONFERENCE OF AMERICA, INC. DRBC DELAWARE RIVER BASIN COMMISSION DVRPC DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION II ECONS ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONGESTION REDUCTION AND SAFETY PROGRAM FEMA FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY II NFIP NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM NRPA NATIONAL RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCIATION PWTA PENNRIDGE WASTEWATER TREATMENT AUTHORITY PBS PENNSYLVANIA BIOLOGICAL SURVEY II PaDER PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES PennDOT PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PCE PERCHLOROETHYLENE ii PBA PERKASIE BOROUGH AUTHORITY scs SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE (U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE) II SEPTA SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY TIP TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEh IENTS PROGRAM TCE TRICHLOROETHYLENE I3 UBSWG UPPER BUCKS SOLID WASTE GROUP II II 1I II II II II II vi II INTRODUCTION

A comprehensive plan is the community's statement of what it is and what it intends to be. Such a plan is a committment I to conserve, if not preserve, certain valuable assets or characteristics of a community. A plan is a document designed to guide change in a community--its future growth i and development. A plan enables a community to make sound decisions concerning its future. These decisions are based on the stated policies of the community, the township's existing I character, the limitations to development (whether they be physical, financial or social), and the need to accommodate anticipated population growth. Comprehensive planning is a continuous process. Hence, a plan must be updated to remain I a viable document. Understanding the importance of the comprehensive plan, the elected officials and planning commission of East Rockhill Township undertook the task of I updating the municipal comprehensive plan which had been accepted in theory in 1969. Since 1969 several factors have arisen which have strong I influences on the future development of East Rockhill. The installation of a sewer system in portions of the township provides the opportunity for new development. Related to this are the problems with on-lot sewer systems in the community. Most soils in the township are limited to such a degree as to make the installation of any conventional on-site systems I impossible and the installation of the majority of alternate systems unadvisable. Additionally, insufficient quantities of water and poor water quality have a substantial impact on the community's growth. The comprehensive plan addresses these i issues and others.

The township recognizes that it is not an isolated community 1 and therefore land use aspects of this plan have been evaluated in light of the comprehensive plans of adjacent municipalities. In particular, the plan examines the villages I bordering Bedminster Township and the problem of water availability shared with Perkasie Borough. I I Thus, this revision to the township's comprehensive plan addresses issues of current importance and recognizes the context of East Rockhill's neighboring communities. The result is a plan that guides the township's development in response to these major issues. This comprehensive plan comprises two major parts, an inventory with analysis of the various elements in the inventory and a concept plan. Part I of the plan contains an inventory of population, housing, employment, land uses, villages, community facilities and services, and transportation. Methods of municipal finance are outlined. The inventory describes and analyzes these various aspects of East Rockhill. Part I1 includes a synthesis of all this information, which along with the goals and objectives listed at the beginning of the plan, is the basis for the concept plan. The concept plan describes future land uses and land use policies for the township.

2 I

COMMUNITY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

This chapter presents the goals and objectives of the comprehensive plan. The goals and objectives are the guidelines under which this plan has been prepared. The goals establish the general actions which the township wishes to take with respect to the protection of the township's rural character and the natural environment, the development of a balanced community, the provision of public facilities and limited governmental services, and the control of the form, location, and timing of growth. Under each goal are a set of objectives that are more specific guidelines for action. The goals and objectives were established at the outset of the planning process to provide a framework for the gathering of information. During the preparation of this plan, discussions suggested that some of the original goals and objectives needed to be revised; some were deleted or revised; and new ones were added. The result is a set of policies that serve as the township's principles for preservation, conservation, land use and development.

Goal: To preserve the rural character of East Rockhill Township as the community grows. Objectives:

1. Direct growth away from those sections of the township which should retain their rural character-where natural resources are extensive and where few community facilities exist that can support intensive growth.

2. Ensure that development is compatible in scale and location with sensitive natural resources, such as floodplains, forests, steep slopes, poor soils and limited groundwater.

3. Protect the township's farmlands from develop-

3 ment which may remove fertile soils from production or interfere with the practice of farming.

4. Prevent haphazard growth throughout the township so that intensive development is limited to areas of the township that can best accommodate growth.

The most significant feature of East Rockhill is its rural character-the extensive forested areas, slopes that are steep arid rocky or gently rolling, the valleys of Three Mile Run and East Branch Perkiomen Creek, the fields and homesteads of numerous farms, and the several small villages scattered at various crossroads. However, this rural character was not protected by the planning policies and land use ordinances enacted prior to the preparation of this comprehensive plan. The prior zoning ordinance permitted intensive development virtually anywhere in the township. The possibility of inappropriate development occurring under these circumstances was great, given East Rockhill's proximity to Sellers- ville and Perkasie boroughs, the presence of major thoroughfares such as Pa. Route 313, and the existence of public sewer and water services in the southern ana western sections of the township.

Goal: To protect the people's right to clean air, pure water, and the other natural and historic resources of our environment; and to guarantee a quality environment for present ana future populations.

Objectives:

1. To preserve the township's unique qualities and resources and to protect natural resources through land use standards which will ensure their protection.

2. To protect the character and qualities of the historic villages and rural countryside through land use regulations.

3. To evaluate the environmental impact of all planning, zoning, and development decisions, and to minimize adverse environmental impacts through sound design ana planning.

4 An environment of high quality is deserved and desired by all. The environment to be protected is both natural and man- made, and its protection involves a vast number of considerations.

Article 1-27 of the Pennsylvania Constitution guarantees all citizens the right to public natural resources in the state. The constitution provides for the state to protect these resources for present and future generations. A municipality can thus justify environmental regulations on the basis of the state constitution and various implementing statutes. One issue that must be confronted in dealing with the environment is that the public good often conflicts with another traditional guarantee, individual property rights. If the environment is to be protected, it appears that both public and private sectors must insist that the users of land consider the character of the land and accept reasonable limitations of their individual property rights.

The built environment is also deserving of protection. The township contains isolated farmlands and villages which create a unique character. Protection of the township's distinctive architecture and residential neighborhoods maintains the community's character. Preservation of the township's rural character will maintain a link with the township's history, will help determine the community's identity, and will add to the variety of the neighborhoods in the township.

Goal: To provide the opportunity for a balanced community containing all types of land uses: residential, agricultural, industrial, and commercial which support and compliment a rural economy.

Objectives:

1. To provide for all reasonable types of land uses so that the widest possible range of opportunities are available to all of the township's residents.

2. To provide zoning which promotes a balanced community in terms of types of land use.

3. To ensure that all socio-economic groups have access to the community by providing all reasonable types of housing.

5 4. To promote the health, safety, and welfare and to ensure a quality living environment by providing for quality housing through sound zoning standards and modern building and fire codes.

5. To preserve agricultural land and encourage the continuation of a strong agricultural industry.

6. To provide land suitable for commercial and industrial uses.

7. To analyze all planning, zoning, and development proposals to ensure that new growth and development enhance the balance of land uses within the township.

In the preparation of land use plans and regulations, land should be allocated for all reasonable types of uses, thereby providing the opportunity to balance community's needs. Such planning and regulation should provide the opportunity for a balance between the township's existing character and the demands of anticipated growth. This balance should be one of specific amounts of land at appropriate locations to accommodate a variety of types and intensities of land use. The communities should present opportunities for people of all socio-economic backgrounds by allocating land for all reasonable types of housing. Agriculture, which has traditionally been a major land use in the township, is vitally related to the land which is set aside for it. Land should be available for commercial uses which provide goods and services for residents. Industrial uses provide employment. By allocating land for all uses, East Rockhill can be assured it is providing a wide range of opportunities for its residents.

Goal: To ensure the orderly and coordinated use of existing public facilities and services in order to implement the goals, policies and programs stated in the township's com prehensive plan.

Objectives:

1. To maintain the rural character of the township by providing the opportunity for services and facilities in areas that are appropriate for the growth of more intensive uses and by prohibiting services and facilities in areas that should remain rural.

6 li

2. To promote sound development practices which I make it possible to provide public facilities and services adequately, including schools, recreation, and police and fire protection.

8 3. To coordinate land use planning with planning for water and sewage facilities.

I 4. To make efficient use of areas currently served by sewer and water facilities and to avoid the extension of these services until the areas around e existing lines are fully developed. 5. To maintain a safe and efficient road network in i accordance with an overall plan. 6. To develop a capital improvements program which I will coordinate land use and financial planning. 7. To analyze the impacts of planning, zoning, and land development decisions to ensure that facil- I ities are adequate to sustain anticipated growth. It is the desire of the township to accommodate growth in the most efficient way possible. Such an accommodation pre- I serves the township as an essentially rural, residential community while growth is guided by the township's ability to permit facilities and services in limited areas. As population I grows, so do the demands for schools, recreational facilities, roads, and police ana fire protection. Most important for the township are the demands for sewer and water facilities. It is I a major role of the township's government to pursue policies which most efficiently provide public facilities and services.

Goal: To control the form, location, and timing of growth I within East Rockhill Township.

Objectives:

1. To utilize the developmen dis rict concept as a means to protect the environment while still allowing opportunities for growth.

2. To control the timing and location of development in the community through the use of the develop-

7 ment district concept, identifying areas which are unsuitable for growth, areas which are most suitable for growth in a given time period and areas which are suited for growth but which should be held in reserve until needed and appropriate to accommodate additional growth.

3. To utilize the development district concept as a tool for planning improvements to the community's facilities and for coordinating the improvements with zoning.

4. To limit centralized sewer service to the development district.

5. To develop regulations so that the individual landowner can choose a variety of alternative methods of using his land. Growth is a dominant factor in developing a plan for an area such as East Rockhill Township. Many of the problems which face the community are generated as the direct or indirect result of growth. It is growth which must be balanced with the preservation of the natural and man-made environment. It is growth which must be guided to ensure that East Rockhill develops as a balanced yet essentially rural community. And it is growth which must be coordinated with the provision of public facilities and services. Decisions about these accomm- odations must refer to both the timing and the location of growth.

8 I PART I: I INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS CHAPTER A: POPULATION GROWTH

A primary purpose of a municipal comprehensive plan is to anticipate and plan for the future growth of a municipality. Population change is an important element of growth affecting many facets of a community. The need for additional housing and municipal services is a result of population growth. In order to plan for this growth effectively a municipality must have an estimate of the amount of growth that is likely to occur for a given time period. This chapter examines past population trends, the age and sex characteristics of the 1970 and 1980 populations, and projected increases in population which East Rockhill Township can anticipate through the year 2000. The chapter also includes a discussion of the method used in making the projections.

POPULATION TRENDS

Between 1940 and 1980, East Rockhill Township's population increased from 1350 to 2971 persons, which was an increase of 120 percent. Population grew at a fairly constant rate during the 1940's and 1950's with increases of 20.4 percent and 22.3 percent, respectively. The greatest growth in population occurred during the 1960's with a 44 percent increase, totalling 876 persons. The 1970's marked a sharp contrast from previous decades. The rate of growth during this period was much slower, at 3.6 percent. Table A.l shows the population figures for East Rockhill Township during the last forty years.

9 TABLE A.l: POPULATION TRENDS, 1940-1980

1940 - 1950 1960 1970 1980 Total 1350 1626 1990 2866 2971 Increase +276 +364 +876 +lo5 per Decade Change 20.4% 22.3% 44% 3.6% per Decade

Source: U.S. Census--1940, 1950, 1960, 1970, 1980

POPULATION COMPOSITION

A review of the cornposition of the population of East Rockhill Township provides a basis for understanding the future needs of the community. Figure A.2 shows the difference in age and gender in five year age groups between 1970 and 1980. The illustration indicates several significant changes that have occurred in the composition of the population.

The number of women in child-bearing years has remained fairly constant between 1970 and 1980. However, the number of females in younger age groups, who will be entering into the household-formation years over the next twenty years, has declined. This fact, in combination with the declining birth rate, suggests that natural increase will not be the major factor contributing to population growth. Instead, migration into the township will be the determining factor of the rate of population growth.

Perhaps the most significant fact is the marked decrease in the number of children from birth through four years of age. This is indicative of the declining birth rate and household

IO FIGURE A.2: POPULATION BY AGE AND SEX East Rock hi1I Township

NUMBER NUMBER OF OF FEMALES AGE MALES 1970 1980 ,- 1970 1980 GROUPS 1970-- 1980 -- 11 20 85 + 11 16

22 34 75 - 84 24 26

67 87 65 - 74 68 100

115 147 55 - 64 144 161

172 170 45 - 54 143 159

166 203 35 - 44 168 203

201 218 25 - 34 218 230

249 252 15- 24 '204 269

279 234' 5- 14 305 255

153 75 under 5 146 112 17 I 300 350 350 360 200 100 0 100 200 size. The implications are that, with the declining birth rates and the fewer number of younger children, the typical dwelling desired by those in the process of forming households may be smaller than typical dwellings in the past.

There also was a slight increase in the number of people aged 65 and over. People are living longer as a result of better medical services, diet, and health practices. This may point to a need for more services and housing oriented toward senior citizens.

POPULATION PROJECTIONS

The population projections used in this document were prepared by the Bucks County Planning Commission as part of its county-wide comprehensive planning efforts. These population projections were made using the cohort-survival method. Incorporated into this method are 1980 Census data. Before discussing the projections, a brief explanation of the process used to make the projections is appropriate.

COHORT-SURVIVAL METHOD

The cohort-survival method simulates the process by which population actually changes by applying birth, death, and migration rates to a starting population. The starting population is broken down in five-year age groups, or cohorts, for each sex. Natural increase is estimated based on rates of birth and death according to the age structure and sex of the population. Net migration is independently calculated. Once birth and death rates are applied to the starting population and new migrants (also broken down by age and sex) are added in, the resulting population forms the base for the next cycle. The process is then repeated for each time period until co m ple ted.

12 7 The advantage of this method is that periodically the projections can be compared with the school census or special census figures. After each federal census, the projections can be reviewed not only in light of total figures, but also in terms of the age-sex composition of the base population, the survival rate assumptions, the birth rate, the net migration rate, and the age-sex distribution of the migrants. Based on the updated information, the projections can be recalculated and extended to provide a reliable tool for decision making.

RANGE OF PROJECTIONS

Using factors for birth rates and net migration, the Bucks County Planning Commission formulated a low and high range of population projections for the years 1990 and 2000. The low range is based on a low birth rate per woman of child-bearing age and a low rate of in-migration. The high range assumes a low birth rate per woman and a high rate of in-migration. A low birth rate is used for both ranges because family size is expected to remain small.

A range of low and high projections is utilized to allow for the imprecision of projections and the uncertainties of the future. For example, migration is difficult to predict because there are many outside influences which affect the rate on both a long-term and a short-term basis. The range allows for these deviations which will occur over the projection period while giving the municipality a realistic foundation for its land-use planning.

The two series of projections which were developed using this method and assumptions are presented in Table A.3. Figure A.4 shows this information graphically. It is anticipated that East Rockhill Township will experience a 50 percent to 60 percent increase in population by the year 2000. This translates into an additional 1,479 to 1,779 persons to the 1980 population.

13 TABLE A.3: POPULATION PROJECTIONS, 1980-2000 1

Low Series High Series Projected 96 Increase Projected %Increase Actual Population from 1980 Population from 1980

1980 2971 1'990 3800 27.9 39U0 31.2 2000 4450 49.7 4750 Source: Bucks County Planning Commission

ANALYSIS

The demographic information shows that the age composition of the township is changing. Indicative of the declining birth rate and household size, there are fewer children. There also is an increase in the number of elderly.

The most important observations which can be macie about the township's demographic characteristics is that, as shown in Table A.3, the 1980 population is expected to increase by 50 to 60 percent by the year 2000. This represents a considerable growth in population resulting in an increased demand for housing and services.

14 FIGURE A.4:

5000,

4500 - PAST AND PROJECTED POPULATION GR0WIl-i 4450 1940 - 2000

4o00,

3500

3000 -'2971 CHAPTER B: HOUSING GROWTH

Housing projections are derived by using the two population projections discussed in the previous chapter. These housing projections are intended to determine an appropriate number and combination of dwellings to meet the needs of the present and future residents of East Rockhill Township.

PAST HOUSING TRENDS

Although East Rockhill is a rural community and the housing stock consists mostly of single-family homes in one form or another, there has been a number of changes as reported in the federal censuses between 1950 and 1980. These changes are indicated in Table B.l. The most significant change relates to the occupancy characteristics. In 1950, 86.7 percent of the housing stock was classified as occupied housing units. These are housing units that are primary, year-round residences. By 1970, almost all housing units were categorized in this manner. The proportion of seasonal homes decreased by 12.1 percent. The ratio of year-round, occupied houses to seasonal houses remained virtually the same in 1980 as in 1970. In terms of absolute numbers, the number of occupied housing units all but doubled in the 20-year period between 1950 and 1970.

Two other changes should be noted. The rate of housing growth declined in the 1970-1980 period. It appears that the national economic down-turn and stricter regulations for on- site septic systems caused this change. In addition, the

17 number of persons per occupied housing unit decreased from 3.3 in 1970 to 2.96 in 1980. This change appears to be due to a number of factors which include fewer children per family, the decreased necessity for different generations of a family to share a house, earlier independence of young adults, and separate housing for senior citizens.

HOUSEHOLD PROJECTIONS

The low and high population projections listed in Table A.3 serve as a basis for determining the number of households to be anticipated to the year 2000. For the purposes of this plan, , the term lfhouseholdllmeans a housing unit intended for year- round occupancy. To determine the total number of households, the projected population totals are divided by an estimated number of persons per household. It is anticipated that the household size in 1990 will decrease from the 1980 ' household size and then increase in 2000 to approximately the 1980 household size. The projected numbers of households are listed in Table B.2.

The number of additional households to be expected in the next two decades is listed in Table B.3. The projections indicate an increase by the year 2000 of 40 to 50 percent over the number of households reported in the 1980 census which was 1061.

In order to plan for the appropriate amount of residential development, it is necessary to include a percentage of vacant new units. These additional units will permit a healthy housing market in which the choices for prospective homeowners will not be severely limited. To do this, the anticipated additional units listed in Table B.3 are increased by a recommended 3.5 percent vacancy rate.1 The projected numbers of households including vacancies are listed in Table B.4.

lPresident's Committee on Urban Housing, ITA Decent Home", U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 1968, pp.24, 88.

18 TABLE B.l: CHANGE IN EAST ROCKHILL HOUSING, 1950-1980

1960 1970 1980 All Housing Units 535 660 88 1 1078 (+23.4%) (+33.5%) (+22.4%)

All Occupied 464 582 870 1061 Housing Units (+25 A%) (+49.5%) (+2 2.0%)

Percentage of Occu- 86.7% 88.2% 98.8% 98.4% pied Housing Units

Persons Per Occu- 3.30 3.41 3.30 2.96 pied Housing Unit

Source: U.S. Census--l950, 1960, 1970, 1980 I TABLE 8.2: PROJECTED HO SEHOLDS, 1990 AND 2000 .. PwnProiemns PeLspIls Per Household Total Households 1990 Low 3800 2.75 1382 High 3900 2.75 1418

2000 Low 4450 2.95 1508 High 4750 2.95 1610

I TABLE B.3: PROJECTED ADDITIONAL HOUSEHOLDS

I Period J ow Ser ies Hiah Series Additional o/o Increase Additional Yo Increase 19% Hous,&olds from 1984 1980-1990 321 30.3% 357 33.7% e 1990-2000 127 11.9% 192 18.0% E Total 448 42.2% 549 51.7%

TABLE 8.4: PROJECTED HOUSEHOLDS, INCLUDING VACANCIES

Period J ow Series j-liah SeriE E TcQl Total 1980-1990 332 1393 369 1430 1990-2000 131 1524 199 1629 /I Total 463 1524 568 1629

I9 FIGURE 8.5: 2000

1750

1500

1250

lo00

750 I

500 464

1' 0 1960 I! '0 1980 1990 2000

20 I I t E I I ANALYSIS

1; The information included in tables B.2 and B.4 provides a range of anticipated household growth through the year 2000. This range is illustrated in Figure B.5. The actual residential development should fall within this range. However, pro- II jections are not predictions. They are estimates based on stated criteria, assumptions and procedures. These figures and the assumptions on which they are based should be reviewed on a regular schedule and revised if necessary. The factors that spurred residential development in the period 1960 to 1980 have changed substantially. Three major aspects among the many factors are the economy, energy costs, and sewage disposal regulations and techniques. These and other changing conditions make a regular review of past and anticipated household growth advisable.

The construction of an appropriate mix of dwelling types and prices is a very complex process. Private interests, such as financiers, developers, and builders, play an active role. Federal, state, and regional governing bodies can stimulate or retard residential development. In addition, there are numerous factors not directly influenced by private interest and government agencies that affect the supply of housing. For example, changes in the population make-up or' in consumer preferences may increase the interest in a particular housing type.

The township has a limited role in the development of housing in the community. Through the comprehensive plan, different dwelling types and development intensities are guided to the appropriate areas. The township's zoning ordinance and building code will aid in ensuring that new housing is safe and sound. An appropriate area for more intensive residential development will be designated. Through the township's

I 21 I guidelines and regulations, private interests will be able to provide a broad range of housing opportunities. These opportunities should meet the needs and preferences of the present and future residents of the community.

22 CHAPTER C: EMPLOYMENT

Good planning requires that a municipality's economic base be inventoried and analyzed. The economic base is important in terms of the municipal tax structure and opportunities for employment for township residents. Consideration of the economic base is also critical because nonresidential development requires infrastructure and services. The impacts of commercial and industrial land uses on adjacent properties must be taken into account as well in the local planning process. Moreover, business development often generates more development and can significantly increase an area's attractiveness for business services and housing. This chapter explores East Rockhill's commercial, industrial, and other nonresidential uses in terms of the number of establishments in the township and the number of employees at these establishments. Employment projections are also exam- ined to provide insight into future economic characteristics of the area. Finally, the chapter discusses locational factors that are important for nonresidential land uses.

EXISTING EMPLOYMENT

In 1980, East Rockhill had sixty-five establishments which employed 1073 workers. Table C.l breaks down the number of establishments and the number of employees by economic sector for 1970 and 1980. The table indicates that con-

23 struction, services, and retail trade are the strongest industries. These three sectors, which are nonbasic industries (that is, consumer- oriented and service activities), had the greatest increase in the number of establishments from 1970 to 1980 and presently have the greatest number of establishments. This increase in consumer-oriented businesses can be attributed in large part to population growth. Basic industries (that is, goods-producing activities) like manufacturing and wholesale trade have experienced both ups and downs over the past ten years. The number of wholesale trade establishments have gone from zero in 1970 to seven in 1980, while the number of manufacturing firms has declined by three. To some degree, the decline in manufacturing firms has contri- buted to the rise in wholesale activity. As manufacturing moves to other locations, wholesale establishments serving local markets become more important to distant manufac- turers. The number of establishments in the other sectors has increased slightly or has remained constant.

The services sector employs more workers in East Rockhill than any other industry. Although the number of manufacturing firms has declined, manufacturing is still the second largest sector in terms of number of employees. This sector is more labor-intensive than construction, retail trade, or wholesale trade, which have smaller ratios of establishments to employees.

24 TABLE C.l: NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS AND EMPLOYEES

1970 1980 Basic Industries Establish m ents Em Dlovees Establishments Em ploy ees Ld

Agriculture 3 5 4 35

Mining - -- 1 D

Manufacturing 7 206 4 66

Wholesale Trade -- -- 7 28

Transportation and 3 50 4 30 Public Utilities

Nonbasic Industries

Construct ion 6 45 19 63

Retail Trade 2 15 9 30

Finance, Insurance, Real Estate -- I 2 14

Services 4 20 13 7 96*

Government 2 186" 2 D

Total 27 527 65 1073

D--Data withheld to prevent disclosure of information for individual firms.

* In 1970, school district employees are included in the government sector, but in 1980, they are included in the services sector.

Source: "1980 Employment Estimates and Year 1990-2000 Employment Pro- jections," Bucks County Planning Commission (November, 1984) and "Bucks County Demographics," Bucks County Planning Commission (1970)

25 EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS

From 1970 to 1980, the number of persons employed in establishments in East Rockhill increased by 104 percent. This growth is expected to continue, although at a slower rate, according to the employment estimates made by the Bucks County Planning Commission. The number of employed persons in both sectors is expected to grow by half by the year 1990 and by three fourths by the year 2000. More specifically, the number of employees in basic industries is expected to remain below the 1970 level through the end of the century, while employment in nonbasic industries will continue to rise. These trends are depicted in Table C.2.

A brief explanation of how these projections were derived is in order. Two methods were used to calculate employment projections: an extrapolation of past trends modified according to current information and a ratio of population to employment growth. The first method was used for basic industries, and the second for nonbasic industries. Basic industries are goods-producing activities, such as agriculture and manufacturing, and are most affected by national employment trends. Therefore, projections for basic industries were based on Bucks County trends adjusted by national trends as they affect important industries in Bucks County. Nonbasic industries are consumer-oriented and service activities, whose growth depends on local population trends. Population projections were used to project nonbasic employment, based on past relationships of population growth and employment growth. The INFOSTATS computer forecasting program was used to project employment for basic and nonbasic industries by linear regression.

26 TABLE C.2: EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS

Basic Nonbasic Basic Nonbasic

Number of 261 266 159 903 Employees

Total Number of Employees 527 1073

1990 Low High Basic Nonbasic Basic Nonbasic

Number of 153 1402 188 1440 Employees Total Number of Employees 1555 1628

% Increase +54% t Over 1980 +44% 2000 Low High E Basic Nonbasic Basic Nonbasic

Number of 210 1643 235 1721 T Employees

Total Number I Of Employees 1853 1956

% Increase 1E Over 1980 +72% +82% - Source: "1980 Employment Estimates and Year 1990- I 2000 Employment Projections," Bucks County Planliing Com mission (November, 1984) B 1 27 LOCATION

Chapter D discusses land uses in East Rockhill. That chapter shows that commercial and industrial land uses occupy a small proportion, only 4.1 percent, of the township's total acreage. That chapter also notes that, even though the acreage of commercial uses increased by 66.7 percent between 1970 and 1980, the impact of this growth is small because the total acreage affected is small. Map D.l shows the locations of nonresidential land uses in East Rockhill. As is to be expected, most of these land uses are located near Perkasie and Sellersville boroughs and along Pa. Route 313, the major highway passing through the township. The major exceptions to this rule are the quarry, on Rockhill Road, and the trades and services in the northeastern corner of the township. Glenwood Village Shopping Center, on Fifth Street at the municipal boundary with Perkasie, is the major concentration center for commercial uses in the township.

Several features of East Rockhill and the surrounding area need to be discussed as locational factors for commercial and industrial uses. Properties located on major thoroughfares adjacent to or connecting concentrations of population can be expected to experience the greatest pressures for commercial development: properties along Fifth Street, Ridge Road, and Pa. Route 313. Manufacturing and wholesale activities seek large tracts of relatively inexpensive, open land, which are abundant in East Rockhill. However, these tracts are most attractive if they are near major transportation routes, such as the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and 1-95, neither of which are easily accessible from East Rockhill. Although Pa. Route 313 passes through the township, this road is actually a highly traveled rural road. This highway currently exhibits problems with traffic flow resulting in part from the industrial traffic which uses the highway. Railroads and airports are other important locational factors. However, the

28 railroad in East Rockhill does not have good connections within the highway network, and the township's airport is located on a thoroughfare that is not suited for heavy industrial traffic.

ANALYSIS

The data on employment reveal several characteristics about nonresidential uses in East Rockhill. The number of establishments and employers in nonbasic industries has increased considerably. However, the number of establishments for basic industries has increased while the number of employees has declined. The employment projections in Table C.2 indicate that these trends in number of employees are expected to continue. The township can thus anticipate the need for more nonresidential land, principally for nonbasic in- dus tries. The location of the few existing nonresidential land uses has been both beneficial and disadvantageous. The commercial properties take advantage of existing concentrations of population and commercial land uses in the boroughs, the availability of public sewer and water service, and adequate roads. At the same time, commercial land uses have not been located in the usual harmful way, as strip development along the township's major roads. However, industrial uses have not taken advantage of such typical attractions as the airport and railroad. Problems with vehicular access make it unlikely that East Rockhill will be an appropriate location for large-scale T industrial development . 1 li I D 29 t CHAPTER D: EXISTING LAND USE

An inventory of existing land use is necessary to determine patterns of development in the township. It is essential to identify areas of existing residential and nonresidential development before land-use policies are formulated. Under- standing present conditions enables a municipality to prepare sound land-use policies which prevent incompatibilities from occurring.

The "1980 Land Use Report" prepared by the Bucks County Planning Commission is the source of the initial data on existing land-use. This information has been checked and updated through field surveys and discussions with the township's residents.

Eight categories are utilized to classify land uses in the township: residential , agricultural, m anuf actur inglm ining , trade/services, utilities, government/education, parksheere- ation, and vacant. Table D.l shows the amount of acreage utilized for each category of land-use in the township. The table includes both 1970 and 1980 data to show recent patterns of development.

EXTENT OF LAND USES

Table D.l indicates that agricultural, residential, and vacant land are the predominant land uses in East Rockhill, accounting for 81 percent of the township's acreage. Although the

31 1 B

amounts of agricultural and vacant land have decreased significantly over the past decade, both uses occupy more than I one half of the township. Meanwhile, residential land has increased by more than 10 percent to occupy over one quarter of the township. Some vacant and agricultural land has been I consumed by residential and other land uses, but the major portion of the converted acreage, about 500 acres, was incorporated as park land for Nockamixon State Park. This resulted in a considerable increase in park and recreational 1; land. I

TABLE D.l: EXTENT OF LAND USES R

1970 1980 1970-1980 I Acres Percent Acres Percent % Change in Share

Residential 2,057.5 24.4 2,318.4 27.5 12.7 Agr icultur a1 2,859.0 33.9 2,536.8 30.1 -11.2 Mfg./Mining 246.1 2.9 258.7 3.0 3.5 Trade/Services 107.9 1.2 170.1 2.0 66.7 Utilities 143.3 1.7 282.9 3.3 94.1 Govt./Education 13.5 0.1 131.6 1.5 1,400.0 I Parks/ Recreat ion 164.6 1.9 662.3 7.8 310.5 Vacant 2,826.2 33.5 2,057.3 24.4 -27.2

Total* 8,418.1 100.0 8,418.1 100.0 -.- E * Numbers and percents may not add due to rounding. Commercial and industrial uses take up only a small proportion of the township's acreage. The amount of land used for t government, education, and utilities is also minimal. Thus, the percentage change of each of the land uses from 1970 to 1980 is large, but the total acreage affected is small. For example, 1 the 1,400 percent increase in land devoted to governmental and educational uses, resulting mainly from the construction of the Pennridge High School, increased the total acreage of this t land use to only 132 acres, or 1.5 percent of the township's total area.

32 DISTRIBUTION OF LAND USES

Residential uses are situated throughout the township. The predominant housing type is single-family detached dwellings, which account for approximately 90 percent of all year-round dwelling units. Mobile homes, although not a prevalent type of single-family housing, are scattered throughout the township. East Rockhill's multifamily units are approximately 10 percent of the total. Most of these units are in single-family houses which have been converted to accommodate two or more families; East Rockhill also has two small apartment complexes, Ridgeview Apartments and Fifth Street Apartments. Table D.2 gives a breakdown by housing type of dwelling units, excluding those that are occupied only seasonally.

TABLE D.2: TYPES OF YEAR-ROUND DWELLING UNITS

Single-family detached 861 Mobile homes 62 Single-family attached 12 Multifamily; 2-4 units 103 Multifamily; 5+ units 22

Total 1060

Industrial uses in East Rockhill, as listed in the 1980 Dun's File, include four manufacturing firms and a quarry. The manufacturing firms are located just north and east of Perkasie Borough. The quarry, which is not operating at the present time, is located on the eastern side of Rock Hill Road near Rockhill Station.

33 Commercial land uses are situated at various locations along Pa. Route 313 and Ridge Road. These facilities include convenience services, trades, a few offices, and small family businesses. A major concentration of commercial land is located on Fifth Street at the township's boundary with Perkasie Borough. Glenwood Village Shopping Center and the headquarters of Bucks County Bank and Trust Company are located here. In the northeastern corner of the township, several large tracts are occupied by Clymer Health Clinic, the Shrine of the Rosicrucians, and the Tohickon Camp Ground, which are classified as commercial.

Most of the governmental/educational acreage comprises the schools of the Pennridge School District: Robert B. Deibler Elementary, Pennridge Central Junior High, and Pennridge Senior High. The site of the Township Building is also included in this land-use classification.

The land uses classified as utilities include East Rockhill's roads and the Conrail railroad that runs north to south in the western half of the township. Other major utilities include the airport and the Perkasie Borough Authority's tract at Rockhill Road and Three Mile Run Road.

Two tracts are classified as parks and recreational land. State Game Land #139 comprises 121 acres in the northwestern part of the township, and 500 acres along the township's eastern boundary are included in Nockamixon State Park.

As stated earlier, much of the acreage of the township is classified as vacant and agricultural land uses. Most of East Rockhill's 2,057 acres of vacant land is heavily wooded and lies north of Three Mile Run. Conversely, almost all of the township's 2,536 acres of agricultural land lies south of Three Mile Run.

34 ANALYSIS

There is no definitive pattern of land use in the township. Residential uses, which cover one fourth of the land area, are dispersed throughout the township. Although commercial and industrial uses are not predominant, their locations have an impact on land use patterns. These nonresidential land uses t are also scattered throughout the township with the exception of the Glenwood Village Shopping Center east of Perkasie. Perhaps the most recognizable aspects of a land use pattern in 1 East Rockhill are the predominance of vacant land north of Three Mile Run and agricultural land south of Three Mile Run.

A scattered land use pattern ignores several factors which I should be taken advantage of as the township develops. These include the concentration of intensive development in Perkasie and Sellersville boroughs; corn munity facilities such as public water and sewer systems; the transportation network, including the railroad and airport; steep slopes, forests, agricultural soils, aquifers, and other sensitive natural resources. As the township continues to grow, the need to organize land uses according to such factors as these will become stronger. The benefits to be gained from properly directed growth include fiscal efficiency, an improved natural environment, and a higher quality of life for East Rockhill's residents.

35 CHAPTER E: VILLAGES

East Rockhill is the locale of several crossroads communities where goods, services, and companionship could be found for over 200 years by residents in the surrounding countryside. In the past, these villages were the sites of post offices, political rallies, tanneries, carriage works, and blacksmiths more con- veniently situated than the nearby towns of Quakertown, Perkasie, and Sellersville. Modern transportation has reduced the convenience of the township's villages, and today they have lost some of the population and most of the commercial activity that characterized them a century ago. East Rockhill's villages are still important for the purposes of land use planning. They are significant clusters of land uses, and are distinctly different from the surrounding farm fields and wooded hillsides. The villages contain interesting examples of late nineteenth and early twentieth century architecture. Although their importance has lessened in recent decades, the vill~gesare still concentrations of residential and commercial activity, and they are the source of a feeling of community for many of their residents.

This chapter describes the four villages in East Rockhill. (The location of these villages are shown on Map J.l: Land Use Plan.) Before addressing the villages individually, it would be helpful to present the features common to all the villages, features which in fact make them villages. The villages are, first of all, small concentrations of closely spaced buildings found at or very near an intersection of primary roadways. Usually a dozen or so detached buildings sit close to the cartway on lots of a quarter or a half acre. Front yards are shallow-often making visibility difficult for motorists at intersections-and many lots have trees in front of the buildings. Most of the buildings are single-family residences. Generally, the villages are populated by no more than one hundred inhabitants. All have nonresidential land uses--a church, store, etc. The township's villages are linear in form, with lots fronting directly on one of the intersecting roads and with no interior streets. The village boundaries are usually well defined by the contrasting woodlands or farm fields, which often start at a slope, stream, or roadway at the village's edge.

37 A peculiar characteristic of' all but one of the township's villages is that they lie only partially in East Rockhill. Hagersville and Keelersville lie on the township's eastern border with Bedminster; and Rich Hill lies in West Rockhill and Richland townships, as well as in East Rockhill. Only Rockhill Station is situated entirely in East Rockhill.

HACERSVILLE

Hagersville is a small village on the eastern boundary of the township, some of which is in Bedminster Township. The heart ,of the village is at the intersection of Fifth Street and Old Bethlehem Road. Properties in the village front on Old Bethlehem Pike, on Fifth Street between Old Bethlehem Road and Dublin Pike (Pa. Route 313), and on the northern side of Dublin Pike. The edges of the village are very distinct with . the small village properties forming a definite line with the adjacent fields.

The village as it exists today can be divided into three distinct areas. One is the area along Dublin Pike, which comprises commercial properties. Another, is the area along Fifth Street, which is residential with the houses being approximately twenty to thirty years old. The third area is at the intersection of Fifth Street and Old Bethlehem Road, which is the oldest section of the village and is now entirely residential. Although the area around Fifth Street and Old Bethlehem Road is exclusively residential today, it is obvious that this is the heart of the original village. In the 1870's the village had a store, hotel, blacksmith and wheelwright shop, two coach factories, and a post office.

Both Old Bethlehem Road and Fifth Street carry low volumes of traffic. The paved cartways are narrow--Old Bethlehem Road is twenty feet and Fifth Street is eighteen feet-arld the shoulders are narrow where they exist. One problem confronting this village is a concentration of failing on-site sewer syst e m s.

38 KEELERSVILLE

Keelersville stands at the intersection of Old Bethlehem Road and Ridge Icoaa, and, as with Hagersville, the Bedminster/East Rockhill township line divides Keelersville.

At one time the village had a population of 170 and had a store, hotel, shops, a large tannery and leather manufacturing operation, and a church. The church is now St. Peter's Tohickon United Church of Christ and is the primary landmark of the village. Since its prime, the village has changed into a residential community with the one commercial use, a riding stable. Several of the residences have on-site sewer systems which do not function properly. The original portion of Keelersville is on Old Bethlehem Road north of Ridge Road. The village begins a property or two in from Ridge Road and extends on both sides of the road to the church.

RICH HILL

The center of Rich Hill lies at the intersection of Old Bethlehem Pike and Schukraft Road, but the village extends for some distance north and south along Old Bethlehem Pike. Rich Hill ends abruptly on the west at Pa. Route 309 and on the east at the wood's edge. Although this is a large village with several handsome brick and stone buildings, very little of the village stands within East Rockhill.

Rich Hill is predominantly residential. Only a couple of businesses are located here, and the asphalt parking lot near the northeastern corner of Old Bethlehem Pike and Schukraft Road (in Richland Township) is not in keeping with the rest of the village. The farm fields to the south and the woods to the east of Rich Hill give the village a quiet character. This

39 I I I

character prevails despite the presence of Pa. Route 309 in a I small valley just west of Rich Hill and the Vocational Center of Upper Bucks at the northern edge of the village. I I ROCKHILL STATION I Rockhill Station lies astride Rock Hill Road between the entrance to the quarry and Muskrat Road. It is the only I village in the township not located at an intersection, and it is the only one that is not partially in another municipality. Another feature that makes Rockhill Station unique is the only confirmed discovery of gold in Bucks County. 1

All of the dozen or so buildings in Rockhill Station are wood- frame and masonry residences. Although none of the buildings I is distinguished architecturally, the buildings have a consistency of scale that gives the village an identity. Identity is also created by the distinct edges formed by the woods, the I quarry, and the railroad tracks. Some of these residences have faulty onsite septic systems which need to be corrected. 1

ANALYSIS I 1 The township's villages vary considerably in the strength of their identity, both physically and socially. Only one of the villages lies entirely within East Rockhill. These factors make it difficult to establish special programs, such as historic I district designation, for the villages. Nevertheless, these difficulties do not preclude the possibility of special programs if the residents of a village voice a need for them. I The villages are distinctive settlement patterns that should be reflected in the township's land use ordinances. Use regu- I I 40 1 I I I

lations and areal and dimensional requirements in particular I' should be compatible with existing conditions and reinforce the villages' characters. However, several of the villages have ~I concentrations of failing on-site sewer systems. If the character of these villages is to be preserved by allowing for the continuation of small lots, then measures will have to be taken to ensure that the existing septic problems are not I exacerbated by future development on the small lots.

All of the villages except Rockhill Station are located at an I intersection of primary roadways. These roadways, if improved, could have detrimental effects on the villages. Highway improvements such as wide cartways, turning lanes, or higher I speed limits can destroy the character of a village. Fortun- ately, it does not appear that improvements will be made in 1 the near future to the roads in any of the villages. I

41 I I I 1 CHAPTER F: I NATURAL RESOURCES I East Rockhill has a wealth of natural resources. The natural features which make up the landscape affect the quality of life in the township. Farmland, forests, steep slopes, and I stream valleys are some of the resources that contribute to the aesthetic quality of the township and have important functions in the ecology of the area. If these features are to I continue as assets of the township, protection policies are essential. I In addition, development without concern for the natural limitations of the land is often costly for people as landowners and as taxpayers in the community. For example, improper grading of steep slopes and stripping of forest and vegetative I cover can cause increased soil erosion and excessive sedimentation in the natural drainage system. Development in floodplains can result in property damage and loss of life due i to increased flooding. For the municipal government and the taxpayers, it is becoming increasingly expensive to repair washed-out roadways and to install and enlarge drainage 1 systems. These and similar costs can be minimized if development is permitted only within the natural limitations of the land. I The basis for the protection of the township's natural resources is found in the Commonwealth's Constitution, in judicial decisions and in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Plan- I ning Code. In 1968, the Constitution was amended by a vote of the people of Pennsylvania to state in Article I, Section 27: The people have a right to clean air, pure I water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and aesthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania's public natural I resources are the common property of all people including generations yet to come. 1 I 43 I I I I

In discussing the responsibility of ensuring this right of the people, the Commonwealth Court has stated that, while the a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources has certain responsibilities, the local governments of the Com- monwealth have been delegated the authority for land use I planning and the preservation of open space and natural features under the Municipalities Planning Code. Thus, the municipalities as well as the Department of Environmental Resources are trustees of the public natural resources. I However, the court has also stated that, in exercising this responsibility , municipalities must per mi t reasonable development of property as well as managing the public natural I resources. The court emphasized controlled development rather than no development of the resources. The Pennsylvania legislature, through the Pennsylvania Mu- I nicipalities Planning Code, has charged local governing bodies with the responsibility of protecting the citizens' health, safety and welfare through comprehensive planning and land I use ordinances. The legislation permits local governing bodies to regulate the use of land, watercourses, and bodies of water not only by dimensional requirements and lot sizes but also by I the determination of densities and the location and amount of open space. In addition, this act specifically requires local officials to regulate, restrict, or prohibit land uses and structures at or near "(ii) natural or artificial bodies of water, I (iii) places of relatively steep slope or grade, or other areas of hazardous geological or topographic features,... (vii) floodplain areas and other places having a special character or use I affecting or affected by their surroundings." The code also states that one purpose of a zoning ordinance is "To preserve prime agriculture and farmland considering topography, soil type and classification, and present use." In summary, the I local governments must balance the reasonable use of the landowner's property with conservation practices for the public good. I This chapter provides an inventory and analysis of East Rockhill's natural features, to land and water resources, I environmental limitations, and opportunities for resource de- velopm ent. I I I 44 I I I 1 I I LAND RESOURCES

East Rockhill possesses extensive woodlands, productive farm- I lands, valuable wetlands, and significant natural features. The nature and extent of these resources are described in the following section. Their ecological value and their sensitivity E to development impacts are reviewed. While these land resources merit protection in their own right, collectively, they create the landscape of East Rockhill and constitute the 1 rural and scenic backdrop of the township. I I WOODLANDS East Rockhill has abundant woodlands predominating in the northwestern third of the township over the rocky terrain of I the diabase formation. (See Map F.1.) With the exception of small, scattered pockets of fertile farmland, these rocky diabase hills are not suitable for cultivation and consequently I have never been cleared for farms. Although hardwood timber has been harvested periodically, extensive second- and third- growth stands remain. Sizable areas of woodland cover can also be found through the middle band of Brunswick hornsfel, I and woodlots stretch along Ridge Road and portions of East Branch Perkiomen Creek and its tributaries. E The predominant woodland cover in East Rockhill is the oak- hickory association. Northern red oak abounds, accompanied by various species of hickory, white ash, black birch, tulip I poplar, and cherry. The diverse understory features dogwood, sassafras, serviceberry, redbud, American hornbeam, eastern hophornbeam, and spicebush. I East Rockhill's woodland resources serve multiple purposes: moderating environmental conditions, supporting wildlife habitat, providing recreational opportunities, and furnishing com- I mercial value as sources of timber and firewood. The environmental functions of woodlands are particularly important. 'I Trees and shrubs anchor the soil, reducing erosion and I1 45 I I

sedimentation in streams. The vegetative cover softens the impact of falling rainwater, enabling infiltration to recharge I groundwater (particularly important in the low-yielding a- quifers of the diabase formation) and reducing the volume and rate of runoff. Woodlands also play a role in filtering air I pollutants and moderating regional and micro-climates. The scenic value of East Rockhill's woodlands is significant. Wooded hills dominate the landscape and characterize the I township's rural nature. Additionally, woodlands provide visual and sound buffering and can enhance scenic areas and parkland. I Woodlands can benefit from proper timber management and can normally withstand the impacts of limited development. a However, when woodlands are located in environmentally sensitive areas, such as steep slopes over 15 percent grade, along tributaries and in floodplains, around wetlands and lake and pond shore margins, even a minor disturbance can lead to I serious environmental disruptions. I FARMLAND I

The farmland in East Rockhill is diverse and extensive. To the I south are the relatively open fields of the ridges and valleys of the Lockatong and Brunswick formations. To the north are small, scattered pockets of fertile soils. In addition to I providing livelihood for landowners and the optimal use of productive soils, East Rockhill's farmlands contribute to the rural setting and identity of the township, maintaining open space and scenic amenities for its residents. I

Important farmlands in East Rockhill are located on Map F.2. These are based on the U.S. Soil Conservation Service' (SCS) I national soils inventory, the Important Farmlands Survey, most recently updated in 1980. Three categories of important farmlands are present in East Rockhill: I Prime Farmland. Prime farmland is land best suited for producing food, feed, forage, and oilseed crops and is also still available for these uses (the land could .be cropland, pasture- I land, forest land, or other land, but not built-up land or water). Soil Capability CIasses I and I1 predominate in the prime I I 46 I

I I 1

farmlands of Bucks County. Prime farmland has the soil I quality, growing season, and moisture supply needed to produce sustained high yields of crops economically when treated and managed, including water management, according to modern ~I farming methods. Additional Farmland of Statewide Importance. This is land, in addition to prime farmlands, that is of statewide importance for the production of food, feed, forage, and oilseed crops. In Pennsylvania, land in Soil Capability Classes I1 and I11 that does not qualify as prime farmland has been designated as ad- I ditional Farmland of Statewide Importance. Generally, these lands economically produce high crop yields when treated and managed according to acceptable farming methods. Under favorable conditions, these lands may produce a yield as high I as that of prime farmlands.

Additional Farmland of Local Importance. In some local areas, I there is concern for certain additional farmlands for the production of food, feed, forage, and oilseed crops even though these lands are not identified as having national or statewide I importance. In Bucks County, the SCS has designated two soil series in Capability Class IV that qualify as Additional Farmland of Local Importance. The major reason for this determination is that most Class IV land in the county is I presently used in agricultural production.

Although there are limited areas of Prime Farmland in East I Rockhill, there are substantial portions of Farmland of State- wide and Local Importance. The significance of these soils may be seen by referring to Map F.3, which locates the active farmland in East Rockhill. A sizable acreage (about 21 I percent of the township) is located on parcels that are actively farmed and the majority of this agricultural activity occurs in the Farmlands of Statewide and Local Importance. Most of I the fields are planted in hay or corn; there is one local dairy farm and an intensive organic farming operation. Additional lands lay fallow, reverting to scrub growth, or are put into I covercrops that are not harvested. Farming is the only land use whose productivity is directly I dependent on the nature of the soils and the size and I I I 47 I m 1

configuration of the property. As a consequence, important I farmlands are considered a valuable resource with an ex- tremely low tolerance for development. It is important that they be conserved in blocks large enough to permit efficient farm operations and to allow adequate separation by distance I or buffering from non-farm activities. Development in these areas should be limited to low intensity land uses. Extensions of water or sewer service to important farmlands should be I discouraged, for such services tend to encourage high density aevelopment and accelerate the conversion of farmland to other uses. The use of the Agricultural Area Security Act (Act 43 of 1981) to encourage voluntary agricultural security I areas in addition to low density zoning can assist in supporting the local agricultural community and preserving the important farmland of East Rockhill. I I WETLANDS I

Wetlands are swamps, marshes, and other areas of undrained, saturated soils that support wetland vegetation specially I adapted to such conditions. The water table is at or near the surface of wetlands, and shallow water frequently covers the site due to permanent or seasonal inundation by surface water I or groundwater. In East Rockhill wetlands are scarce, located primarily along the floodplains of Three Mile Run, East Branch Perkiomen Creek, and their tributaries. Wetlands also exist around lake and pond shores, including the southwestern I edge of Lake Nockamixon. Small remnants of the upland swamp once known as the Great Swamp can be seen south of Rich Hill Road. Map F.4 illustrates probable wetland sites in I East Rockhill. This is based on a draft National Wetlands Inventory Map prepared by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Three wetland systems occur in the township: Palustrine I wetlands (commonly referred to as marshes, bogs and swamps); Lacustrine wetlands (areas surrounding sizeable lakes, in this case Lake Nockamixon); and Riverine wetlands (adjoining streams and creeks). Boundaries on this map are subject to I error and on-site analysis of the soils and the vegetation is essential for locating specific wetlands. I I 48 I

I 1 i Wetlands have several important functions in the hydrological cycle. They maintain base flows in streams and stabilize groundwater levels. They provide groundwater recharge during I dry periods. Wetlands also moderate the effects of flooding downstream, storing floodwaters and excessive run-off for release later to the stream or groundwater below. Wetlands further enhance water quality, trapping and filtering sediment, 1 nutrients, and chemicals. Wetlands are also a critical habitat for fish and wildlife, the spawning ground not only for certain bird species and reptiles but for the numerous lower organisms I they feed upon. In addition to providing an important link in the natural foodchain, wetlands provide temporary shelter for migrating species and a source of water and food for resident I wildlife. Wetlands are fragile natural resources. Being very sensitive to development, wetlands can be damaged by almost any earth I disturbances which affect established drainage patterns. Fur- thermore, building in or on the edge of wetlands can be costly, given the expense of construction and the risks of flooding on I marshy soils. Generally, wet or hydric soils extend well beyond the wetlands vegetation through a transition zone that limits suitability for on-lot sewage disposal systems and I creates hazards for foundations and basements. Unfortunately, these areas bordering wetlands are often filled, compacted or paved which increases surface run-off and sedimentation which, in turn, alters the drainage characteristics of the I wetlands. Protection of the edges or margins of wetlands will further minimize disruption of the hydrology, potential groundwater contamination, surface run-off as well as accelerated I sedimentation. Before state and federal regulations of wetlands were insti- tuted, indiscriminate dredging, draining and filling took place. I Abuses continue to occur; however, local regulations can I strengthen wetlands protect ion.

1 SPECIAL NATURAL FEATURES

I In addition to woodlands, farmlands, and wetlands, East Rockhill has several significant natural features that merit attention. These features include habitat for plant and I wildlife species of special concern.

I 49 I I I Species of Special Concern. The relatively low density aevelopment in East Rockhill combined with its abundant woodlands, streams, ponds arid old fields provides numerous wildlife ha bit ats and na t ur a1 plant com m uni t ies. I

Of special interest are the herbaceous plants known to thrive in the rich woodland soils of the diabase areas. Two I species-wild ginseng (Panax quinque folius) and golden seal (Hydrastis canadensis) have been proposed for inclusion in PaDER's List of Classified Wild Plant Species. These two 1 species have been designated Vulnerable to taking because of their economic value as medicinal plants.

When PaDER's proposed list is officially adopted by the state B legislature and the regulations pursuant to the Wild Resources Conservation Act are established, Classified Wild Plant Species will be protected through collection permits, penalties for I unauthorized taking, and establishment of wild plant sanc- tuaries. Other rare plants that have been recorded officially in the I vicinity of East Rockhill and are likely to occur in comparable areas within the township. The plants are listed in Table F.l. I TABLE P.l: RARE PLANT SPECLES KNOWN TO OCCUR IN THE PENNRIDGE AREA DER Proposed 1 Common Name Species Status - Spreading Globe Flower Trollius laxus Endangered I Nodding Pogonia Triphora trianthophora - Pondweed Potamogeton confervoides Threatened Torrey's Mountain Mint Pycnanthemum torrei Rare I Beach Plum Prunus maritima Umbrella Flatsedge Cyperus diandrus Rare I Slender Blue Iris Iris prismatice Sdee Carex tetanica I

Although there are no wildlife species on the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Species known to inhabit East I Rockhill, there are a few species of special concern at the state level according to the Pennsylvania Biological Survey (PBS). The woodland habitat near the state gamelands is a I I I 50 I breeding ground for red headed woodpeckers, considered a vulnerable species by PBS. Forty pairs of purple martins, also designated Vulnerable by the PBS, breed in East Rockhill. Thanks to the nesting boxes provided by a resident on Fifth Street, this is one of the only reliable colonies establishea in Upper Bucks County. Of additional local interest is the occurrence of' pileated woodpeckers, horned larks, and until recently, long-eared owls as breeding birds in East Rockhill woods. A three-year Breeding Bird Atlas Project sponsored by the Wild Resource Conservation Fund is now underway in Pennsylvania and wiil provide more extensive information on rare breeding birds and their critical habitats in East Rockhill. There are no species of mammals, fish, reptiles or amphibians of special concern at the state or federal level known to occur in East Rockhill. There have been past sightings, however, of special butterflies and moths in the township. The black dash skipper, considered Vulnerable by the PBS, was once sighted in East Rockhill as was the regal frittilary, a butterfly designated as Threatened by the PBS.

ANALYSIS

East Kockhill's land resources comprise the ecological base and aesthetic environ's of the township: its extensive woodlands, productive farmlands, rare wetlands and special biota. These natural resources merit protection because of their intrinsic environmental value and their vulnerability to the impacts of' development. Guiding development away from the more sensitive areas to land better able to accommodate man- made changes can assist in the protection of these resources. On the scale of the township, this can be accomplished by a combination of land use limitations where the land resources exist and permissive development standards where the nature of the land and the existence of public facilities and services can support growth. On the scale of' individual sites, standards can be included in land use regulations which protect land resources from major intrusions while allowing a reasonable amount of development on less fragile portions of' the site.

51 WATER RESOURCES

East Rockhill is endowed with water resources that support and enhance the quality of life of the township's residents. In this section, East Rockhill's watersheds, lakes, ponds and groundwater resources are reviewed. Streams and their tributaries course through two major watersheds in the township. Numerous small ponds and Lake Nockamixon grace the landscape, providing recreational settings, wildlife habitats, and potential water supply services. Critical groundwater supplies provide all of the current water supply needs of East Rockhill.

WATERSHEDS

There are two major watersheds within East Rockhill Town- ship: that of East Branch Perkiomen Creek and Tohickon Creek. Of the two drainage basins, the Tohickon involves the larger land area in the Township. The watersheds are illustrated in Map F.5.

East Branch Perkiomen Creek drains the southeastern portion of the township below Ridge Road. The creek flows southwest through Perkasie Borough joining the main stem of Perkiomen Creek at Schwenkville, in turn flowing into the Schuylkill River in Montgomery County. Morris Run is a tributary to East Branch Perkiomen Creek and flows northwestward from H illtown Township. Tohickon Creek originates in Richland Township, runs along East Rockhill's northeastern boundary, and flows into Lake Nockamixon. From the spillway of Lake Nockamixon, To- hickon Creek flows southeastward to Plumstead Township, where it empties into the Delaware River at Point Pleasant.

Two subwatersheds of the Tohickon Creek watershed are li located in East Rockhill: that of Bog Run and Three Mile Run. Bog Run flows eastward across the northern tip of East Rockhill to Tohickon Creek. Three Mile Run traverses the 'I center of the township northeastward and flows into Lake Noc kam ixon. The juxtaposition of the two major watersheds in East Rockhill 1 is of significance for water supply planning. Currently, water is being withdrawn from the Three Mile Run watershed through a series of wells and is effectively being diverted to the I watershed of East Branch Perkiomen Creek by means of sewage discharges to the Three Mile Run interceptor. As is discussed further in the water supply section of the chapter on community facilities, this transfer of water across watersheds, I which is contrary to the policies of PaDER and DRBC, has implications for planning of development districts and infra- I structure in East Rockhill.

I LAKES AND PONDS

Lakes and ponds are natural or artificial bodies of water which I retain water year-round. They are differentiated by size: lakes are two or more acres, and ponds are smaller than two acres. Virtually all of the lakes and ponds in East Rockhill are 1 man-made, Lake Nockamixon being the paramount example. Most of the township's lakes and ponds lie along Three M,ile Run and tributaries to East Branch Perkiomen Creek. Most are the result of dammed sections of small streams, but a few I have been built of small water-filled excavations. The location of these waterbodies can be determined as develop- I ment is proposed near them. The majority of these lakes and ponds were built for farm use to provide water for livestock, fire protection and family I recreation. Although man-made, these lakes and ponds now serve additional natural functions, moderating stream flow during storms and flood conditions and providing habitat for

53 aquatic life as well as water sources for wildlife. These small lakes and ponds are also scenic amenities and generally enhance property values for residential use. East Rockhill's lakes and ponds endure as dynamic natural systems, vulnerable to the impacts of man and the extremes of nature. Lakes and ponds become the repository for upstream pollution and can suffer accelerated eutrophication, siltation, and chemical contamination. The major sources of these impacts include malfunctioning septic systems, run-off from farm fields rich in nutrients and fertilizers, erosion and sedimentation from fields and construction sites, and heavy metal contamination from industrial effluent or leachate. Because of their sensitivity to such impacts, lakes and ponds need to be protected and carefully managed. Lake and pond shorelines should also be protected as a buffer against potential surface and groundwater pollution.

GROUNDWATER

Groundwater is the major source of drinking water in East Rockhill, pumped from individual wells drilled down to the underlying aquifers, or water bearing formations. The capacity of these aquifers to transmit and store water varies directly with the specific physical and chemical properties of the geologic formations. In East Rockhill, three major formations occur, all formed during the Triassic Period: diabase (igneous intrusions), Brunswick (sedimentary shale and sandstone), and Lockatong (sedimentary argillite). Map F.6 locates these geologic formations. The water bearing characteristics of these formations are described below.

Diabase Formation. This formation covers more than one third of East Rockhill, stretching across the extreme northern and western portions of the township. Formed by an igneous intrusive sheet, diabase- or traprock-- is a very dense, dark, crystalline rock that is relatively impervious to water and highly resistant to erosion and weathering. Diabase produces the poorest, least reliable aquifers in Bucks County since its capacity to store and transmit water is so low. This formation yields little water within 100 feet of the surface, and unlike

other formations in the county, higher yielding aquifers in diabase are rarely found below that depth.

Br uns wick For mat ion. The Bruns wick for mat ion, interlaced with bands of Lockatong, comprises the majority of the eastern and southern portions of the township. A sedimentary rock composed of relatively soft red shales and sandstones, the '8 Brunswick formation is less resistant to weathering and is generally more porous than the Lockatong, enabling greater storage of water. Although they are considered the thickest formation in Bucks County, Brunswick rocks are more perme- able than diabase, transmitting recharge water along bedding planes and fractures. Well yields increase significantly at depths of 200 feet. Adjacent to the diabase intrusion, the shale has been baked to a hard, dark-colored hornfels. This metamorphic rock (aver- aging one half of a mile in width as it crosses the township) may yield a significant source of groundwater where natural recharge is sufficient.

Lockatong Formation. More resistant to weathering than the Brunswick, the Lockatong formation defines two distinctive ridges in East Rockhill, one along Ridge Road (up to 2000 feet wide at its Widest part) and a smaller band north of and parallel to East Branch Perkiomen Creek. Composed of finely grained, tightly cemented sediment, Lockatong is characterized by a gray to black argillite. Recharge occurs only where the formation has been faulted or exposed to weathering. Its nonporous nature provides very limited storage capacity, generally resulting in low-yielding aquifers. However, some wells drilled along fault lines or fractures can yield reliable amounts of water. There is also the potential for higher yielding wells below the northern dip of the Lockatong homocline where it is interbedded with the Brunswick.

Table F.2 provides information on the relative yields of the formations. The determination of the availability and adequacy of groundwater supplies is normally done by an evaluation of the median well yields (measured in gallons per minute) in a particular region. Such an analysis is useful in providing informaton on the number of wells necessary to meet the anticipated demand for water in the region. However, it does not evaluate the groundwater resource from an area-wide standpoint. To determine the number of new wells and the pumping rates of the wells that could be located within an area without causing interference with existing wells, it is necessary to undertake an analysis of the average rate of groundwater recharge to the aquifers of the area.

55 TABLE P.2: ESllYATED AVAILABLE GROUNDWATER Natural Recharge Natural Rech Geologic Normal Year Drought Year7 Formation (gpd./sq. mi.) (gpd./sq. mi.) Lockatong and 300 ,O 00 -40 0.00 0 20 .ooo Brunswickl

Diabase 200,000-300,000 20,000 1. Altered Brunswick (hornfels) resembles Lockatong formation. 2. Average consecutive seven-day low flow having a ten-year return period or a 10 percent chance of occurrence each year. Adapted from: "Cowamp/208 Water Quality Management Plan" (April 1978), DVRPC, DER, and Chester-Betz Engineers, Appendix IV-E (Preliminary, May 8. 1975).

The geologic formations found throughout Bucks County have been analyzed in previous studies resulting in values for groundwater recharge for both normal and drought-year conditions. These analyses typically present the area-wide rates of groundwater recharge (measured in gallons per day per square mile) rather than the potential yield of a given well. These are shown in Table F.2 for the geologic formations found in the East Rockhill area. In addition, it should be noted that the values presented in Table F.2 are total recharge figures. It is accepted practice to consider only half of these recharge rates to be available for withdrawal through wells. The other half of the recharge rates is allocated to maintenance of streams and other bodies of surface water into which the aquifer discharges.

Finally, it should be noted that Table F.2 presents the same estimated range for gallons per day per square mile for both the Lockatong and Brunswick formations. This is done because these formations are interbedded, and it is not easy to differentiate a specific range of yields for each formation. However, both the transmissivity (rate of flow through a vertical section of a formation) and the storage capacity for water are much lower for Lockatong than for Brunswick.

56 8 8 I ,Although water is a renewable resource, the capacity of aquifers is finite and their recharge capabilities are dependent I on several variables: the infiltration and storage characteristics of the geologic formation, topography, surface permeability, and the presence of natural holding areas, such as 1 wetlands and floodplains. Precipitation is the only source of natural groundwater recharge. More than 50 percent of the regional rainfall, 8 however, never reaches the groundwater table due to losses in evapotranspiration and run-off to streams and rivers. In areas with the lowest infiltration capacities, as in the diabase areas, I as little as 10 percent of the rainfall makes its way to the aquifer.

Recent drought conditions have revealed the vulnerability of I groundwater supplies and the need for drought contingency planning. In 198ci, the Delaware River Basin Commission designated East Rockhill and 35 other Bucks County munici- I palities as part of the groundwater protected area, where increasing demands by water users have created the potential I for water shortages.

1 ANALYSIS

The surface and groundwater resources of East Rockhill are critical features of the environment and must therefore be taken into account when the township's future development is being planned. The streams and tributaries of the Tohickon I Creek and East Branch Perkiomen Creek watersheds have great ecological and aesthetic value. Lakes and ponds are similarly valuable. Regulations which protect these surface 1 waters are necessary. Groundwater must also be protected from overdevelopment. The low yielding waterbearing characteristics of the geologic formations underlying most of East I Rockhill make the need for protection acute. In addition, the transfer of water out of the aquifer of Three Mile Run to the watershed of East Branch Perkiomen Creek has apparently occurred to the detriment of Three Mile Run. Future I development which relies on this transfer will only exacerbate I the problem. I 57 I RESOURCE LIMITATIONS

Steep slopes, floodplains and floodplains soils, and restrictive soils express the geologic transformations that over time have given shape to the topography and terrain of East Rockhill. These are also environmental conditions that present specific obstacles to development. Without careful treatment during and after construction in such areas, serious on-site and off- site impacts will occur. The following section addresses these conditions as they occur in East Rockhill.

STEEP SLOPES

East Rockhill's topography may be characterized by two major systems: the hilly terrain of the diabase intrusion and the alternating ridges and valleys that express the parallel Lock- atong and Brunswick formations. The elevations in East Kockhill range from 310 feet above mean sea level at the westernmost edge of East Branch Perkiomen Creek to the top of Rock Hill at 840 feet, where the steepest terrain in the township can be found.

Map F.7 illustrates the areas of slight to very steep slopes in East Rockhill. These are expressed in gradients as a percentage indicating the height of the vertical rise relative to a constant horizontal distance of 100 feet. A 15 percent slope, for example, is equivalent to a rise of fifteen feet over a distance of 100 feet. As noted in the legend of the map 0 to 8 percent slopes are defined as slight, 8 to 15 percent as moderate, 15 to 25 percent as steep, and 25 percent and greater as very steep. Major areas of steep and very steep slopes in East Rockhill occur on the eastern rise of Rock Hill,

58 along the western shoreline of Lake Nockamixon, and in the area south of Ridge Road defining the southeastern boundary of the Tohickon Creek watershed.

Although building on sloped land is more difficult and expensive than on flatter terrain, hillside development offers attractive opportunities for site layout, solar access on southfacing slopes, and architectural design using cantilevered and stilt construction. However, these benefits can be realized only within the limitations that slopes present to development. For slight and moderate slopes of less than 15 percent grade, problems with erosion and stormwater run-off can be resolved through properly engineered plans for erosion and sedimentation control. For steep and very steep slopes of more than 15 percent grade, however, problems with erosion and run-off combine with additional limitations (allowable road grades, suitability for subsurface sewage disposal systems, and stability of foundations, among others) to preclude extensive development. Development on steep and very steep slopes accelerates erosion by removing or disturbing the existing groundcover and topsoil. The removal of the vegetation destroys a stable groundcover which not only absorbs rainwater but also anchors the soil and buffers or dissipates the impact of rainfall on the topsoil. Erosion produces sediment that pollutes surface water, increasing its turbidity and blocking sunlight which is essential to aquatic organisms. Over time, the accumulated sediments narrow stream channels and fill in pond and lake bottoms; this restricts the capacity of the waterways to handle flood flows within their natural banks and thereby increases the incidence and severity of flooding. The problems with stormwater run-off associated with development on slopes greater than 15 percent also originate with the disturbance of the existing land surface. Any removal of vegetation and topsoil on steep and very steep slopes yields greater volumes and more rapid rates of stormwater run-off. This increased run-off contributes to more frequent and severe localized flooding in adjacent stream

59 valleys during heavy rains and spring thaws. This flooding problem is compounded when steep slopes are developed with extensive impervious surfaces, such as roads, driveways, and roofs.

FLOODPLAINS AND FLOODPLAIN SOILS

The floodplains and floodplain soils of East Rockhill border the , streams and tributaries of the Tohickon and East Branch Perkiomen watersheds. The major floodplains adjoining East Branch Perkiomen Creek, Three Mile Run, and Tohickon Creek are designated on the official Flood Boundary and Floodway Map prepared in 1977 by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The floodplain or alluvial soils bordering the smaller creeks and tributaries are mapped on the Soil Survey for Bucks and Philadelphia Counties by the Soil Conservation Service. These soils include Alluvial land, Bowmansville silt loam, Hatboro silt loam, and Rowland silt loam. Both designated floodplains and floodplain soils are presented in Map F.5. For the purposes of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a floodplain is defined by the 100-year or base flood, which has a 1-percent chance of being equalled or exceeded in a given year. A floodplain is further delineated into floodway and flood fringe areas as follows: Floodway-the watercourse channel and adjacent land areas which must be reserved to carry the base flood without cumulatively increasing the base-flood elevation more than a designated height. One foot is the maximum increase allowed by the NFIP. Flood Fringe-the part of the base floodplain outside of the floodway.

60 As noted on Map F.5, there are also approximate 100-year flood fringes where FEMA has not determined the extent of the floodplain through a detailed study and mapping.

The floodways and flood fringes are both parts of the floodplain. The floodway is derived from a calculation which assumes complete obstruction of the flood fringe; it theore- tically shrinks the floodplain limits until a 1-foot rise in the base-flood elevation is produced. In this reserved area, obstructions causing any rise in the base flood elevations are prohibited by the NFIP. The flood fringe, on the other hand, may be developed under NFIP regulations; however, structures must be elevated or floodproofed up to the base-flood elevation.

Floodplain soils are important in areas where FEMA has not identified and calculated the floodway or flood fringe. In these unmapped areas, the floodplain soils indicate where flooding has occurred in the past. Unless a hydrological study is undertaken to prove that flooding has not occurred in recent times, these floodplain soils should be considered part of the floodplain and regulated as a floodway. The primary function of floodplains is to accommodate floodwater. Some floodplain areas absorb and store large amounts of water, later becoming a source of aquifer recharge. The natural vegetation supported by moist floodplains helps trap sediment from upland surface run-off, stabilize stream banks (thereby reducing soil erosion), and provide shelter for wildlife and proper stream conditions for aquatic life. The major objective of floodplain regulation is to reduce flood hazards. Structures built in the floodplain not only face direct risks of flood damage but also create obstructions in the floodplain that raise flood levels and increase water velocities. This is especially true in the floodway portion of the 100-year floodplain, where high velocity flows occur.

Even development within the flood fringe, while permitted by the NFIP, is discouraged by FEMA. Filling in of the fringe areas can cause the loss of major areas that store floodwaters, increasing flood levels; changing drainage patterns; and in-

61 creasing the rate and amount of run-off. Such flood-fringe development can also increase the magnitude and frequency of normally minor floods, increasing damage to existing structures. These floodplain limitations do not preclude development of all kinds, however. Agricultural uses, private and public recreational uses (e.g., golf courses, ball fields, driving ranges, picnic grounds, wildlife and nature preserves, swimming areas, hunting and fishing areas, hiking trails), and uses incidental to residential structures (e.g., lawns, gardens, and play areas) should be encouraged.

RESTRICTIVE SOILS

There are numerous restrictive soils in East Rockhill that limit development because of their drainage characteristics or their erodible nature. Wet soils, erodible soils, and shallow soils are located on Map F.8. Restrictive soils in terms of suitability for sewage disposal systems are located on maps F.9 and F.lO. Proper site engineering and construction practices can reduce many of the hazards associated with these soils. However, limits to the suitability for on-lot sewage disposal systems are not so easily overcome.

Wet Soils. Wet soils exhibit poor drainage and a seasonal high water table of 0 to 18 inches from the surface with moderate to slow permeability and run-off. For regulatory purposes, wet soils may be defined as poorly drained soils, where the depth to mottling is less than ten inches. Mottling results from prolonged saturation of the soil, leaving irregular markings and spots of different colors within the soil horizon. These conditions predominate in the watershed of East Branch Perkiomen Creek (particularly east of the creek) and in scattered bands throughout the Brunswick and Lockatong lithofacies. The following soils series found on slopes of 8 percent or less represent wet soil conditions in East Rockhill:

62 Abbottstown (AbA, AbB), Bowmansville (Bo), Doylestown (DoA), Hatboro (Ha), and Towhee (ToA, ToB). Wet soils pose basic limitations for development due to the low permeability of the soil, the low run-off rates, and the subsurface saturation conditions. Low permeability affects the functioning of on-lot septic systems, leading to well water contamination, exposed effluent, foul odors, and improperly functioning toilets. These conditions are unsuitable for subsurface sewage disposal and will not be permitted by the Bucks County Department of Health in accordance with the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act (Act 537 of 1966). De- velopment on wet soils, as a consequence, must be limited to rural residences (lots of ten acres or more), unless the development is served by public sewers. Additional drainage problems result from low run-off rates and must be considered when building on wet soils. On-site alterations to the drainage patterns, through increased fill, drainfields, and channels, must be carefully inspected to ensure that off-site drainage conditions are not negatively affected. Finally, wet soils must be taken into account when designing subsurface structures and foundations. Saturated conditions can stress foundations through hydrostatic pressure, cracking walls, deteriorating structural elements, and increasing seepage into basements. The Basic Building Code of the Building Officials Conference of America, Inc. (BOCA), widely used as the official municipal building code, specifies accepted engineering methods for waterproofing subsurface structures. More stringent requirements may be adopted for additional exterior drainage and sump pumps. Local building codes can also restrict buildings to slab foundations only. Erodible Soils. Erodible soils exhibit a low resistance to the movement of water. In East Rockhill, erodible soils that would limit development or agricultural activities include the following soil series and slope conditions: Abbottstown (AbC), Lehigh (LhC, LlD), Mount Lucas (MOD), Penn-Klinesville (Pkc~),and Readington (RdC). These highly erodible soils can be found in the Brunswick formation and predominate on both sides of the Three Mile Run floodplain. They are frequently

63 coincident with steeply sloped areas on the western side of the creek.

Soil erosion occurs naturally through rainwater run-off as well as wind action. Erosion rates are accelerated by disturbance of the soil through agricultural practices and construction activity. Carelessly ploughed fields, uncontrolled construction procedures, and inadequate site stabilization contribute to substantial soil losses. Topsoils are usually more erodible than the associated subsoils. Hence, temporary removal of topsoil during site preparation can reduce the hazard of erosion.

In the context of farming, annual soil loss of more than three tons per acre is considered excessive. This rate exceeds the natural regenerative soil formation rate, reducing the productive capability of the land. Soil conservation practices, such as contour plowing, conservation tillage, terracing, and crop rotation are therefore very important on erodible agricultural soils. For nonagricultural land uses, the tolerable soil loss may be higher than for farmland. The limiting factor here is the destination of the eroded soils. If the silt is allowed to be carried by run-off into the streams, water quality and flood crests will be detrimentally affected. This can be controlled by mechanical means (e.g., sediment traps) that prevent most of the eroded soil (up to 96 percent) from leaving the site. Developers must be familiar with the soils on their sites and particularly cognizant of the problems associated with erodible soils. Preparing and implementing adequate erosion and sedimentation control plans are essential to reducing overall soil loss due to construction activity.

Shallow Soils. Shallow soils are characterized by shallow depth to bedrock, low moisture holding capacity and density of bedrock. For regulatory purposes, shallow soils may be defined as the presence of bedrock less than twenty inches from the surface. These conditions are frequently found in the . following soil series and slopes: Klinesville (KlB, KlC, KlD), Penn (PeA, PeB), Penn-Klinesville (PhB$, Penn-Lansdale (PnB), Reaville (ReA, ReB, ReC, ReD), and Weikert (WeD). Shallow soil conditions exist principally in the Brunswick formations of East Rockhill between Three Mile Run Road and

Ridge Road and below Ridge Road east to the East Branch Perkiomen Creek floodplain. The major development limitation of these soils is the short distance to bedrock, which does not provide a sufficient medium for renovation of sewage effluent from conventional on-lot septic systems. Sand mounds are required unless sewer service is available. Under current PaDER regulations, no on- site systems are permitted when the shallow soils also exhibit rapid permeability. Shallow soils also create erosion hazards when located on slopes of 15 percent or more grade, as does occur along the steepest gradients east of Ridge Road. Soil Suitability for Sewage Disposal Systems. The availability of adequate sewage disposal systems is a major factor limiting development in East Rockhill. In the absence of extensive public sewer service and with limited options for pointsource discharges (from individual or community package treatment plants), the soil's suitability for subsurface disposal systems or for spray applications becomes critical. Adequate surface and subsurface disposal depends upon the soil's capacity to absorb and filter (or renovate) effluent. Any soil condition that hinders the filtering process contributes to system failures and causes health hazards, such as contaminated drinking water, exposed effluent, and foul odors. The soil's filtering ability is limited by permeability, stoniness, depth to bedrock, and seasonal high water table, as well as by steep slope and flooding conditions. Based on these factors, soils have been rated for their suitability for subsurface and spray irrigation systems by PaDER and SCS. Maps F.9 and F.10 indicate the suitability of soils in East Rockhill for the two types of sewage disposal.

In Map F.9, suitability for subsurface absorption systems is generally indicated. The darkest hatched areas are suitable for subsurface absorption areas including standard trenches, seepage beds, and sand filters. The medium grey areas are those soils which may be suitable for elevated sand mounds. The extent of soils unsuitable for subsurface systems can be

65 readily seen in this map. It should be noted, however, that this map provides a general indication only. On-site testing of percolation rates and depth to limiting zone are the final determinant of soil suitability as required by the Bucks County Department of Health for permitting of all systems (with the exception of rural residences, on lots of ten acres or more).

Map F.10 presents the soil suitability for spray irrigation. Three rates of application are mapped indicating the various allowable amounts of effluent that can be sprayed per acre per week. The lower application rate (0 to 1 inches) is permitted for more limiting soils. Areas suitable for higher rates could handle larger amounts of effluent and may be suitable for larger systems, such as a community system serving several residences.

ANALYSIS

Steep slopes, floodplains, and restrictive soils represent sensitive environmental conditions that pose potential hazards to public health and welfare when improperly developed. Steep slopes and floodplains are present in East Rockhill, but the greatest resource limitation is restrictive soils, which are present throughout most of the township. Land use regulations must maintain a careful balance between protecting personal property rights and safeguarding the public interest. Landowners cannot be deprived of reasonable use of their property, but at the same time, adjacent or nearby property owners should be protected from the off-site or external effects of mismanaged land development. State and federal regulations govern some of the development activity associated with these sensitive areas through required floodplain management ordinances, earth disturbance permits, and sewage facilities planning. Effective enforcement of these regulations, however, most frequently relies on municipal action. In areas where the limiting conditions are pervasive or particularly severe, state and federal standards may not be adequate.

RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Tne development of mineral and energy resources provides economic benefits and an improved standard of living to the residents of East Rockhill. These opportunities for resource development can be taken advantage of , provided that fragile natural resources are protected adequately. The following section addresses quarry development and the potential for renewable energy resources in East Rockhill.

MINERAL RECOVERY

East Rockhill possesses two basic sources for crushed quarry stone: the traprock of the diabase formation and the argellite found in the lockatong formation. Local mineral recovery is essential for supplying convenient, affordable building and highway construction materials. Al- though quarry operations can be regarded as local nuisances and can present real safety hazards, proper planning and regulation of quarry uses can minimize these negative impacts. State regulation and local monitoring can help mitigate environmental concerns. Pennsylvania's Non-coal Sur face Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act (Act 219 of 1984) and its attendant regulations govern quarry operations and site reclamation. Municipalities may impose additional land-use requirements within the local zoning ordinance. Special Geologic Features. The most prominent geologic feature of East Rockhill is Rock Hill itself, rising to an elevation of 840 feet above mean sea level. Its bald knob (and the excavation work by the quarry operation) exposes the large intrusive sheet of diabase, an igneous formation of the Triassic Period that extends from West Rockhill eastward past Haycock

67 Mountain. The significance of Rock Hill has been recognized by the Pennsylvania Geologic Survey, which selected Rock Hill as one of Pennsylvania's Outstanding Scenic Geologic Features (1979). Although it remains in a relatively natural wooded state, Rock Hill has borne the dramatic impacts of a major quarry site on its southwestern slope and an interstate gas line that traverses the peak.

The only existing quarry site in East Rockhill is owned by General Crushed Stone on Rock Hill. Traprock has been excavated for sale as crushed stone. The crushed stone is used for railroad ballast, as a sub-base for roadbeds of highways and local roads, for concrete and bituminous concrete, and for erosion control in ocean jetties and streamside gabbions.

Currently, the quarry is not actively in use; however, occa- sional sales of stockpiled stone are made. The quarry serves customers generally within a 35-mile radius. However, rail transport has been used in the past to serve more distant customers. Periodically, the market conditions and the feasibility of re-starting operations are reviewed by the company. Only a small percentage of the reserves of the quarry have been excavated to date.

Consideration should be given to the potential for future quarry activity. Based on experiences in other townships, it is essential that quarries be provided for as an acceptable use in a proper location in the township within the zoning ordinance.

ENERGY DEVELOPMENT

Even though energy development is generally viewed se- parately from and often in conflict with environmental concerns, energy is derived from natural resources and merits inclusion in the planning and management of natural resources.

68 Development of the energy potential of East Rockhill's renewable natural resources is not a new idea. Colonial builders oriented their houses and barns to the movement of the sun along an east-west axis. Local woodlots furnished the primary cooking and heating fuel. Windmills pumped water to holding tanks to supplement domestic and livestock water supplies.

The modern economy and lifestyles are quite different from those in colonial times. The reign of fossil fuels has long since replaced that decentralized, self-sufficient life. East Rockhill and Bucks County at large now import virtually all their energy supplies. Since the beginning of the energy crisis in the 1970's, energy costs have become a major budgetary concern for homeowners, schools and churches, business and industry, and local governments. Practical conservation measures and renewable energy sources can help defray the rising costs of fossil fuels and electricity. Many residents of East Rockhill have already taken steps to conserve energy in their homes. Several have installed woodstoves as a supplemental heat source. Ample supplies of fuelwood are available in East Rockhill's woodlands. Others have taken advantage of solar access to install active or passive solar energy systems. The role of local government in this process can be that of a catalyst and serve as an example. The township should make efforts to be energy efficient in its operations. Model ordinances for wind energy conversion systems, protection of solar access, and energy conservation could be adopted. The ordinances should not inadvertantly preclude methods and improvements that will result in energy savings.

ANALYSIS

East Rockhill has mineral and energy resources that are available for development. Development of the mineral and renewable energy resources can provide benefits to property- owners in particular and the township in general. However,

69 development of these resources must be balanced with aesthetic, ecological, and other considerations. For example, the township's only quarry is located on Rock Hill, which has been selected as one of Pennsylvania's Outstanding Geologic Fea- tures. The balance can be maintained through proper regulation. State legislation exists to govern quarrying operations, which local ordinances can supplement. Local ordinances and other township actions can encourage private development of the township's resources, especially sources of renewable energy. Thus, the township can both encourage resource development and ensure that such development occurs in a safe and environmentally sound manner.

I E I I 70 II CHAPTER G: COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES

Land use planning and planning for community services and facilities should be closely interrelated. Even though the level of services needed and provided by public or quasi-public agencies in East Rockhill is limited as compared to more developed communities, planning for several key services is underway. These are water facilities, wastewater facilities, solid waste management, police, fire protection, emergency medical services, recreation, and schools. Either they are considered essential for health, safety, and welfare considerations or they help provide the quality of life expected in a community such as East Rockhill Township. Consideration of the on-going planning and zoning program has often been made in these facilities planning programs, and the work done on this plan update has included the available information on facilities planning.

It is not within the limitations of this plan update to undertake and to complete a full analysis of all aspects relevant to the need and supply of each service. It is appropriate that a comprehensive study of each service or facility be undertaken before it is provided, extended, or expanded. In such a study, the land use implications and consistency with the adopted goals included in this comprehensive plan should be analyzed.

WATER FACILITIES

Water facilities and their implications for land use are of critical importance in East Rockhill. The township does not

71 have an unlimited supply of water. Therefore, it is important to guide development where an adequate water supply is available. The sources of the water supplies, the types of water facilities, and problems with water quality are the issues discussed in this section.

Although several creeks and their tributaries flow through the township, surface water is not directly used as a source of water supply for properties in East Rockhill. However, two proposed projects should be mentioned because they affect the streams that flow through East Rockhill. One project is Lake Nockamixon, which is fed by the watersheds of Three Mile Run and Tohickon Creek. The lake is designated in the Delaware River Basin Commission's comprehensive plan as a source of future water supply in the Delaware River basin. The other project involves the use of East Branch Perkiomen Creek as part of the conveyance route for water transported from the proposed Point Pleasant pumping facility to the Limerick nuclear power plant in Montgomery County. Although this project will upon completion generate a significant increase in surface water flows in East Branch Perkiomen Creek, water will not be available for withdrawal in East Rockhill. The purpose of the increased flows is for reactor cooling water at the power plant. Since this project is currently in litigation, it is difficult to estimate its completion date.

Groundwater is currently the only source of water supply for property-owners in the township. As discussed in this plan's chapter on natural resources, the geologic formations underlying parts of East Rockhill are not conducive to storing and transmitting large quantities of water. The withdrawal rates of the Brunswick formation are high enough for the formation to be considered a reliable source of water, while the rates for the Diabase and Lockatong formations indicate that these rocks are typically not reliable sources of water. These aquifers are tapped by public and private wells. The five wells in East Rockhill operated by the Perkasie Borough Authority (PBA) provide public water to many properties in Perkasie Borough. In addition, the Authority provides public water to the Pennridge school complex on Fifth Street and to one industrial, two residential, and fourteen commercial connections in the township. Map G.l illustrates the PBA's water

72 supply system in East Rockhill. All other residences and businesses in East Rockhill have private, on-lot wells.

The wells operated by the PBA warrant further discussion because of the volume of water they withdraw from the Three Mile Run watershed and because the water is pumped out of this watershed and eventually discharged into the watershed of East Branch Perkiomen Creek. These operations have become a growing concern of the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC), which regulates all groundwater withdrawals which average more than 10,000 gallons per day over a 30-day period. Until May 1984, the DRBC permitted the PBA to withdraw as much as 21 million gallons of water over a 30-day period. Since then, the DRBC has reduced this maximum withdrawal to 15 million gallons. The DRBC determined that the new withdrawal rate will protect the future base flow of water from Three Mile Run into Lake Nockamixon, which the DRBC designates as a future water supply.

However, the PBA's maximum withdrawal rate may be increased. The DRBC could approve additional withdrawals if the PBA can show that. the withdrawals will not impair the base flow of Three Mile Run. Also, because Lake Nockamixon is not projected to be used for water supply in the near future, the PBA may request temporary increases in its withdrawal rates. For example, should the PBA need an interim source of water for two years while it searches for another source, a request could be made of the DRBC for permission to make additional withdrawals during that time. Because the DRBC has put a limit on the amount of water the PBA may withdraw from the Three Mile Run watershed, the water authority is drilling test wells in the East Branch T' Perkiomen Creek watershed to augment its water supply. The PBA is also constructing a standpipe which will enable the water authority to provide service along Ridge Road.

I The PBA does not have a master plan of where it intends to extend its services in the future. The decision to provide service to an area is determined on a case-by-case basis. At the present time, it is possible to extend the Fifth Street and Callowhill Street water lines further into East Rockhill, if

73 needed. Once construction of the standpipe is completed, public water supply could also be provided along and north of Ridge Road.

Water quality is an issue which should be addressed when discussing water facilities. As indicated previously in this section, there are both public and private water supplies in East Rockhill. The Bucks County Department of Health (BCDH) monitors the water quality of public supplies and en- forces the water quality standards set by federal and state environmental agencies. Private water supplies, however, are owned and maintained by individual property owners, and the quality of the private water supply is the responsibility of the property owner. State laws do not require testing of private domestic water supplies, and regulatory agencies do not regularly monitor the quality of private supplies. Therefore, information on water quality problems of private wells is not readily available.

Groundwater contamination from sewage or organic chemicals is the most common and serious health concern for private water supplies in East Rockhill. Groundwater contamination from sewage can result from the failure of on-site septic systems. The BCDH is not aware of any areas in East Rock- hill which have chronic problems of groundwater contamination from sewage. However, of the township's 848 residential on- site septic systems, sixty are observed failures, twenty-nine are probable failures, and nine are observed wash-water discharges. (See Map G.2.) These are all potential sources of groundwater contamination.

According to the Bucks County Department of Health, the improper disposal of organic chemicals has resulted in groundwater contamination in two areas of the township. Contamin- ation has been confirmed in the areas around the T and B Ansley Company on Park Avenue and the Lenape Manu- facturing Company on Fifth Street. The contaminants are trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), chemical solvents used in the manufacturing process.

The contamination associated with the Ansley location appears to have been confined to the site, although some of the surrounding homes have also been shown to have TCE and PCE in their water supplies. The Ansley Company, since the dis-

74 covery, has taken measures to correct the problem by connection with the sewer system. Contaminated soils have been removed and replaced with clean fill. TCE is no longer 1 used in the manufacturing process, and the company is using a stripping tower on its source of groundwater to remove TCE and PCE before it is discharged to the nearby stream.

The water supplies of eighteen homes in the vicinity of the Lenape Manufacturing Company have been tested and found to have levels of TCE ranging from 4.8 to 1300 parts per billion. Two monitoring wells have been drilled on the company's property, and consideration is being given to erecting a stripping tower for the recovery of contaminated groundwater and removal of TCE. Although the source of the TCE is still in question and part of a litigation process, the Pennsylvania Department of .Environmental Resources has issued an admin- istrative order for the company to begin recovery operations. Extension of the water main down Fifth Street to this area has been ruied out because of the expense involved. There are not enough water users along this section of Fifth Street to justify the construction costs.

WASTEWATER FACILITIES

Considerations of wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal are critical factors in comprehensive land use planning. Planning for the proper types of sewage systems aids in implementing the township's land use goals and aids in ensuring the quality of the natural and man-made environment. Co- ordination of the township's sewage facilities planning and land use planning is a primary aspect of this comprehensive plan. The Pennsylvania statutes which authorize these planning functions direct and encourage municipalities to coordinate I these efforts. Section 71.14(5) of the Pennsylvania Sewage 'I Facilities Act (Act 537 of 1966) directs municipal officials to r 75 1 consider their community's comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance, and subdivision regulations in the preparation, review, and amendment of their official sewage facilities plan. Section 30 l(4) of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code of 1968 (Act 247) requires that a plan for sewage facilities be included in a comprehensive plan. Section 604(1) of the Code, dealing with the purposes of zoning, states that the provisions of zoning ordinances shall protect the public health and general welfare through adequate provisions for sewage facilities. Section 503(3) of the Code states that a community's subdivision and land development ordinance should contain standards for the installation of sewage facilities.

The Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act assigns to municipalities certain specific responsibilities for wastewater facilities. Each municipality is required to have an official wastewater facilities plan and, unless proposed facilities are consistent with the plan, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources cannot issue permits for the facilities. Permits can be issued only after the revision/supplement process outlined in Act 537 has been followed. Act 537 also provides for municipal involvement in proposals for holding tanks and rural residences. East Rockhill is currently participating with West Rockhill Township and Perkasie, Sellersville, Silverdale, and Telford boroughs in the preparation of a wastewater facilities plan for the area under the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act. Completion of the East Rockhill portion of the Pennridge Area Wastewater Facilities Plan is dependent upon the development of a revised zoning ordinance in order to intermesh wastewater planning with zoning districts. The wastewater plan is intended to be adopted as an update to this comprehensive plan. The township's Act 537 plan will contain an inventory, goals and objectives, and policy statements which are specific to each zoning district.

The following is a summary of available information about wastewater facilities which is most useful for land use planning, discussions of the public sewer facilities and the private sewer systems in the township. The wastewater facilities plan will include more information when it is adopted.

There are four areas of East Rockhill that are served by sewers. All of these are connected to the PWTA treatment plant in Sellersville via the South-side Interceptor that runs along East Branch Perkiomen Creek. The oldest sewer line serves Deibler Elementary School on Schwenk Mill Road and the senior and junior high schools on Fifth Street. This line is maintained by the Pennridge School District. A second sewer line runs eastward along Three Mile Run Road from Old Bethlehem Pike to a pumping station at Schoolhouse Road. This line also serves the properties fronting on Schoolhouse Road before it gets to the pumping station. The third area of the township with public sewer service is the watershed of East Branch Perkiomen Creek west of Blooming Glen Road. Properties on Blooming Glen, Branch, and Seven Corner roads are connected to the lines in this area. The fourth area is a small section at the western end of the township between Perkasie and .Sellersville boroughs. These three sewer lines are maintained by East Rockhill Township. The sewer lines in the township are shown on Map G.2.

The sewer line on Three Mile Run Road presents a situation that deserves special attention. As with most of the lines in the Pennridge Area, the sewer line transports sewage to the treatment plant in Sellersville, where the treated effluent is released into East Branch Perkiomen Creek. However, the properties served by the line obtain their water supply through groundwater withdrawals from the Three Mile Run watershed, which the Delaware River Basin Commission is monitoring for excessive withdrawals. Thus, water is not returned to the watershed of original withdrawal, where it could recharge the aquifer.

East Rockhill is allocated a flow capacity of 371,000 gallons per day in the PWTA's treatment plant. Of this capacity, 15,000 gallons are currently used by institutions and 58,450 gallons are used by residences and other connections. The remaining 297,550 gallons per day allocated to East Rockhill Township are available for future development. Nockamixon State Park has a wastewater treatment plant. The plant is located outside of East Rockhill, but a sewer line lies within the township, although the line does not extend beyond the park's boundaries. The plant has capacity in excess of the projected needs of the park, but it is unlikely that this

77 capacity will be made available to serve properties in East Rockhill. The Pennsylvania Department of Parks and Recrea- tion has a firm policy of reserving the plant solely for use within Nockamixon State Park and for use by the Upper Bucks Vocational School. Since there are no known community sewer systems, holding tanks, or spray irrigation systems in East Rockhill, the rest of the township is served by individual on-lot sewer systems. These systems include two nonmunicipal and two industrial treatment plants. As noted previously, of the approximately 857 residential systems, sixty are observed failures (chronic and seasonal), twenty-nine are probable failures (where only indirect evidence of failure was apparent at the time of site inspection), and nine are wash-water discharges (where water from laundries is not piped into the septic system but is discharged directly- into the ground or onto the surface). Most of the failures are scattered throughout the township; however, there are a few areas with high concentrations of failures including Meadow Lane, Schwenk Mill Road between Ridge and Three Mile Run roads, Keelersville, and Butler Lane. Map G.2 locates these facilities.

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

As mandated by the Pennsylvania Solid Waste Management Act (Act 97 of 19801, municipal governments have the primary responsibility of planning for the collection, transport, processing, and ultimate disposal of the municipal solid waste generated within their borough or township boundaries. Speci- fically, Act 97 requires that each municipality with a population density of 300 or more inhabitants per square mile, and each municipality under 300 per square mile identified as having a potential waste problem, shall submit to the Pennsyl- vania Department of Environmental Resources (PaDER) an oi'ficially adopted solid waste management plan. All of the municipalities in Bucks County fall under either of these two requirements. Although the plan mandated by Act 97 is

78 L E

beyond the scope of this comprehensive plan, a few aspects of solid waste management need to be addressed here.

The management of solid waste is a significant problem confronting East Rockhill and all municipalities in Bucks County. The severity of this problem is evidenced by the ever decreasing number of landfills. The number of landfills in the county dwindled from fourteen in 1966 to one in 1984. During the past two years, the number of regional landfills available to Bucks County trash haulers has declined from thirteen to three. And while space in state licensed landfills is dimi- nishing rapidly, the cost of disposing of our wastes in properly operated landfills is continually increasing. It is clear that the continued long-term disposal of solid waste solely through r landfilling is an undependable, insecure method for East Rockhill.

As iri most other rural communities, East Rockhill does not I provide services connected with solid waste management. Instead, three private haulers contract with approximately ninety percent of the residents of the township to collect, I transport, process, and dispose of their solid waste. Residents in the remainder of the township dispose of their trash in some P . other manner. The 1980 population of East Rockhill has been estimated to generate approximately 4.62 tons of solid waste per day (based on 3.11 pounds per capita per day). The amount of solid waste is projected to increase to as much as 6.06 tons per day by the year 1990 and 7.39 tons per day by 2000. The 90 percent of the estimated 4.62 tons of waste collected by the three haulers was disposed of at Colebrookdale landfill in Berks County until June 1, 1985. Since that time, when the landfill was closed to all solid waste except that generated in Delaware County, East Rockhill's solid waste has been hauled to GROWS landfill in Bucks County, Boyerstown landfill in 1 Niontgomery County, or Chrin landfill in Northampton County.

P 79 Under Act 97, the Bucks County Planning Commission will complete a baseline plan for solid waste management for all municipalities in the Pennridge and Quakertown School districts. The baseline plan will satisfy seven of thirteen tasks required by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources for an official Act 97 plan. Tasks 1 through 7 address existing conditions, demographics, and solid waste system deficiencies, and list available management options. Tasks 8 through 13 provide final recommendations for the implementation of a long-term solid waste management plan and will have to be completed. The township will have to prepare tasks 8 through 13 of the solid waste management plan as mandated by Act 97.

80 POLICE SERVICES

At the present time, East Rockhill Township employs three full-time police officers. The township also has three police cars, two marked and one unmarked. The township's police department does not provide 24-hour police protection. The state police stationed in Dublin can be called on for assistance during times when the township is without an on-duty police officer. However, the state police provide assistance to other municipalities in the Upper Bucks region, and the township cannot rely on them for complete protection. The office of research and development of the state police does not recognize any guidelines for evaluating the adequacy of municipal police services. Instead of such guidelines, an evaluation is based on such factors as changes in police training and technology, crime rates, requests for police services, the settlement pattern, and the rate of development. These factors are viewed in light of the residents' perceived need for police protection and the amount which the residents are willing to be taxed for the service. Reports from the police department and residents' attitudes toward police services are issues that are best reviewed by the board of supervisors and are beyond the scope of this plan. However, aspects of land use that affect the level and quality of police services are properly addressed here.

81 FIRE SERVICES

East Rockhill does not have a fire station or any fire equipment at the present time. Its fire protection is provided by the fire companies of Perkasie, Quakertown, Dublin, Sellersville, and Haycock. All of these companies are served by volunteers. Perkasie has sixty active firefighters, Quaker- town has one hundred, Dublin has sixty, Sellersville has ninety- . four, and Haycock has twenty-two.

The five volunteer companies serve the portions of East Rockhill nearest their stations in the neighboring municipalities. The entire township is within five road-miles of at least one of the stations, and response times for the fire companies range from three to eight minutes. The Perkasie company has the largest service area, covering almost 70 percent of the township. The Quakertown company protects approximately 15 percent of the township, and the other three companies serve the remaining portions of East Rockhill. Map G.3 illustrates the service areas of each of the fire companies. However, in times of emergency, all of the departments can

TABLE G.l: FIRE CALLS

1983 1984 No. of Calls Total No. No. of Calls Total No. Fire Department to E. Rockhill of Calls to E. Rockhill of Calls

Perkasie 22 103 36 132 Quakertown 5 271 9 318 Dublin 6 65 6 96 Sellersville 10 158 8 151 Havcock * * 4 22

Total 43 597 63 719 *Inform ation not available. 82 communicate through the Bucks County radio network in order to solicit the aid of any other fire departments in the region.

The Perkasie and Dublin companies each have a ladder or tower which can reach as high as seventy-five feet. The Sellersville and Quakertown stations have ladders which can extend to 100 feet. The Sellersville and Dublin companies have tankers; but the Perkasie and Quakertown companies do not and are therefore dependent upon public water systems or other sources of water or tankers from other companies. In recent years, less than 10 percent of all the companies' fire calls have been in East Rockhill. The companies responded to forty-three fire calls in 1983 and sixty-three calls in 1984. Table G.l shows the number of calls each fire company responded to in East Rockhill. The township contributes to the budgets of the five fire companies that serve East Rockhill. The annual contributions from 1982 to 1984 were $16,500, allocated from the township's general fund. The same amount has been proposed for 1985, but $12,000 are to come from general funds and $4,500 are to be raised in a fund-raising drive. The contributions are divided among the companies based on the size of their service areas in East Rockhill, as shown in Map G.3. Table G.2 lists the companies' individual shares of the annual contributions for the current year.

TABLE G.2: TOWNSHIP CONTRIBUTIONS TO FIRE COMPANIES, 1985

Fire Amount of Percent of Total ComDanv Contribution Contribution

Perkasie $11,220 68.0 Quaker town 2,475 15.0 Dublin 412 2.5 Sellersville 1,320 8.0 Haycock 1,073 --6.5 Total $16,500 100.0

83 A company called the Insurance Services Office has standards for evaluating the level of fire service provided in a municipality. Each municipality's service is graded class 1 (best) to class 10 (worst) according to such factors as the community's building code, fire fighting equipment and man- ning, and fire alarm systems, as well as the community's water systems and the fire company's response time for answering calls, the last two factors being the only ones directly addressed in this plan. Based on these factors the Insurance Services Office has graded the level of fire service in East Rockhill where there are fire hydrants as class 5 and in the rest of the township as class 9. As can be seen from Map G.1, only small areas of the township have public water supplies; therefore, almost all of the East Rockhill has the lowest classification of fire service according to the Insurance Services Off ice.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

Emergency medical services are provided in East Rockhill from a variety of sources. Basic life support service is provided by the volunteer fire companies in Perkasie, and Dublin and Upper Bucks Paramedics, Inc. The Perkasie company serves most of the township, Upper Bucks Para- medics, Inc. about one third, and the Dublin fire company along Old Bethlehem Road as far north as Keelersville. Advanced life support service is provided by Grandview and Quakertown Memorial hospitals. Grandview serves the southern two thirds of East Rockhill, and Quakertown serves the northern third. Map G.3 illustrates the extent of emergency medical services provided by these companies in East Rockhill.

Every part of the township can be reached by basic ambulance service within ten minutes of a call and by advanced life support service with twenty minutes. This level of service is considered adequate by the Bucks County Office of Emergency Health Services, based on the Pennsylvania Department of

Health's "Field Response and Transportation Strategy Planning and Policy Guide'' (January, 1930).

PARKS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

This section presents information on the existing recreational facilities in East Rockhill. Although a park and recreation plan should consider recreational programs, public policies and the administration of recreational facilities and programs, this land use plan is limited to the study of recreational facilities. However, it should be noted in regard to these topics that East Rockhill Township, which is a rural community, does not have a park and recreation board, no recreational personnel, and no budget for recreation. The recreational facilities included in this inventory are classified according to the national standards developed by the National Recreation and Park Association. Residents' preferences and local patterns of park use, as well as municipal policies, affect the applica- bility of the national standards to a specific locality. In the preparation of this land use plan, no citizens' survey has been conducted and only a limited inquiry to the use patterns of local organizations has been made. Therefore, this plan relies on the standards of the National Recreation and Park Association.

CLASSIFICATION OF PARK FACILITIES

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has developed a classification system which is useful in analyzing East Rockhill's park system: regional reserve parks, neighborhood parks, neighborhood parks/playgrounds, and mini-parks. In addition, the NRPA recognizes three other types of recrea-

85 tional land: linear park, special use, and conservancy. Table G.3 presents the essential features of these parks in the N RPA's classif icat ion system . Table G.4 applies these national standards to East Rockhill. The table shows the parks that are currently available to East Rockhill's 2,971 residents and the parks that will be needed to serve the populations projected for the years 1990 and 2000. Only state, county, and municipal parks may be counted, strictly speaking, toward meeting the recreational needs of East Rockhill residents because the standards of the NRPA include only governmentally owned facilities. To the extent that Pennridge School District cooperates with the municipality in opening its facilities after school hours, the national standards may be adjusted to local circumstances. Adjust- ments are also called for where local use patterns, citizens' preferences (usually expressed in a citizens' survey), and municipal policy dictate.

The following is a discussion of existing park facilities in and around East Rockhill Township. The discussion is organized around the NRPA's classification of park facilities. Table G.5 lists the existing sites according to the NRPA's standards and Map G.4 locates the sites. However, the discussion also deals with school, private, and special facilities and parks in neighboring municipalities. Even though such facilities may not be counted against the NRPA's national standards, these facilities are currently heavily used and therefore must be included in this inventory.

REGIONAL RESERVE PARKS

Regional reserve parks, serving the residents of a large region, often have a service area covering an hour's travel time. These parks are usually owned and maintained by a county,

86 I I I r

TABLE G.3: NATIONAL RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCUTION PARK CLASSIFICATION Acres/ Classification 1000 People Size Range Population Served Service Area

Regional Reserve 17.5 1.000+ acres Several communities Within 1-hour driving time Community 6.0 25+ acres Several neighborhoods 1- to 2-mile radius

Neighborhood 1.5 15+ acres Up to 5,000 114- to 1/2- mile radius

M ini-park 0.37 Up to 1 acre Subneighborhood Less than 1/4- mile radius Linear Special Use * Conservancy

.No applicable standard.

Source: Roger A. Lancaster, ed. Recreation, Park and Open Space Standards and Guidelines (National Recreation and Park Association: 1983).

state, or regional authority. They often are larger than 1,000 acres in size and usually contain unique or diverse natural areas as well as developed sections. Some of the facilities usually found in regional parks include campgrounds, picnic areas, nature centers, trail systems, water areas, and in some cases sports fields.

Within the region that extends for forty miles around East Rockhill, there are at least nineteen parks which consist of 1,000 or more acres. Nockamixon State Park, with 500 of its 5,250 acres lying within the township, is the most accessible of the regional parks. Lake Towhee Park is also very accessible. Other parks, such as Tyler State Park and Peace Valley Park

87 TABU 0.1: TOWNSHIP PUBLIC PARKS: EXLSTINC AND NEEDED

Acres Acres Acres CLASSIFICATION NRPA's Existing Needed in Needed in Needed in Standard (acres) 1980 1990 2000

Regional Reserve 17.5 acres/ 5,250 52 66-68 78-83 1,000 people

Community 6.5 acres/ 0 19 25-26 29-31 1,000 people

Neighborhood 1.5 acres/ 0 4 5-6 7 1,000 people

Mini-park 0.37 acres/ 0 1 1 2 1.000 people

Linear - 0 Special Use - 0 \ Conservancy - 0

NOTES

"Needed": The figure for the existing or projected population in 1980, 1990, and 2000 multiplied by the NRPA's standard. The figure indicates the total acreage for that population and is not in addition to the existing acreage. East Rockhill's population was 2.971. A population range of 3,800 to 3,900 is projected for 1990, and a range of 4,450 to 4,750 is projected for 2000. Regional: The figure for existing acreage includes all of Nockamixon State Park; approx- '' imately-500 acres of this park lies in East Rockhill Township.

Community: The figure for existing acreage does not include land owned by the school district. The NHPA's standard for the desirable size of a community park is 25+ acres. Neighborhood: The figure for existing acreage does not include land at the elementary school. The NRPA's standard for the desirable size of a neighborhood park is 1st acres.

Mini-park: The NRPA's standard for the desirable size of a mini-park is up to one acre.

88 E 1 I

I‘ in Bucks County and Hickory Run State Park in Carbon County, are within convenient travel time.

COMMUNITY PARKS

Community parks occupy large sites, usually over twenty-five acres, that are easily accessible to the residents of several neighborhoods. A community park contains facilities that require more space than can be provided in a neighborhood park. The facilities in a community park often include areas of natural quality for outdoor recreation, such as walking, viewing, and picnicking, and areas of intense recreational facilities, such as athletic complexes and large swimming pools.

No community parks exist within the township. In the adjacent Perkasie and Sellersville boroughs is the complex of Lenape/Lake Lenape/Menlo Park. This complex is important for East Rockhill residents because many sports leagues active in the Pennridge School District make use of the fields within these 130 acres. Also, within East Rockhill are the Pennridge High and Junior High schools. These schools contain athletic fields and courts which are often found in community parks.

NEIGHBORHOOD PARKVPLAYGROUNDS’

Neighborhood parks/playgrounds may be located next to elementary schools, thus providing a locus for educational, recreational, and other activities. Safe walking and biking access are important locational factors. These parks serve neighborhoods up to 5000 people. In order to meet the active

89 recreational needs of children and adults, a neighborhood park should include sports fields, shuffleboard and horseshoe courts, game tables, and play equipment, as well as passive sitting areas.

No neighborhood parks exist within the township, although Deibler Elementary School contains some of the sports fields, courts, and play equipment which are often found in neighborhood parks.

MINFPARKS ,

Mini-parks are located within neighborhoods in close proximity to high-density residences. These are facilities which serve a concentrated or limited population or a specific group of residents, such as tots or senior citizens.

No mini-parks exist in East Rockhill.

SPECIAL AND PRIVATE FACILITIES

The NRPA also addresses special facilities for which there are no standards. Linear parks are built or natural corridors, such as utility rights-of-way and floodplains, that connect other facilities in the recreational system, such as schools, commercial areas, and parks. Special uses include such facilities as golf courses, shooting ranges, arboreta, and interpretive historic sites. A conservancy is land that is protected and managed primarily for its natural or cultural value, with recreation as a secondary objective.

90 The township has no linear. parks. However, three major floodplains cross the township, and each has recreational facilities along it. Several parks line East Branch Perkiomen Creek in Sellersville and Perkasie; Nockamixon State Park lies at the end of Three Mile Kun, and State Game Lands $139 is also near the stream; and Tohickon Creek flows past the Girl Scouts' Tohikanee Park and into Nockamixon State Park. The rights-f-way of the railroad and the Texas Eastern pipeline, arid the AT & T telephone cable are also potential corridors for linear parks. Several other special facilities exist within East Rockhill 8 Township. Approximately 130 acres of State Game Lands #139 lie within the township. (Two other portions of #139 lie in Hichland Township.) Located at the school district's education I center on Fifth Street is the Pennridge Art Gallery, a joint school district/community art gallery with three shows during the school year. The Bucks County Conservancy owns two I parcels totalling five acres which are to remain as open space. These parcels are near Thatcher Koad.

The township contains several historic structures alia arche- 1 ological sites that are on official county, state, and national inventories. Headman Pottery on Kockhill Road iiear the intersection with Niuskra t Road, Grassroot s at the intersection I of Sterner Road and Koute 313, ana the Hager House on Old Bethlehem Road in Hagersville are listed on the County Register. Sheard's Xiill covered bridge on Covered Bridge Koad I and Mood's covered bridge on Blooming Glen Road are included with all of the county's other covered bridges in a nomination on the National Register of Historic Places. The Pennsylvania Archeological Site Survey contains six archeological sites CI within East Kockhill Township. None of the structures or sites is open as an interpretive center. 'E At this time, no historic districts, either under Pennsylvania Act 167 of 1961 or in the National Register of Historic Places, exist in the township.

Private facilities in East Rockhill include a sports club, a fish and game club, a campground, arid a portion of Camp 1 Tohikanee owned by the Girl Scouts of America. I I 91 1 TABLE C.5: HECRLAI IONAL. FACILITIES IN EASr ROCKHILL TOWNSHIP

NO. NAME COMMENTS 1 Nockamixon State Park Skating, sleddigg, nature trail, youth (portion of) (Pu) hostel

2- Pennridoe- .- - - - H.S. (Pu). ~~ 3 Jr. ~~ ~ Pennridge H.S. (Pu) 4 Deibler Elem. (Pu) 5 Pennridge Art Gallery (Pu) Art Shows 6 State Camelands #139 (Pu) 7 BC Conservancv (Pr) Open Space 8 BC Conservancy (Pr) Open Space 9 Headman Potterv (Pr).. Historic building 10 Grassroots (Pr) Historic building 11 Sheard's Mill Covered Bridge (Pu) Historic building 12 Mood's Covered Bridge (Pur Historic building 13 Hager House (Pr) Historic building 14 Diehl Site (Pr) Archeological site 15 Haine's Site (Pr) Archeological site 16 Unnamed Site (Pr) Archeological site 17- Unnamed Site (Pr) Archeological site It) llrinamed Site (Pr) ____ Archeological site 19 Camp Tohikanee (Pr) ____ Chins 20 Branch Valley Fish & Game (Pr) ' Ice Skating, trap shooting 21 Keelersville Club (Pr) xx

Pu = publicly owned Pr privately owned

1 I I I II LOCAL PATTERNS OF PARK USE

Residents of East Rockhill participate in several recreational T organizations, including the Pennridge Little League, the Penn- ridge Yellowjackets (soccer), the Pennridge Community League (baseball), and the Pennridge Greenjackets (football). A i limited survey reveals that these organizations make use of the sports fields in parks in Perkasie Borough and the fields of I the Pennridge School District. I' SCHOOLS

When planning for future land use needs, the possibility of 1 school expansions should be taken into account. East Rockhill Township is within the Pennridge School District. Four of the district's schools are located within the township-Deibler Elementary, Central Junior High, and Pennridge Upper and I Lower high schools. Decisions concerning the future of these school facilities 1 should be based on projected school enrollment. The Pennridge School District's "Long Range Plan for School Improvements" (1982) is the source for school enrollment projections through 1987. This study uses the planning I project ions forecasting met hod, which makes enrollment projections based on the following data: preceding years' enrollment, migration rates, birth rates, and new housing I starts. Adjustments are also made for nonquantifiable variables.

93 I I I I The study projects a gradual decrease in enrollment for the school district as a whole until 1987. Table G.6 shows enrollment projections for the schools in East Rockhill. Enrollment at Deibler Elementary is projected to remain I stable over the next few years, while a slight decline is expected at the Pennridge Upper High School. The Central Junior High School and the Pennridge Lower High School are I predicted to have the largest drops in enrollment of the four schools. In addition to projecting school enrollments, the plan also 1 makes proposals for the use of school facilities. The plan does not recommend additions to the existing schools or new schools because of the projected decline in school enrollment. I Instead, the plan calls for continued maintenance of the existing facilities, with minor reallocations of space within each building. I I TABLE G.6: FIVE-YEAR ENROUMENT PROJJlCTIOWS

Enroll m ent I Capacity 81-82 82-83 83-84 84-85 85-86 86-87 Deibler Elementary 540 400 393 392 393 388 396 I

Central Junior High School 550 452 453 431 383 362 376 I Pennridge Lower High School 937 955 938 946 944 899 795 S Pennridge Upper High School 1100 87 1 831 836 821 827 826 I Source: "Long Range Plan for School Improvements" (1982). Pennridge School District. I I I 94 I ANALYSIS--WATER FACILITIES

In order for East Rockhill to plan for water facilities needed to accommodate the township's expected growth, questions about the quantity and quality of available water must be resolved. However, information at the proper level of detail to definitively answer these questions is not available at this time. Therefore, planning decisions made now must be based on certain assumptions, and the decisions will have to be revised as more detailed information becomes available.

The Delaware River Basin Commission's limitation on the amount of water that the Perkasie Borough Authority (PBA) can pump from its wells located in the Three Mile Run Watershed, serves to prevent withdrawals of groundwater in excess of' available aquifer yields. Further development relying on wells in this watershed would only serve to cause depletion of the aquifer or decrease the amount of water currently available to the PBA.

Related to this is the development by the PBA of a 1.8 million gallon standpipe which will provide increased storage and pressure to their existing system. However, the possibility exists that future development in East Kockhill Township could be served by the standpipe, providing that additional water supplies are developed in the East Branch of Perkiomen Creek Watershed, to provide water to any expansion of the water supply system into East Rockhill Township.

The last statement assumes that the East Branch of Perki- omen Creek Watershed can sustain additional withdrawals. This assumption is based on one, the directive of DRBC to PBA to look to this watershed for any additional water supplies, rather than the Three Mile Run watershed, and two, there are no apparent well interference problems reported in

95 I I this watershed. This assumption is in actuality the basis for concluding that any future development in the East Branch of Perkiomen Watershed, whether relying on on-site wells or the I public water system, would not in the near future result in withdrawals in excess of available aquifer yields. Thus, to provide a sound water supply system to serve areas of East I Rockhill Township, the prudent use of the PBA standpipe currently under construction and further development of the water supplies of the East Branch of Perkiomen Creek I Watershed is environmentally and technically more sound than future development relying on additional wells located in the Three Mile Run Watershed. I Whether development is served by on-site wells or the public water system depends on several factors. The most important is the hydrological situation, which is discussed briefly I above but which needs further study. Another important factor concerns the economics of constructing public facilities. Clearly, extensions of PBA's system take advantage of the existing investments made in the authority's system. I However, whether any extension is feasible is directly related to the number of paying customers who will be using the extension and thus to the intensity of development allowed I along the extension. Two aspects of water quality in East Rockhill need to be I considered. One is the provision of potable water to properties with contaminated sources of water. In the cases of the confirmed instances of organic chemical pollution, the contaminated areas are too distant from the public water I system to be a feasible alternative source of water. Sim- ilarly, most of those areas where pollution from malfunctioning on-site septic systems is likely are to distant I from the existing public water system and too small to support a separate community water system. In any event, changing to an alternative water supply is an avoidance of I a problem rather than its solution.

The second aspect of water quality has to do with public awareness of contamination, its occurrence and its solution. I Many pollutants are not detectable to human senses, and property owners usually do not test the quality of their water unless they suspect a problem. When tests, such as those li provided by the Bucks County Department of Health, are made they usually measure only the bacteriological pollutants normally associated with contamination from failing septic I systems. Most property owners would not think to test the chemical contaminants TCE and PCE that have appeared in two locations in the township. A basic lack of information about the quality of water remains a problem in East I Rockhill. I 96 I 'I ANALYSIS--WASTEWATERFACILITIES I Sewer planning is one of the most effective tools in land use planning and development control. The Pennridge Area I Wastewater Facilities Plan is an important planning document for East Rockhill for this reason. The plan will influence the township's development patterns by designating areas where public sewage facilities will be available and areas where other I types of wastewater facilities should be used. The adoption of the wastewater plan as an amendment to the comprehensive plan is of paramount importance because it will enable the I township to manage one of the most important community facilities affecting the township's growth and land use.

The wastewater facilities plan is necessary to make firm I decisions about areas to be served by public sewers. Never- theless, a few tentative conclusions can be drawn from the available information. Although sewer lines discharging to the I PWTA Treatment Plant and Nockamixon State Park Treatment Plant are in East Rockhill, only the former lines may be considered as public sewer service areas to be used and I expanded for property owners in the township. The East Rockhill Township lines along Three Mile Run Road, Fifth Street, and the East Branch of Perkiomen Creek are the most likely bases for a service area. The lines are large enough to I take additional flow, and much of the land in the vicinity of the lines is vacant. By concentrating the public sewer facilities in these areas, East Rockhill Township can realize I direct cost savings, and the coordination of other municipal services in these service areas can result in additional savings. i Although various economic benefits would result from creating a service area around the sewer line on Three Mile Run Road, environmental factors suggest that a service area here should not be intensively developed with water taken from that I watershed. The concern is that the watershed of Three Mile Run is being depleted by the withdrawal of water from the I aquifer and the transfer of that water through the public

97 sewer system to the watershed of the East Branch of Perkiomen Creek. There is evidence to suggest that this practice is preventing the recharge of the Three Mile Run aquifer to the point that the aquifer may be seriously depleted. However, this problem may be reduced if the public sewer service is coordinated with public water service that makes use of water taken from the watershed of the East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek, as will be the case for the Perkasie Borough Authority's proposed standpipe on Ridge Road. A determination of what role the Three Mile Run sewer line plays in the depletion of the aquifer cannot be made at this time but would have to be a conclusion of a thorough hydrological study of the watershed.

The planning of wastewater facilities in East Rockhill must also address areas where problems exist with on-site septic systems. Map G.2 indicates that there are a considerable number of such problems in the township. Because these problems are scattered throughout the township, it is not feasible to extend sewer lines to most of them. However, it may be possible to alleviate the problems clustered on Meadow Lane and Schwenk Mill Road near the elementary school by extending the existing sewer lines. The township's wastewater plan will address in more detail the feasibility of various options to repair or replace the failed on-site septic systems.

ANALYSIS--SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

Although the township is not currently involved in the collection, processing, and disposal of East Rockhill's solid waste, the provisions of Act 97 require that the township becomes involved in solid waste planning. Aside from meeting the requirements of the act, there is a need to solve the impending crisis in solid waste disposal, a problem that will only increase.

98 i I I

I The township's participation in the Upper Bucks Solid Waste Group would be a step toward long-term management of solid waste. Pending the outcome of the group's study, East I Rockhill may have an opportunity to secure a long-term trash disposal plan for present and future residents. If the UBSWG does not come up with a solution which would allow the involvement of East Rockhill, then the township will have to 1 prepare its own solid waste management plan to resolve the I problem. I I ANALY SIS--POLICE SERVICES Although the present level and quality of police services is adequate for existing conditions, the township's full-time I police department with the back-up services of the state police in Dublin may be taxed as development continues. This is especially so if the current land use pattern remains I unchanged: scattered development with the possibility of high density development almost anywhere in the township. An economy and efficiency of providing police protection can be I ensured if intensive residential and nonresidential land uses are directed into concentrated areas surrounding existing centers of development. In addition to the quality of service and the response time in emergencies, the cost to the taxpayers for I providing the service could be lower if most development is I concentrated rather than dispersed.

i ANALYSIS--FIRE SERVICES I Two aspects of East Rockhill's fire protection indicates that I the township may have an adequate level of service. All I 99 1 i

sections of the township are within the service area of a fire I company, and the companies serving the township have had to respond to very few calls within East Rockhill. However, several points suggest that fire protection could be improved. 1 East Rockhill at present relies on five different fire companies, none of which is located in the township and all of which require an annual contribution to continue to serve the township; most of the township is protected by the Perkasie I and Quakertown companies, which do not have tankers to serve the areas without public water systems; and the insurance rates suffer because of the low level of service and lack of I fire hydrants. These problems are exacerbated by the current pattern of scattered development. However, development that is concentrated in areas served by public water and other I services creates the opportunity for improved fire protection. I 1 ANALYSIS--EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES I According to the Bucks County Office of Emergency Health Services, the township has adequate emergency medical services. As with the other community services, emergency I medical service can be provided more economically and efficiently if the township's growth is concentrated in specific areas rather than scattered throughout the township, which is the current and potential patterns of development. I I

ANALYSIS--PARKS & RECREATIONAL FACILITIES i I According to the standards of the National Recreation and Park Association, East Rockhill's park system is incomplete at the present. Table G.4 compares the national standards with I I IO0 I i I I

I existing public parks with needed acreage. Results of the limited survey of recreational organizations suggests modi- I fication of the standards in some cases. The current and future needs for a regional reserve in the township have been met and surpassed by Nocka- I mixon State Park. The township will need a community park by the year 1990 according to national standards. However, the I sports facilities of Perkasie Borough and the school district seem to be adequate for the demands of 1 recreational organizations. No public or township owned neighborhood parks currently exist. The provision of privately owned open space as part of the land development process appears to I be an appropriate way to meet this standard. Ownership and maintenance of many of these small parks would be a burden on the township, and residents of the individual I developments seem to prefer that their open space not be open to the general public. However, in addition to the open space, the township must ensure that the space is improved with appropriate recreational facilities if the I open space is to function as a neighborhood park.

No public or township owned mini-parks exist in the I township. Although the national standards indicate that several of these specialized facilities are needed, the township's development pattern suggests otherwise. The I lot areas for most of the housing types permitted in the township are adequate substitutes for mini-parks. Only in high density areas or developments for special populations are mini-parks essential. As with neighborhood 8 parks, proper enforcement of existing zoning and subdivision regulations should adequately provide for mini- i parks where they are needed. The NRPA also lists various linear and special use parks as necessary elements of a park system but does not provide I specific standards for them. No linear parks exist in East Rockhill, but the floodplains of the three major streams appear I I 101 I i

to be excellent corridors for the development of such parks. I Open space exists in the' township as a large area of state game lands and two small pieces of conservancy owned land. The township has several buildings and sites of historical 1 interest, although none is regularly open for historical inter- pretation or other cultural programs. I I ANALY SIS--SCHOOLS I

Based on the conclusions of the Pennridge School District's 1982 plan, no additional land for school use will be needed in I the township in the next five years. However, state law requires school districts to update their plans periodically. Future school plans, accounting for the population increases I due to in-migration and to the families that will be formed by today's teenagers, may find it necessary to expand school facilities. However, the school district has the policy that it is unreasonable to project enrollments and facility needs I farther than five years into the future. Therefore, it is important for the township to review the updates of the school plan as they become available. I I I i I i I 102 I CHAPTER H: TRANSPORTATION

The transportation network, consisting of highways, rail lines, and airports, provides access from one municipality to another for the movement of people and goods. The road system also provides access within a municipality. Types and intensities of land use affect the transportation system; likewise, transportation facilities affect the pattern, intensity, and rate of development in a municipality. This chapter presents basic information about the components of East Rockhill's transportation system. The township's road system is discussed in terms of a functional highway classification, the levels of service offered by each road, traffic accidents, and the protection of highway functions. The public transportation services which use the road system and the rail line are also discussed. Finally, this chapter includes information about Pennridge Airport.

FUNCTIONAL HIGHWAY CLASSIFICATION

There is a strong and direct relationship between land uses and road systems. Decisions about one affect the other. For example, the decision to concentrate development in a certain section of a municipality must be made in light of the character of existing roads in that area. Similarly, decisions to make improvements to roadways should be based in part on the intensity of development expected in the area to be served by the road. Thus, when either land use or highway planning decisions are being considered, the reciprocal impacts must be evaluated.

103 In order to make efficient use of its roads, a community needs to think of its roads as elements of a highway system. An integrated highway system is a hierarchy of types of roads with each type serving a different function and having different design criteria. A hierarchical road system dif- ferentiates between roads whose primary purpose is to offer mobility through a region (high-order roads) and roads whose primary purpose is to provide access to abutting land (low- order roads) and roads whose main purpose is intermediate between these two purposes, providing links with higher order roads while also providing some access to abutting properties (intermediate-order roads). The types of roads are also differentiated by such design criteria as volume of traffic, length of road, design speed, number of lanes, and width of right-of-way. A hierarchical road system based on these considerations provides a network of roads that is coordinated with existing and expected land uses to provide safe and convenient movement within a municipality. Because the road system must be considered in conjunction with various aspects of land use, a functional road classification is included later in the plan, where the classification system is presented in more detail.

LEVEL OF SERVICE

A road's level of service is used to describe the operating conditions on the roadway. Factors which might be considered in evaluating level of service include speed and travel time, traffic interruptions and restrictions, freedom to maneuver, safety, and driving comfort and convenience. However, many of these factors are difficult to quantify. Two factors which can be quantified are traffic volume and highway capacity. Therefore, transportation planners generally use a ratio of these two factors to determine a road's level of service.

104 The volume of traffic can be quantified by traffic counts for each segment of a road between majar intersections. The capacity of the road is a measure of the design of a road in terms of the number of automobiles that can freely traverse a segment of the road in an hour. The ratio of existing volume to design capacity is thus a quantifiable indication of traffic density and freedom to maneuver. In general terms, when the volume to capacity ratio is less than approximately eighty (Le., when the existing volume of traffic is no more than 80 percent of the design capacity of the road), the flow of traffic is stable and drivers experience only moderate delays. Con- versely, when the volume to capacity ratio exceeds eighty, travelling speeds are slow, with frequent stops and long delays.

The possible volume-to-capacity ratios are commonly grouped into six classes to provide a stratification of levels of service on roadways. The six levels of service from highest to lowest are expressed as letters from A to F. Levels A, B, and C have volume-to-capacity ratios below eighty-three and are considered acceptable operating conditions. Levels D, E, and F reflect unacceptable conditions which may necessitate various road improvements to return the road to satisfactory operating conditions. The major aspects of the six levels of service are depicted in Table H.l.

TABLE H.l: LEVELS OF SERVICE OF ROADS

Level of Volume to Description of Degree of Deiav A c0.72 Free None B e0.78 Stable Slight C e0.83 Stable Moderate D c0.95 Approaching Unstable Extensive E c1 .oo Unstable Critical F >1 .oo Forced Very Critical

105 The levels of service for various road segments in East Rockhill are depicted in Map H.l, which also includes traffic counts for the roads. Nearly all road segments have a level of service A. The only problem area exists on Pa. Rt. 313 between Three Mile Run Road and new Pa. Rt. 563. Level of service in this area is E. Other sections of Pa. Rt. 313 have levels of service B and C, which indicate adequate operating conditions.

Two points about the levels of service of roads in East Rockhill should be clarified. Both points involve the traffic volumes used in determining the volume-to-capacity ratios and levels of service. First, traffic volumes have not been determined for all roads in East Rockhill, and therefore not all roads have been classified with regard to their level of service. However, it can be assumed that the traffic volumes on these roads are very low and that the level of service is acceptable, probably level A. Second, estimates of current traffic volumes have been used in determining the levels of service of the roads in East Rockhill. Traffic volumes were counted in 1977, 1978, 1979, or 1981 for different road segments. Therefore, percentage increases in traffic were assumed in order to estimate 1985 traffic volumes.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

The number of traffic accidents at a particular intersection or section of roadway can indicate a need for road improvements. Eliminating dangerous conditions may require redesigning access onto the road or improving the sight distance or alignment of the road. Other improvements include installation of traffic lights, lowering speed limits, or providing road signs.

East Rockhill Township police have identified eight intersections which have a frequent number of traffic accidents. They are listed below according to the number of traffic

106

I I c accidents which have occurred at each location. It should be noted that this information reflects approximately 60 percent of the total acciaent activity at intersections in the township 1 due to the fact that the state police handles 40 percent of these accidents. I No. of Accidents Intersect ion (1 983-1 985)

1. Pa. Rt. 313 and Ridge Road 11 I 2. Pa. Kt. 313 and Fifth Street 8 3. Branch Road and Callowhill Road 3 4. Fifth Street and Schwenk Mill Road 3 I 5. Mountain View Road and Sterner Mill Road 6. Pa. Kt. 313 and Sterner Mill Road I 7. Sterner Mill Koad and Clymer Road 8. Ridge Road and Old Bethlehem Road

I As development in the vicinity of these high-accident areas occurs, the number of accidents can be expected to increase. Therefore, any decisions about proposed land use should c recognize the existence of the high-accident areas and the need to remedy the problem before major development occurs. I

i HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAMS I Several programs exist which provide federal and state funding for highway improvements. These programs are administered by the BCPC, DVRPC, and PennDOT. The Pansportation I Improvements Program (TIP) establishes a list of problem areas throughout the county. The TIP is the first step in obtaining state or federal funding for a road improvement I project. The TIP is used by PennDOT in developing its Twelve Year Plan. Only those projects which can be funded are included in the plan; all other projects remain on the TIP until funding is identified. From the Twelve Year Plan is derived 1 the 105 or Obligation Plan. This is a one-year plan which specifies the highway improvement projects on which contracts will be let within a given year. All highway improvement I projects must first be listed on the TIP before they progress to the Twelve Year Plan and the 105 or Obligation Plan. The I exceptions to this process are projects which, due to the I 107 specific nature of the problem, may qualify for funding under specific programs such as the Energy Conservation, Congestion Reduction and Safety Program (ECONS). An ECONS project is one that, when improvements are made, will conserve energy, reduce congestion, and improve safety on a highway. These projects are proven to have a positive benefit to cost ratio. Currently, East Rockhill does not have any projects listed on the TIP or ECONS.

PROTECTION OF HIGHWAY FUNCTIONS

As mentioned earlier in this chapter, the function of a road varies with respect to the degree of mobility or access the road is intended to provide. Problems can occur when through-traffic uses local roads, which are designed to provide access to abutting properties rather than permit speedy, uninterupted travel across a community. Problems can also occur where major highways are used for unlimited access to properties as well as for intercommunity travel. The latter set of problems is potentially greater for East Rockhill because of the presence of Pa. routes 313 and 563 and because of the number of subdivisions that have occurred in past where residential lots front on existing township roads. It is the latter set of problems that is discussed below. The utility of a major through-highway can be severely diminished when development with numerous access points is permitted to occur. A four lane highway is reduced to two lanes by vehicles making left turn movements. The level of service of a two lane highway can be reduced significantly by curb cuts, on-street parking, and left turns. In both of these examples, the highway becomes increasingly congested and accidents occur with greater frequency because the highway's function has not been protected. Strip commercial develop ment provides the worst example of the misuse of a highway and illustrates the importance of access control.

108 The general public, through various taxes, has a considerable capital investment in highways. A single property owner making use of this investment can seriously degrade the overall operation of a highway through improperly designed access. To help avoid this situation, the property owner must obtain a highway occupancy permit before taking access to a public highway. This permit is issued by the government agency controlling the highway in question. This would be the township for local roads and PennDOT for state roads.

A property owner is given the right by law to enter a public highway by obtaining a highway occupancy permit. This permit specifies the design, construction standards, and location of all driveways and construction related to the access for the property. Under the operations section of PennDOT's District Engineer's Office, the district permit engineer actually issues the highway occupancy permit while his staff reviews the approved construction. In addition, large development proposals are reviewed in PennDOT's Central Office.

PennDOT has no jurisdiction over the land use of any particular site. PennDOT's review is limited to the immediate impact of the access to determine that traffic entering or exiting the site does not have adverse effects on the traffic flow and safety in the immediate vicinity. Stormwater drainage is also considered to determine that runoff does not flow onto the road and that the drainage system is adequate to handle the increased flows. Any potential problems are required to have engineering solutions before the permit is issued.

PennDOT considers the immediate point of access solely and does not deny the issuing of a permit even if the magnitude of the proposed development necessitates highway improvements. PennDOT's position is stated in a letter from the 6-0 District Engineer (January 7, 1976).

It was the Department's position that the local municipality by issuing a building permit was in essence accepting the ramifications of the newly --generated- traffic and would be resDonsible for -handling the corrections. The local municipality

I09 would through their County Planning Commission, place the improvement package on the Depart- ment's Capital Budget Program. Normally, in cases such as this, the municipality would have required the improvements as a contingency for receiving the building permit. Of course, the main point of these examples was. that the local municipality is most responsible for correcting capacity or safety problems that will be created bv a development off site from the actual DroDertv.

Therefore, the township must consider the impact on the road system in the community when land use decisions are under consideration. The township has various ways it can protect the functions of its highways. Although there can be engineering and construction solutions, the primary way to protect the highway is to minimize curb cuts at the outset, before corrective measures have to be taken. The subdivision and land development ordinance can require shared driveways, marginal access roads, and reverse-frontage lots, when possible, along the major roads. Adequate off-street parking standards and the pro- hibition of parking along arterial and collector highways can also assist in providing for safe travel along these roads. Traffic impact studies can be required for major change of zoning requests and land development proposals.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

East Rockhill is served by three types of public transportation. A railroad line that is currently not operating and a bus line pass through the township, although there are no passenger stops in the township at this time. Taxi service is provided by the Bucks County Office of Public Transportation.

I10 I

I East Rockhill is crossed by one railroad, originally the Bethlehem Branch of the Reading Railroad. This line connects Philadelphia and Bethlehem, with stations in Lansdale (Mont- gomery County) and Sellersville, Perkasie, and Quakertown (Bucks County), among other stations. Since the early 1960'~~ the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority has 8 owned the line, and SEPTA discontinued passenger service on this nonelectrified line in the summer of 1981. Through this 1 period, the line has continued to be used by freight traffic. With the publication of "A Plan for Cost-effective Supple- mental Service" (December 1984), SEPTA is considering the reinstatement of' passenger service on the Quakertown line. The plan recommends that lightweight, diesel-powered commuter trains be used on several of SEPTA'S lines that are not electrified. Although the plan proposes the experimental use of the trains on the Norristown line and the Newtown line, the plan notes that the Quakertown line "has definite potential for further passenger service." (p. 14)

Carl R. Bieber Tourways operates an intercity bus line which provides six roundtrips daily between Philadelphia and Beth- lehem. The bus line has scheduled stops in Quakertown arid Sellersville but none in East Rockhill.

No private taxi companies serve East Rockhill at this time, but the Bucks County Office of Public Transportation provides shared-ride taxi service for the township and surrounding communities. The shared-ride service is a demand-response system that provides transportation for riders who must make i reservations by 2:30 p.m. of the day before the service is desired. Rates are reduced for people aged ti5 or over, and the service is free to eligible members of the Bucks County I' Adult Services program. I I 'I

111 AIRPORT

Pennridge Airport, a private airport located north of Ridge Road between Tunnel and School House roads, is the only airport in East Rockhill Township. Two publicly owned airports are nearby, in Quakertown and Doylestown. Pennridge Airport has a paved runway 3,775 feet long, making it "important to the aviation users in the area."l Pennridge has a lighted runway and a beacon, and the navigational aids at the

airport allow operations based on ' visual flight rules (VFR), instrument flight rules (IFR), and very high frequency om- nidirec t ional range (VORTAC).

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission classifies Pennridge as a basic utility stage I airport for the present and to the year 2000.2 A basic utility stage I airport is described as accommodating approximately three quarters of the pro- peller airplanes under 12,500 pounds and serving areas of low air activity and small population. This classification is based on'an assessment of the types of aircraft using the airport, and the types of facilities available there. Table H.2 presents current and projected data on the number of aircraft based at Pennridge and the annual number of operations (take-offs and landings) at the airp~rt.~DVRPC does not anticipate the demand for aircraft services and facilities to exceed the capacity at Pennridge Airport within the planning horizon of the year 2000.4 Thus, aircraft users should not expect excessive delays or be forced to use nearby airports.

l"Regiona1 Airport System Plan for the Delaware Valley Region: Technical Report: Chapters 1-3," (DVRPC, September 1980), p. 111-E-10. 21bid, p. 111-G-12. 31bid, pp. 111-F-2, 111-F-3, 111-F-6, 111-F-9. 41bid, p. 111-F-7. TABLE H.2: DATA FOR PENNRIDGE AIRPORT

1980 1985 1990 1995 2000

Based Aircraft 56 63 65 68 70

Annual Aircraft Operations1 30,000 35,000 40,000 45,000 50,000

Aircraft Storage Capacity 65 65 -- -- 71 loperations = take-offs and landings.

ANALYSIS

The information about level of service indicates that the township's road network is functioning well, although the section of Pa. Rt. 313 between Three Mile Run and new Pa. Rt. 563 suffers from unstable traffic flow. This is a problem which may expand to other sections of the highway if development of the fronting properties is not controlled, in terms of permitted uses and access controls. Additional problems are evidenced by the number of accidents at several intersections, which suggests that improvements may be necessary in specific areas. Since the township has no projects listed on the TIP, there are no federal or state funds available to improve problem areas. Perhaps the greatest difficulty with roads addressed in this plan is the protection of highway functions. The township has the greatest opportunity to ensure that a hierarchical highway system is established and that development patterns preserve the highways' functions. This plan establishes the hierarchy as that illustrated in Map K.l, and the township's land use ordinances implement standards to protect highway functions.

113 East Rockhill has very little public transportation, with the Bucks County Office of Public Transportation's taxi service being the only type of public transportation that directly serves the township at this time. However, the railroad is a significant facility, and its use for freight trains and even commuter service cannot be ruled out. Other difficulties with the railroad arise from the roads providing access to adjacent properties not being adequate to handle traffic generated by intensive, rail-side industrial uses. Similarly, the Pennridge Airport is an important element of the transportation network, for personal and recreational use, but an intensively used airport is not entirely compatible with the topography and existing residential development in the vicinity.

114 CHAPTER I: MUNICIPAL FINANCES

DESCRIPTION

As East Rockhill continues to grow, the need for additional or expanded services and facilities will also increase. The demand will come not only from the anticipated population growth but also from the residents' perceived need for better public facilities. As the general standard of living rises, the demand for improved governmental services also rises. For example, an expansion of sewage or water facilities may increase municipal expenses, but such improvements substantially increase the quality of life for the residents when the improvements eliminate problems of on-lot sewage disposal and provide an alternative to well water that is contaminated. This chapter describes ways in which a municipality can manage its finances to meet the needs of present and future residents.

A municipal financial policy and program can help the township effectively address the increasing demands being placed on the municipal budget. The appropriate mix of current expense to capital expense, and taxing and spending objectives are primary'considerations in the formulation of the financial policies and programs. These are incorporated into the development of an annual budget and in the preparation of a capital program. The advantage of a capital program is that it gives the municipality an idea of expected capital costs and revenues for several years into the future. This allows the annual budget for each of those years to reflect the anticipated costs and revenues.

Current expenses include the costs of operating and maintaining public facilities and services. Generally, current expenses are financed through current revenues. Short-term debt permits orderly expenditures even though revenues are received unevenly through the year. Short-term debt is often used to meet unexpected or temporary deficits of moderate amount or to provide interim project financing to reduce interest costs and to permit more flexibility in the timing and the amount of long-term financing. Short-term borrowing is

115 generally restricted to expected revenues within the fiscal year.

Long-term debt should be used to finance major, long-term capital improvements or, much less frequently, to raise large amounts of money quickly when emergencies or opportunities arise. A capital improvement is a new or expanded physical facility which is of relatively large size, relatively large cost, permanent, and not of a recurring nature. Additionally, long- term debt can fund an accumulation of past operating deficits.

Each local government should develop and periodically amend and reorder financial policies under which the municipal government supplies current and future services. In the case of urbanized com m uni ties , long-term debt becomes impor tan t when existing capital facilities must be replaced or residents feel a need for facilities. Long-term debt is also an important financial tool for municipalities experiencing growth pressures where there is a relatively sudden need for water and sewer facilities, major road improvements, or police and fire protection. These facilities often require raising large sums of money that are beyond the capability of current resources or that are more equitably paid for by future users.

SUGGESTED PROCEDURES

Although the ability to borrow is an attractive tool for raising money in the present and sharing its repayment with posterity, debt is a tool that can be abused through poor planning or management. In order for municipalities to provide needed services without experiencing a financial crisis, the following are suggested procedures to be taken toward developing debt policy objectives and, subsequently, a comprehensive long-term debt policy1 :

lMoak, Lennox L., Administration of Local Government Debt (Municbal Finance Officers Association of the United States and Cahada, Chicago, Illinois, 1970), P. 178.

116 A. Determine the community's needs for physical facilities.

B. Evaluate the local and regional economies.

C. Evaluate the present and potential revenue structure.

D. Determine a balance between current income financing and debt financing.

E. Determine the kinds or classifications of debt to use. (This final aspect of debt policy will not be further addressed in this plan.)

DETERMINE THE COMMUNITY'S NEED FOR PHY SlCAL FACILITIES

In any community, various residents or rou s will have differing views of the community's needs Bfor acilities and, even when there is agreement on the needs, there will be disagreement on the manner in which the needs should be satisfied. The combination of all expressed needs and desires usually exceeds the community's ability or willingness to provide for them. Obviously, the elected officials must sort from the conflicting views of their constituency those projects which will produce the greatest community good. It may be beneficial to establish a program through which the residents regularly review the municipal services and aid in identifying the changing needs of the community.

Planning for capital facilities should not be given to the agencies in charge of the facilities, who are often concerned I only with the facilities which they provide. The local governments, through their planning commissions, managers, or financial consultants, are properly the ones to develop a I comprehensive plan of services and facilities. In developing this plan, the following steps could be taken2: I 2 Ibid, p. 182 I 117 I 1. Develop a comprehensive inventory of local government services being performed by the local government and other governments serving the residents. Services provided by private and quasi- public agencies should be inventoried.

2. Identify the degree to which each of the governments serving the area are involved in the delivery of the public services.

3. Identify the governmental services, if any, that might reasonably be provided in addition to those currently being provided by government. Identify services that are obsolete or no longer needed. Duplication of services among agencies and organizations should be identified.

4. Develop a comprehensive inventory of the government's physical facilities; the use to which they are put; and information as to ownership, location, condition, remaining useful life, and repair and rehabilitation expenses required.

5. Prepare long-term operating programs for each function. Such programs should specify kinds and quantities of services to be delivered and the means by which they are to be delivered. From this, needed physical facilities should be identified.

6. Develop a comprehensive set of recommendations: a. The existing facilities which will need re- placement or renewal within the foreseeable future--ten to twenty years.

b. Each additional facility that will be needed during the same period.

c. The level of government or agency that should be responsible for providing the required physical facilities.

118 EVALUATE THE LOCAL AND REGIONAL ECONOMIES

Revenues from local sources depend to a large degree upon the capacity of the local economy to pay taxes and user charges. Therefore, for a municipality to finance through long-term debt a capital facility which will be paid for from user charges and increased tax revenues, the municipality should be con- fident that the local economy will be sound enough to produce the anticipated revenues.

EVALUATE THE PRESENT AND POTENTIAL REVENUE STRUCTURE

Although it depends to different degrees on various sources of revenue, a municipality should evaluate the three basic sources of local revenue in developing a fiscal policy. These sources are taxes, service charges, and grants from other levels of government and organizations.

Municipal taxes may include per capita, occupational privilege, transfer, and real estate taxes. The last is the primary source of revenue for most municipalities. It should be noted that about one-third of the land in East Rockhill is tax exempt.

Service charges are fees paid by the users of specific services and facilities. It is often felt that payment for such facilities is more equitable through service charges because users, rather than the community’s taxpayers, provide the revenue. This is particularly important for services used by many people who are not taxpayers in the municipality. If the intent is to make the service self-supporting, rates should be reviewed and adjusted regularly in light of the full cost of providing the service.

I19 For the most 'part, grants or payments from other levels of government must usually be applied to an immediate capital project rather than being eligible for general income or being subsidies for debt payment. Therefore, grants can play an important part in providing capital facilities but usually not in the long-term financing of capital facilities.

DETERMINE A BALANCE BETWEEN CURRENT INCOME AND DEBT FINANCING

A critical issue that must be addressed is determining the balance between pro.viding capital facilities when they can be paid for from accumulated revenues and grants and providing facilities paid for through incurred debt. In family finance, "pay as you acquire" implies that major purchases, such as an automobile, are paid from a combination of current income and savings, and "pay as you use" implies financing over the useful life of the purchase. Depending on a municipality's stage of development, its amount of outstanding debt, and the particular type of capital facility, either of these approaches may be appropriate. The following are arguments for each3.

The arguments in favor of a capital improvement fund with a pay-as-you-acquire policy include the following:

1. The community must realize the fiscal realities immediately by providing an amount ranging from a down payment to full financing from current revenues. This kind of action encourages responsible spending as to both the projects undertaken and the design and cost of the projects.

2. The community enjoys great flexibility in periods of economic difficulty. That is, the funds accumulated for capital improvements could be shifted to pay for operating costs or to reduce taxes.

3 Ibid, pp. 193 - 194

120 3. A substantial saving in interest is effected. No debt is incurred, so no interest payments are made. Over a period of time, this saving can be used to finance additional facilities or to reduce taxes.

4. Borrowing capacity, within both legal and economic limits, is balanced against a period of greater need.

5. Equity in public facilities already paid for is provided for the next generation.

6. If a portion of the funds for the facility are to be borrowed, it may be possible to find more favorable interest terms with a large amount of money available for down payments. The establishment of a capital improvement fund would pool money for such down payments.

The arguments in favor of a pay-as-you-use policy include the following :

1. In an expanding economy, even without inflation, per capita income is on the increase. Therefore, payment of a reasonable annual charge for the "rental" of a facility can be made more easily over a period of years than through full payment at the time of acquisition.

2. The ability of the community to provide funds from current revenue for immediate construction is often severely limited. Accordingly, it is desirable to proceed with the building or acquisition of the needed facilities. This can be done only through a pay-as-you-use policy.

3. Each generation of users of a facility should be obliged to make its own fair payment toward the provision of the facility. The fact that each generation must make these payments in itself constitutes a deterrent to over-building because the annual debt service must be paid, whereas a generation which is unaccustomed to such payments may find it easy to incur too much debt.

121 4. In many areas, the mobility of population has increased to the point that one fifth of all families move annually. Under such circumstances, a pay-as-you-use policy is the only way in which the costs can be fairly apportioned among mobile families.

5. In an economy which is characterized by long- term inflation, it is reasonably clear that the average dollars in which the funds are repaid will be of a lesser value than those which are borrowed in the first place.

Having inventoried the existing and desired facilities and services, outlined the needs of the residents and the economy of the community, evaluated the present and potential revenue structure, explored the advantages and disadvantages of pay- as-you-acquire and pay-as-you-use, and investigated the various kinds of debt which might be used, the municipality should be in a position to develop or modify its financial and debt policies. The actual policies must be consistent with state law, the municipality's existing financial structure, economic realities, and bond-market considerations. The policies should not impose an imbalance between funds available for operating expenses and those required to pay debt. In the end, the recommended policies must be acceptable to the community.

In order to ensure that a municipality's financial and debt policies remain useful tools in providing for the residents' needed or desired services, it is most important that the policies be regularly reevaluated. The services that are provided should be periodically reviewed to determine if they should be expanded or phased out. Services provided by other public or private agencies should be monitored to avoid unnecessary duplication. All of this will help the township to continue to provide the necessary services and facilities efficiently.

Coordination among the area's municipalities can result in savings in providing certain community needs. Such coordination could include the cooperative provision of services. There can be savings by the joint purchase of regularly needed materials, for example, road maintenance supplies. Addition- ally, higher rates of interest can be realized in cooperative investment programs by pooling investment funds among

122 several municipalities. It is ivportant that each municipality be well aware of its cash-flow needs before entering a cooper ative invest m ent program.

Obviously, it is no small task for a municipality to develop acceptable financial policies, but such policies can substantially affect the future welfare of the municipality. Failure to construct certain facilities in order to avoid the financial burden could adversely affect the community. For example, attractive industries or employers may bypass communities which have not invested in appropriate facilities. On the other hand, very extensive debt programs can produce burdensome taxes and user charges that may drive away existing employers.

The initial development or periodic review of local financial and debt policies should be coordinated with other state and federal community development policies. A municipality's capital improvements program should aid in implementing all adopted goals for a balanced community including growth, housing, environmental protection, and land use.

ANALYSIS

Other chapters of this comprehensive plan have shown that East Rockhill is experiencing growth in population, housing, and employment and conversion of vacant and agricultural land to more intensive suburban land uses. This growth is projected to continue, and East Rockhill is expected to experience increasing suburbanization. This growing population will demand a variety of living and working environments. Develop- ment at certain intensities will require expanded public facilities and services. Proper planning for the location and timing of these facilities and services is a responsibility of the township. One of the best ways for the township to ensure such planning is through a capital improvement program.

123 The chapter on community facilities describes the status of various public improvements and the township's current role in providing these facilities. As the township continues to grow, many services may need to be expanded. Water and sewer facilities, which are already present in some areas of the township, may need to be extended. Road improvements may be needed on certain roads which are hazardous. Additional equipment may be needed to ensure adequate police and fire protection. Developing a capital improvements program based on available fiscal resources and prioritization of projects increases the likelihood that these improvements will be completed in the most economically efficient manner. Be- cause other agencies and organizations provide many of these services, proper planning on the part of the township becomes critical. The capital improvement program can aid in the coordinated provision of all the necessary public improvements.

124 1 PART II: I POLICIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS CHAPTER J: PLAN CONCEPT

Many factors affect the township's ability to achieve the goals and objectives stated in the comprehensive plan. Public and private decisions, made within and outside the township, diminish or support the township's efforts and purposes. For example, the extension of public sewer service into the township solved problems with septic systems but facilitated development in inappropriate areas. On the larger scale, economic and energy changes have slowed the rate of development throughout the nation. Changes in other factors that influence land uses will affect the character of the community to one degree or another. Such changing factors would include new legislative directives, evolving judicial decisions, new sewage disposal methods and regulations, and new planning techniques.

It is most important that a comprehensive plan, particularly a plan for a rural community, be designed to accommodate or respond to changing conditions. It is possible to make valid, rational, and implementable planning decisions for the foreseeable future (for example, 15 years) in a rural community. However, the viability of most planning decisions decreases as the planning period increases. The ability to consider, much less plan, the ultimate use of the entire land area of a community such as East Rockhill is low.

An approach to comprehensive planning designed to deal with changing conditions in a rural community is the development area concept. This concept is based on a phased or incremental approach to the township's development. There are three primary factors involved in the use of the development area concept. The first factor is the time framework of the plan. The time framework of this plan is the fifteen-year period from 1985 to 2000 based on 1980 demographic information. It is intended that the plan be regularly reviewed and extended in time. In five years, the plan should be reviewed and, if necessary, revised for the 1990 to 2005 period. The second factor is the anticipated amount of growth which can

125 be expected in the time period. These estimates are based on population and housing projections described in the inventory and analysis section of this plan. The third factor includes those pertinent physical or locational aspects of the community which make certain areas appropriate for more intensive land uses and other areas appropriate for low intensity uses.

The advantage of the development area concept for rural East Rockhill Township is that it establishes a basis upon which the community is able to direct the anticipated growth for a specific time period into an area or areas where a full range of coordinated services can be reasonably provided. This approach should decrease the amount of travel time and expense necessary to get from residential areas to shopping areas, employment areas and most community facilities. Providing the appropriate environment in the development area for the anticipated growth should absorb a substantial amount of the pressure for new development from less appropriate areas and areas which should be preserved. In employing the development area approach to the township's comprehensive plan, the community has taken a practical and realistic approach to the planning process. As such, the plan will remain current and responsive to changing conditions. In this manner, the community's goals will be achieved.

PLANNING AREAS

The land area of the township is divided among several planning areas. The types and intensities of land uses which are directed into these planning areas are described in the following paragraphs. Appropriate forms of services, particularly sewer and water, are also discussed. The planning areas are illustrated on Map J.l.

26 E RURAL AREAS

Several types of land uses characterize the rural areas of the township. The land is primarily vacant or used for low density residential purposes. There are also agricultural and commercial uses scattered throughout the rural areas. These areas should remain rural in character through the time period of this plan.

Residential development should not be encouraged in this area until the development area is almost built out. Public sewer and water services should not be provided and the area should be zoned for low-intensity uses. Residential uses in these areas will be located on large lots or in clusters of single- family homes with on-lot or on-site sewage disposal systems. The absence of capital improvements in this area, along with generally poor soil conditions for on-site sewage disposal, will work to direct the township's growth to the development areas. The township's wastewater facilities plan should be compatible with this plan.

A small area for commercial uses is located on the east side of Pa. Rt. 313 at Fifth Street. Two convenience type commercial uses are currently located in this area. New uses should offer similar types of small-scale services for the residents in this area of the community and travelers along Rt. 313. Access control is of paramount importance for new development in this area. Access must be carefully located and designed to have minimal impact on the capacity and functioning of Rt. 313. Sewer and water services should be on-lo t . There are four villages delineated on the land use plan map. The unique qualities and features of these villages should be preserved through appropriate land use standards. In particular, roadway widths and lot sizes should be carefully regulated so as not to destroy the character of the villages. If sewage facility improvements are necessary to solve on-site system failures in a village, the system should be sized to

127 solve the problems of the existing structures rather than promoting growth.

By not encouraging growth in the rural areas, pressure for the subdivision of land used for farming purposes will be minimized.

RESOURCE PROTECTION AREAS

This planning area lies north of Three Mile Run Road and . encompasses approximately half of the township. Lands within the resource protection area contain a high degree of sensitive natural features. These features include floodplains, floodplain soils, steep slopes, forests, wetlands, and water bodies. The types of uses permitted in this area and their intensities will be limited to ensure that both the resources and the general scenic quality will not be significantly disturbed. Nockamixon State Park and the State Game Lands are located in this area. These recreation facilities complement the rural and scenic quality of the area and, therefore, intensive commercial-recreation development should be avoided. Neither the development areas nor the facilities which service intensive development should be extended into the resource protection area.

AGRICULTURAL AREAS

The areas designated as agricultural include larger areas of land identified in the survey and analysis as active farmland and their surrounding lands. Farming should be encouraged in this area for several reasons: to make optimum use of more

128 productive soils; to support the continuation of the farming industry; and to maintain open space which contributes to the rural character of the township. The issue of agricultural land preservation is actually the more complex issue related to the continuation of farming as a viable economic pursuit in the long-term. The critical factors which appear to be working against the long-term viability of the farming industry are more economic and social than land use. The authority of local governments to control, regulate or guide land uses cannot effectively deal with the economic and social factors. At best, local regulations can present the farmer with options in the use of his land which will help him deal with the social and economic factors while continuing to farm. At the worst, local land use regulations can add to the farmer's frustrations and increase those factors which force him out of farming.

The township's land use regulations will facilitate agricultural activities in two ways. First, nuisance regulations dealing with odor, noise, glare and dust should not apply to normal agricultural activities. Such factors are common elements in a community with agricultural land uses and residents should not expect the local government to establish regulations contrary to its adopted goals and objectives. Secondly, use regulations should be designed to permit a reasonable return on a landowners investment in his property while encouraging the retention of the farming operation. In the agricultural areas, there should be three options for the landowner to develop his land on the site. As alternatives to conventional subdivision for single-family detached dwellings, two clustering options will set aside open space which would include the prime agricultural soils. As an incentive to use these options, a cluster of single-family detached dwellings could be established or a performance subdivision, which would permit a variety of dwelling types, could be developed. In that the performance subdivision would provide for more compactly spaced dwellings, a greater open space requirement would provide more land for agricultural uses.

It is recognized that there are established residential neighborhoods within the rural areas of the township. While the

129 character of these neighborhoods should be protected by the township plan and ordinances, the people must realize that they reside in an area intermingled with agricultural uses. Normal farming activities also will be afforded protection of the plan and ordinances.

MINING AREA

This area has been delineated in recognition of the existing quarry on Rock Hill. Mining can have serious environmental impacts on an area. Therefore, appropriate land use standards should be established to protect the environment.

SUBURBAN AREAS

These areas are rural in character and are intended for low- density residential development. The presence of public sewers, however, make development in these areas more likely than in the other rural, agricultural and resource protection areas of the township. Other constraints limit the intensity of development which should be permitted. In the area south of Perkasie Borough, numerous factors prohibit intensive development. These constraints include the one-lane covered bridge; the dangerous intersection of Branch and Callowhill roads; the flooding on Branch Road; the poor vertical and horizontal alignment on Branch Road; the inadequate sight distance at the intersection of Branch Road and Rt. 313; and the proximity to the agricultural area.

In the other suburban areas, north and east of Perkasie, some low-density residential development is present. This designation will ensure that future development in this area is corn patible with existing uses.

130 DEVELOPMENT AREAS

Several areas of East Rockhill have been delineated as development areas in which higher density residential development as well as commercial, office, and industrial uses will be permitted. These areas have been chosen for several reasons, most important of which is the existence of sewer lines which are currently underused. To retain the rural character of the township, sewer lines should not be extended outside of the development area until the land within the development area is fully used or approaches that level of development.

In addition to the services consideration, these areas of the township are best suited for development because of their proximity to Perkasie Borough and existing development within the township. The roads in these areas will be able to sufficiently handle additional use. Another important factor is that the development areas do not contain large areas of sensitive natural features.

The residential portions of the development areas have been identified in recognition of the township’s needs and legal obligation to provide sufficient land in which a variety of housing types - detached as well as attached units - are permitted at appropriate densities. The development area is large enough to accommodate the projected population and housing growth through the year 2000 based on the projections included in this plan.

Existing public facilities and proximity to schools and shopping make these areas appropriate for higher intensity residential development. Nevertheless, any development in this area must identify and protect all natural features. Open space will be required not only to protect sensitive natural areas, but to provide recreational opportunities for the residents of the new developments. It appears that the Glenwood Village Shopping Center, along with the other commercial centers in the township and the

131 greater region, are adequate to meet the shopping needs of the present and future residents of East Rockhill to the year 2000. The services are appropriately located in terms of the highway system and surrounding land uses. Additional land, however, adjacent to the shopping center and the Bucks County Bank and Trust headquarters will provide for a limited amount of additional commercial and office development. Presently, East Rockhill has only a few industrial uses which are dispersed throughout the township. The Pennridge Airport provides a good focal point for future industrial development. It is recommended that this industrial area be designated for a variety of light industrial uses with appropriate design standards to limit the impact on adjacent residential areas.

AREAS OF EXISTING DEVELOPMENT

This planning area identifies the cluster of nonresidential uses present along Fifth Street. This area includes the shopping center, school, and several other commercial, industrial, and institutional uses. A number of residential uses are also located in this area. It is intended that the integrity of this area will be preserved and conditions upgraded where improvement is necessary. In-filling into the undeveloped and underdeveloped portions of this area is encouraged. Develop- ment in this area should be compatible with the existing uses.

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CHAPTER K: IMPLEMENTATION CONSIDERATIONS

This comprehensive plan contains a statement of goals and objectives, an inventory and analysis of existing conditions, and a set of guidelines for the achievement of the stated goals. In numerous ways, the implementation guidelines can be turned into programs which will begin to directly facilitate the stated objectives. Outlined below are considerations, actions and programs that can be undertaken by the township residents, private interests and officials to directly affect and fulfill the intent of the adopted comprehensive plan.

I CONTINUED PLANNING PROCESS E In order to ensure that the comprehensive plan is used as the principal statement for the community's goals and that it remains a useful tool for guiding growth, it is important that the plan be regularly reviewed and revised in light of changing conditions. It is important that the population and housing projections be reviewed on a regular basis. The most opportune time for the next review will be after the 1990 federal census information becomes available which should be in 1992. It is most important that all zoning change requests be reviewed in light of this plan's stated goals and purposes as well as against the land use plan map.

TRANSPORTATION

In Chapter H, basic information about the components of East Rockhill's transportation system is presented. With the

133 creation of the future land use plan, a highway classification system has been developed based on present and anticipated traffic patterns. The highway classification system for East Rockhill is defined below.

Functional classification is the process by which streets and highways are grouped according to the character of service they are intended to provide. Each classification requires design standards to assure that it can satisfactorily perform its planned function. New roads should be built to the standards which their function requires and existing roads should be improved to meet standards wherever it is feasible. The classifications are described as follows: Arterial Highways: The primary function of arterial highways is to connect major centers of activity thereby transporting vehicles through the community. These highways usually carry high volumes of traffic and should be designed to allow high- operating speeds with controlled access. However, in a rural community such as East Rockhill limited, direct access may be provided to various uses along these roads.

Collector Streets: Collectors provide links with arterials and lower order roads. These roadways form the connections among residential neighborhoods and between residential and nonresidential areas. They should be designed to carry moderate volumes of traffic at an uninterrupted flow. Thus, direct access and the number of curb cuts should be carefully con trolled. Primary Streets: Primary streets serve the important function of receiving traffic from secondary streets and distributing it to the collector and arterial system. These streets also provide access to abutting properties.

Secondary Streets: The primary purpose of secondary streets is to provide access. Through traffic should be discouraged. New secondary streets should be designed so that only a limited amount of traffic would be generated by uses along these streets. Secondary streets will usually take the form of cul-de-sacs or loops. I # r ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 1

The classification of the existing roads in the township are E listed below and illustrated on Map K.l. Appropriate rights- of-way and other standards will be specified in the township's t ordinances. 1 ARTERIALS

Pennsylvania Route 313 - Route 313 is the major east-west route between Quakertown and Doylestown. It originates at Route 309 in Quakertown and runs through Doylestown to U.S. Route 202. Because it connects two centers and serves the vast area in between, Route 313 is the backbone of Upper and Central Bucks for local and through traffic. Because of its importance to not only the township but the area, it is imperative that East Rockhill take positive measures to regulate development along its frontage. In particular, regulation of the number and location of access points are important in order for Route 313 to function as an arterial.

COLLECTORS

Pennsylvania Route 563 (Ridge Road) - This road originates at Pa. Route 412 in Nockamixon Township, crosses East Rockhill Township, and continues west through Perkasie Borough. It serves the entrance to Nockamixon State Park. This road serves numerous other parcels along its frontage but the types of uses do not generate large volumes of traffic. Therefore,

135 movement of through traffic is not interrupted. Measures should be taken to protect its rural qualities as well as its function of carrying through traffic.

Fifth Street - This road runs east to west from Old Bethlehem Road to the center of Perkasie. It is well maintained and highly travelled. It provides access to the Glenwood Village Shopping Center, the high school, and downtown Perkasie.

Three Mile Run Road (west of Pa. Route 313) - This road runs the length of the township, from Old Bethlehem Road to Old Bethlehem Pike. Only the roadway between Pa. Route 313 and Old Bethlehem Pike is considered a collector. Improvements to this road may be necessary as development occurs, especially that portion servicing the development area.

Old Bethlehem Pike - This road, which forms a border with West Rockhill Township, has been classified as a collector because of the volume of traffic it carries and because of its regional importance.

Callowhill Road - Only a small section of this road lies within the township. However, it has been classified as a collector because it links Perkasie Borough with Hilltown and New Britain townships. The intersection of Callowhill Road and Branch Road is dangerous due to poor alignment. Park Avenue - This road provides direct access into Perkasie Borough from Old Bethlehem Pike and is highly travelled.

PRIMARY

The following roads have been identified as primary roads:

Schwenk Mill Road Blooming Glen Road Branch Road Old Bethlehem Road

136

Three Mile Run Road (east of Pa. Rt. 313) Sterner Road Richlandtown Road Rockhill Road

SECONDARY

This category includes all roads in the Township that have not been classified above. In addition, most new residential streets will fall within this classification.

REGIONAL COMPARISON

East Rockhill Township borders six municipalities. To prevent serious incompatibilities, the township's future land use plan has been reviewed in light of its surrounding environment. The B planning area which has the greatest potential impact on other municipalities is the development area. Thus, it has received the closest scrutiny.

I The residential portion of the development area is adjacent to West Rockhill Township. West Rockhill's comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance indicate low intensity residential uses for I this area. However, performance standard subdivisions, which allow a variety of housing types, are permitted. Also, a small portion of West Rockhill's land along this border is zoned for I commercial use. These uses are compatible with a residential development area.

Perkasie Borough borders all three districts in the development area. East Rockhill Township's residential development area is adjacent to the borough's low-density residential districts.

137 However, the densities permitted in the township's development area will not be significantly higher than those permitted in the borough's low-density residential districts. The industrial and commercial districts of East Rockhill's development area are adjacent to similar uses in Perkasie Borough. Overall, the township's development area is compatible with surrounding uses in the borough.

All of East Rockhill's other planning areas which border municipalities are intended for low intensity residential uses. This is compatible with the comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances of all adjacent municipalities - Perkasie Borough; Bedminster, Haycock, Hilltown, Richland, and West Rockhill townships .

ZONING ORDINANCE

The zoning ordinance is one of the most powerful tools available to the township to directly influence the character of development and quality of life within East Rockhill. The provisions and requirements of the East Rockhill Township Zoning Ordinance should be designed to ensure that development within the township will be consistent with the goals stated in this comprehensive plan. The inclusion of natural resource protection standards and a highway classification system are particularly important. A mix of housing types at appropriate densities should be permitted in the residential development areas in order to meet the anticipated housing growth in the 1985 to 2000 time period.

SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE

The procedures, design specifications and improvement requirements of the township's subdivision and land development ordinance will provide those who are responsible for reviewing

138 and approving development proposals with adequate information at the appropriate time to ensure a high caliber of development. The design and improvement standards will ensure that new developments will be safe and assets in the corn munity.

SEWAGE FACILITIES PLAN

Under the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act, municipalities are charged with the responsibility of evaluating and planning for the appropriate treatment and disposal needs of their communities. East Rockhill Township, along with five other municipalities, is currently participating in the preparation of the Pennridge Area Wastewater Facilities Plan. It is most important that this plan be consistent with the future land use plan so that the types of sewage systems permitted in specific areas of the township will facilitate rather than frustrate the adopted community goals. The sewage facilities plan should be adopted as an update of this plan.

IMPACT ANALYSIS

When zoning changes are requested, especially changes which would extend the development area, a full impact analysis will be required of the applicant. Such analysis must include the impacts not only on the subject site, but also on the services, facilities, planning goals, housing needs, and environmental quality of the township. It is particularly important that there be a full analysis of the adequacy of sewage service and water supply, whether the services are to be supplied from a municipal system or are to be developed onsite. The analysis of these services must include the needs for all the zoning districts of the development area in addition to the requirements for the requested change.

139 The township's ordinances should require that proposals for major subdivisions or land developments include the analysis of the adequacy of wastewater and water facilities. A traffic analysis would identify improvements that are necessary to ensure safe access onto the township's roads and impacts on the existing road system.

MUNICIPAL FINANCES

The township is responsible for providing a variety of public improvements. In order to provide these needed and desired services in an economical and efficient manner, a capital improvements program should be developed. Various methods for the development of a capital program are discussed in Chapter I.

140