Abington Township November 18, 2020 Comprehensive Plan Meeting

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP

NOVEMBER 18, 2020

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MEETING

1 TOWNSHIP OF ABINGTON ______

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MEETING

A G E N D A November 18, 2020 6:00 PM

There are two ways for the public to participate in the meeting. Residents can access the meeting online, by a computer, iPad, iPhone or Android at https://zoom.us/j/94510865935. This link will enable residents to hear the meeting and see presentations. There will be no video capabilities. Residents, who are unable to join online, can listen to the meeting by calling 1-929-436-2866 and entering the meeting ID number 945 1086 5935 when prompted.

CALL TO ORDER

NEW BUSINESS

a. Draft Environmental Management Chapter: Existing Conditions Section

PUBLIC COMMENT

ADJOURNMENT

BOARD POLICY ON AGENDA ITEMS

For Information Purposes Only

Board President Announcements This item on the Board of Commissioners Agenda is reserved for the Board President to make announcements that are required under law for public disclosure, such as announcing executive sessions, or for matters of public notice.

Public Comment Public Comment on Agenda Items is taken at the beginning of regularly scheduled Public Meetings prior to any votes being cast. When recognized by the presiding Officer, the commenter will have three minutes to comment on agenda items at this first public comment period. All other public comment(s) not specific to an agenda item, if any, are to be made near the end of the public meeting prior to adjournment. Public comment on agenda items at regularly scheduled Board of Commissioner Committee meetings will be after a matter has been moved and seconded and upon call of the Chair for public comment.

Presentations Should the Board of Commissioners have an issue or entity that requires time to present an issue to the Board, that is more than an oral description relating to an agenda item under consideration, The Board may have that matter listed under Presentations. If nothing is listed under presentations, then there is no business to conduct in that manner.

Consent Agenda Items of business and matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine and non- controversial and will be enacted by one motion and one vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items. If discussion is desired by Board of Commissioner Members, that item is to be identified by the Board member and will be identified and removed from the Consent Agenda, and will be considered separately at the appropriate place on the Agenda.

Unfinished Business Items for consideration as unfinished business are matters that have been considered for action at a public Board Meeting and have not been tabled to a date certain or voted upon.

New Business Items for consideration as new business are matters that have been considered for action at the Board Committee Meeting. It is Board practice to not introduce new business at Board Committee Meetings.

3 BOARD POLICY ON PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

For Information Purposes Only

The Township shall conduct business in accordance with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Laws governing the conduct of public meetings and only establish guidelines that shall govern public participation at meetings consistent with the law.

Each commenter shall: Direct their comments to the Presiding Officer; Speak from the podium or into a microphone designated by the presiding officer; State their name for the record; Either orally or in writing provide their address for the record; Have a maximum of three minutes to make their comments. Each commenter when speaking to a specific agenda item, is to keep their comments relative to that identified agenda item; Speak one time per agenda item; When commenting on non-agenda items, the commenter is to keep their comments related to matters of the Township of Abington, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. State a question to the Presiding Officer after all commenters have spoken, and; Be seated after speaking or upon the request of the presiding officer; Not engage in debate, dialogue or discussion; Not disrupt the public meeting, and; Exercise restraint and sound judgement in avoiding the use of profane language, and the maligning of others.

4 MONTGOMERY COUNTY MONTGOMERY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PLANNING COMMISSION MONTGOMERY COUNTY COURTHOUSE • PO BOX 311 HAIR VALERIE A. ARKOOSH, MD, MPH, C NORRISTOWN, PA 19404-0311 KENNETH E. LAWRENCE, JR., VICE CHAIR 610-278-3722 JOSEPH C. GALE, COMMISSIONER FAX: 610-278-3941• TDD: 610-631-1211 WWW.MONTCOPA.ORG

Scott France, AICP, Executive Director

November 14, 2020 SUBJECT: Draft Environmental Management Chapter: Existing Conditions Section TO: Comp Plan Development Team FROM: Mike Narcowich, AICP, Assistant Section Chief: Community Planning

Introduction This chapter will analyze, and make recommendations for protection of, the township’s natural environment. It will review hydrology, vegetation, steep slopes, and habitat resources.

Link to Plan’s Vision

• “Desirable Residential Areas” – the natural environment, from tree canopy to water quality, has a direct impact on the character and desirability of residential areas. • “A Thriving, Equitable Community” – Environmental justice is an important part of overall community equity. • “Healthy People and Environment (think clean, green, and healthy)” – There is a strong connection between the natural environment and public health.

5 Note: Much of the following narrative text about the township’s natural features was originally prepared for the Abington Open Space, Recreational, and Environmental Resource Protection Plan.

Hydrology Streams and Watersheds The township is the site of the headwaters of several major streams or their tributaries, including the Tookany Creek, Pennypack Creek, and Sandy Run (a tributary of the Wissahickon Creek). The Tookany and Pennypack are tributaries of the Delaware River; Sandy Run is a tributary of the Wissahickon Creek, which in turn is a tributary of the Schuylkill River. As seen in the map of watersheds, below, the Pennypack Creek drains over half of the township (the eastern and northeastern sections). Small tributary creeks in this area include Robinhood Brook, which flows into Meadow Brook. Meadow Brook and Rockledge Brook run through this area before entering the main branch of the Pennypack Creek. Jenkintown Creek, Burholme Creek, and Shoemaker Run flow through the southern section of the township before entering the main branch of Tookany Creek (which is part of the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford watershed).

The Pennypack Creek Drains More Than Half of the Township

Protecting a stream’s headwaters is especially important. This portion of a stream’s watershed is particularly vulnerable to chemical or biological pollution and thermal impacts; such damage to the headwaters affects the entire stream.

Wetlands Wetlands are areas defined by the presence of water, saturated soil conditions, and the growth of unique plants. Abington contains both forested wetlands and emergent wetlands which are dominated by grass or grass-like species. Wetlands are important groundwater recharge areas that support wildlife and fish, sometimes harboring endangered species. Wetlands also reduce flooding by slowing or detaining stormwater. In the process, the wetlands filter impurities that might otherwise contribute to surface water and groundwater pollution. By federal law, wetlands may not be filled or built upon. The Hydrology map shows wetland areas identified in the National Wetland Inventory (NWI) performed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Hydric soil types can also approximate areas

7 that may include wetlands. Major concentrations of wetlands exist in the eastern corner of the Township near Lower Moreland. The largest of these wetlands is known as the Bethayres Swamp. Wetland preservation is important to protection of the ecosystem; for this reason Abington uses its Zoning and its Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) to restricts development in their proximity.

Floodplains Flooding is the most common natural hazard in Montgomery County and has been a serious problem in Abington, leading to property damage and loss of life. The township has regulated development in and around the floodplain to protect public safety, prevent the loss or damage of structures and minimize disruption to peoples’ lives. Minor flooding is common in the township during heavy rainfalls of short duration. But major floods have occurred in the past with varying degrees of damage. Floods with waters as deep as 2 to 6 feet above street level have occurred in the past.

8 In Abington, the largest floodplain area lies in a hook shape, starting alongside Meadow Brook and Valley Road, and bending to meet the Pennypack Creek. Parts of this floodplain are preserved by Valley Park, the Game Preserve and Lorimer Park. There is also a significant floodplain along the Sandy Run, beginning by Roy Chester Park in Willow Grove, and extending along the Run through Crestmont and Roslyn to the Upper Dublin boundary. This floodplain was the site of lethal flooding and extensive damage in recent decades. Part of this is preserved in Grove Park and Roslyn Park. Another major floodplain lies alongside the Tookany Creek in Glenside and skirts the municipal boundary with Jenkintown. Part of this floodplain is preserved in Baederwood Park. Flood zone maps are periodically updated for all communities across the U.S. that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as new or improved flood zone mapping data becomes available. Improved data typically comes from a FEMA-led study (or restudy) of flood hazards, or from information collected at the local level that is then submitted to FEMA. In 2016 all Montgomery Counties adopted updated flood zone maps.

9 For information on stormwater management, see Chapter __: Municipal Services and Infrastructure.

Riparian Corridors Riparian corridors along streambanks serve multiple important functions. These dense strips of vegetation help to: • Slow the velocity of surface runoff • Limit the potential for streambank erosion • Encourage infiltration • Filter pollutants out of runoff before it enters the stream • Provide habitat for a variety of species • Keep surface water temperatures cool; and • Protect aquatic life and habitat The Montgomery County Planning Commission’s model Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Restoration defines riparian corridors as “forested or vegetated lands on both sides of a stream.” In 2017, Abington adopted a Riparian Corridor Conservation District to protect them. 1These regulations are meant to restore riparian corridors where they are lacking and protect them from being disturbed in the future.

In 2014, Abington Friends School and Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership (TTF) Planted Over 350 Trees and Shrubs in the Riparian Corridor Along the Headwaters of the Jenkintown Creek.

1 The Riparian Corridor Conservation District Model Ordinance can be found at the following URL: https://www.montcopa.org/2448/Model-Ordinances-and-Design-Guidebooks

10 7

11 Woodlands

The largest contiguous woodland in the township lies alongside Pennypack Creek in and around Lorimer Park. The steep slopes and floodplains here have discouraged clearing for development. Other significant woodlands are found behind the Meadowbrook Farm on Washington Lane, and in the Township's Alverthorpe Park and Ardsley Wildlife Area. Forest types are predominantly oak-hickory in the uplands, with bottomland forests containing elm, ash, red maple, and sycamore Wooded Areas Occupy Much of Ardsley Wildlife Refuge trees. UPPER Woodlands are important MORELAND natural resources in several UPPER regards. The root systems of DUBLIN BRYN trees and other woodland ATHYN vegetation stabilize the soil, preventing erosion. Woodlands are a natural LOWER MORELAND stormwater control that ABINGTON absorbs, reduces, and slows surface runoff. During the warm months, tree canopies JENKINTOWN moderate temperatures and stream temperatures, a ROCKLEDGE benefit for humans, wildlife, CHELTENHAM and fish alike. In addition, the PHILADELPHIA photosynthesis that occurs in leaves and needles transforms carbon dioxide Abington Heat Map (red = warmer, blue = cooler) into oxygen, improving air quality. Woodlands are also important wildlife habitats. Maintaining linear corridors of woodlands along streams helps to move wildlife to different areas, diversifying animal gene pools. Woodlands also add character and visual relief to the landscape.

12 The Abington Shade Tree Commission recently completed its Tree Canopy Assessment of the township. It found that, between 2004 and 2017, the township’s tree canopy declined by 42- 48%. It quantified, in annual financial terms, the loss of this canopy, through reduced air quality ($139,648), reduced carbon sequestration ($69,362), and impacts on stormwater runoff and flooding ($54,465).

The assessment looked at the distribution of the tree canopy. It found substantial variation; depending where an Abington lives, they could be served by as few as one tree per person, or as many as seven trees per person. It found that Robin Hood Brook and Meadow Brook watersheds have the highest tree canopy coverage (65%), while the Tookany Creek and Sandy Run watersheds have the lowest (37%). These findings have ramifications on environmental and health equity. The areas with higher tree coverage tend to be those where more white and wealthy people live. The ones with less canopy are less wealthy and have a higher share of the nonwhite population.

13 Steep Slopes Steep slopes are considered environmentally sensitive areas because they are more prone to erosion and landslides. Topsoil depth generally decreases as slope percentage increases, as does the soil’s ability to support structures and vegetation. To protect steep slopes from vegetation removal and other disturbances which may lead to soil loss and even the loss of structures, municipalities often limit development or redevelopment on steep slopes.

The largest concentration of steep slopes in the township are near the Pennypack Creek. There are also significant areas of steep slopes in the Rydal-Meadowbrook area, near Penn State University-Abington, and extending in a line along Edge Hill. The vegetation that grows on steep slopes is crucial in curbing erosion, slowing stormwater runoff, and maintaining scenic value on slopes with high visual prominence. Some slopes have little vegetation and are at risk of erosion. Some of the Steepest Slopes in the Township Lie As noted in the township’s last in and Around Lorimer Park (pictured) and the comprehensive plan, Abington Township is Pennypack Creek Valley located in the Piedmont Province of the Appalachian Upland. It is a gently rolling area with low rounded hills and scattered steep hills and ridges; the slope is generally southeastward, and averages approximately 3-4%. Moderate changes in slope may be found along ridges where slopes may range from 8% - 15+%. Steep slopes in excess of 25% can be found in wooded areas along stream banks.

Drinking Water Quality Groundwater contamination is an important water quality issue that communities need to be aware of, especially in areas with on-lot wells. In recent years groundwater testing has confirmed that contamination exists nearby, on the site of the former Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove (NASJRB) in Horsham Township. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has tested samples of groundwater and drinking water at the base; these tests confirmed the presence of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) 10

14 and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFOS and PFOA are types of perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), a group of compounds that are typically used in repellants for water, oil, grease, and other stains. PFCs are often used in common products like furniture upholstery, carpet, and floor wax, but in the case of the Willow Grove base, these chemicals were stored in large tanks and were used to make firefighting foam. NASJRB Willow Grove was closed in 2011, but water quality concerns persist as the plume of contaminants has continued to spread away from the base. Since PFOS and PFOA were found at NASJRB Willow Grove, contamination has been found in 22 communities in Montgomery and Bucks counties, including Abington.

Ecosystem Management “Pennypack Creek Conservation Landscape” In the last Natural Areas Inventory Update2, MCPC identified numerous “conservation landscapes” where significant areas of open space remain. These include large forested tracts, stream corridors, wetlands, known sites of rare plants and animals, and areas of high natural biodiversity. The conservation landscape that includes part of Abington is called the “Pennypack Creek Conservation Landscape” and is located in the eastern corner of the township. This includes lands protected by Lorimer Park. This conservation landscape includes numerous valuable resources:

Bat Houses, Ardsley Wildlife Sanctuary

2 Natural Areas Inventory Update (2007), Chapter 11: Pennypack Creek Conservation Landscape, by Montgomery County Planning Commission: https://www.montcopa.org/DocumentCenter/View/3260/NatAreaInv2007_Chap11?bidId=

15 • Forest Cover – The landscape is 48.2 percent forested. Of the 1,342.7 acres of forest, 565 acres qualify as forest interior applying a 50 m buffer from the nearest edge and its aquatic habitat. A feature of Lorimer Park is a stand of mature forest on slopes along the Pennypack Creek and several small tributary ravines. Referred to as “Big Oak Woods,” it was described as a site of local significance in the 1995 Natural Areas Inventory. The woods contain numerous large specimens of black oak, red oak, white oak, tulip tree, and black gum; the understory consists of spicebush, mountain laurel, and witch-hazel. Big Oak Woods was designated a “low” conservation priority since much of it already is protected by Lorimer Park. • Floodplains, critical for attenuating stormwater flows. • Wetlands, critical for amphibian populations. • Vegetation. Different forest characteristics exist depending on proximity to the creek. Mixed-oak forest predominates in the Conservation Landscape, but species such as sycamore, box elder and others predominate closer to the creek. Shrub species include blueberry, maple-leaf viburnum and others, with Jacob’s Ladder and other species present in the spring. • Fishery (classified as “trout- stocked fishery, migratory fishes”).

In the 1995 Natural Areas Inventory for Montgomery County prepared by the Nature Conservancy, Bethayres Swamp was identified as a high-priority site needing protection. It is located on the border between Abington and Lower Moreland Townships, just north of the Pennypack Trail. The swamp was inventoried as having 191 plant communities. Except for the wettest parts, the site is mostly palustrine red maple forest (Fike 1999). The wettest part of the swamp, which extends to the The Pennypack Trail passes alongside the Pennypack Creek Conservation Landscape railroad tracks, is an example of a buttonbush wetland.

16 Notable environmental conservation measures undertaken in the area in the last twenty years include dam removal and establishment of an Important Bird Area (IBA). Dam removal was undertaken to promote fish passage, including removal of the Bethayres Dam in 2005. This dam was located just north of PA 63. That was followed by removal of the Huntingdon Pike Dam in Lorimer Park. The establishment of the Important Bird Area (IBA)3 by the National Audubon Society commits Audubon to monitor and protect this IBA. This is an extension of the “Fairmount Park and Benjamin Rush State Park Important Bird Area,” which also includes areas in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia. This IBA provides important habitat for the Belted Kingfisher, Warbling Vireo and Louisiana Water thrush. It is also the site of a previously unknown population of Log Fern (a proposed PA endangered species).

Stewards of Abington’s Natural Environment

Abington Shade Tree Commission (STC)4 The Commission is a body appointed by the Board of Commissioners. The mission of The Abington Shade Tree Commission Works to Enhance the commission is to “seek to the Township’s Tree Canopy by Using Volunteers to Plant preserve and enhance Abington’s Trees in Areas Such as Parks and Schools urban forest and the essential

3 Important Bird Areas (IBAs): https://www.audubon.org/important-bird-areas/state/pennsylvania

4 https://www.abingtonpa.gov/government/shade-tree-commission 13

17 ecosystem services that trees uniquely provide.” • Urban Forests are systems of trees, other vegetation, and water within any urban area • Ecosystem Services relate to the varied and substantial benefits that urban forests deliver. These include economic, environmental, and social benefits. The Commission’s base of operations is Grove Park, where the group maintains tools and materials to offer volunteer-staffed education and tree planting projects. The Shade Tree Commission recently completed the Shade Tree Canopy Assessment of the township, funded by PA Treevitalize, Community Forestry Management Program. The study analyzed the quantity, distribution, and change in the township’s tree canopy, and recommended next steps for its protection and enhancement. See “Woodlands” section of this chapter for more information.

Abington Environmental Advisory Council (EAC)5 The EAC is a body appointed by the Board of Commissioners that was created to:

1. Advise the Board and other Abington Township agencies on, and promote education about, issues relating to the management, promotion, use, protection, and conservation of Abington Township’s natural resources, including air and water resources, and residents’ enjoyment thereof, and 2. Work with Abington Township agencies and other partners to maintain and develop the natural resources in Abington Township in a way that will continue to attract and retain residents, visitors, Environmental Education is One of the Core Missions of and businesses. both the STC and EAC

Environmental Sustainbility Abington Township and groups like its Shade Tree Commission (STC) and Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) have undertaken work to promote environmental sustainability. Some

5 https://www.abingtonpa.gov/ (Then type “EAC” in search box)

18 of the initiatives and recognitions that the township received for sustainability include the following: • RF 100: Abington’s Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution endorsing the Sierra Club’s Ready for 100 (RF 100) Initiative. Abington committed to buying 100% green energy for municipal operations beginning in December 2018 (it established a contract with Constellation Energy). Its EAC is working on a clean energy plan. • LEED for Cities and Communities: Abington Township has become one of the seventy- five STAR certified cities and counties in the United States and second in Pennsylvania to join the family of LEED (Leade rship in Environmental and Energy Design) for Cities and Communities. The LEED program helps cities and communities benchmark current performance, track performance metrics, communicate continuous improvement, educate residents, visitors and business owners to demonstrate commitment to sustainability, human health and economic prosperity. • 3 STAR Communities: In 2016, Abington Township, under the leadership of the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC), received a 3 STAR Communities certification. This certification evaluates local government on economic, environmental and social factor to measure sustainability and quality of life. STAR Communities integration with the U.S. Green Building Council will enable the Township to forward its goals of sustainability and remain a leader in the region. • Tree City, USA: This Arbor Day Foundation program celebrates the importance of an urban tree canopy and promotes improved care of these vital city trees, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. • Abington Township Green Program: is an award-winning community tree planting and greening program. The Green Program is used to beautify public parks and open spaces. Contributions from individuals or groups are accepted to help buy trees, plants, benches, honorary plaques, and other items.