The Susquehanna River is an important and integral part of the character of Lower Windsor Township and the surrounding communities. It has shaped the lives of residents and visitors alike for generations. Fishing, boating, and other recreation is enjoyed throughout the year, but it is imperative that users of the river take responsibility for its quality and that of the downstream waters.
Lower Windsor Township began working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mitigation specialists in 2014 to bring the Township into compliance related to development in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA). The Township is required by federal law to reduce the risk to residents and properties, improve the health of the waterways of the Commonwealth, and bring the Township into compliance with FEMA’s directives. Failure to do so jeopardizes flood insurance for all property owners in the Township.
Property owners whose land have some area within the SFHA (streams, creeks and riverfront) were notified in December 2022, of the investigation currently underway. The Township began inspecting improvements in the SFHA going back to 1975 when the first Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) were issued by FEMA.
The Lower Windsor Floodplain Ordinance (first adopted in 1983 and twice revised) requires all properties located within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) to obtain permits when improvements are made, regardless of whether the improvements meet the requirements of the Uniform Construction Code or the Township Zoning Ordinance for permit obligation. Improvements to existing structures in the floodplain without a permit are a violation of the Floodplain Ordinance. Disturbance to the ground in the floodplain without a permit is a violation of the Floodplain Ordinance. Any disturbance to the land in the floodplain is regulated by the Floodplain Ordinance.
Disturbance to the FLOODWAY of a stream or the Susquehanna River first requires a permit from PA DEP. Once PA DEP has issued a permit, an application may be submitted to the Township. DEP’s approval of a project does not mean you will automatically get a permit from the Township.
Lower Windsor is mandated by federal law to implement the Floodplain Ordinance. Staff meet with FEMA personnel on a regular basis to report our progress in resolving the CAV. Failure to do so jeopardizes federal flood insurance for all property owners in the Township. FEMA has directed that all issues noted in the CAV be completely resolved by December 31, 2023. Residents who refuse to comply may receive a citation, in accordance with Section 235-16 of the Lower Windsor Township Codified ordinances, which provides for fines and penalties, including a summary filing at the District Magistrate. A complete copy of the Floodplain Ordinance is available here.
UPDATE: In January of 2024 the Township successfully resolved the FEMA Community Assistance Visit (CAV). We now move into the day-to-day enforcement of Floodplain Regulations and meeting FEMAs expectations for the future.
As part of the resolution of the FEMA CAV we have come to an agreement to address the riverfront requirement for property owners to raise their electric meters and panels above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). PPL is installing switches so that the grid along the river has the capacity to be powered down in emergency situations. Three devices are currently installed, two more are required. The Township Board of Supervisors has agreed to spend $10,000 to install the two additional manual switches while we continue to seek grant funding for the full automation of all switches, which will cost around $225,000.
PLEASE NOTE: The decision to cut the power to any area will be a joint decision made by the Emergency Management Coordinator, Fire Chief, Police Chief, and the Township Manager, in emergency situations, and will not be made lightly.
As part of this project, we are making a concerted effort to pinpoint residents with access and functional needs, so that IF a high-water event is imminent and the power is cut off, those residents would be assisted in a timely manner. We recommend all residents and lease holders sign up for our Savvy Citizen App for notification alerts.
Of course, it is our hope that with the innovative technologies and river monitoring that a deliberate power outage will never be needed, but feel it is the best remedy to the electric services that have been installed in violation of Ordinances over the last 40 years.
If you have specific questions on the Special Flood Hazard areas, the Floodplain Ordinance, or Floodplain permits, please contact the Township Floodplain Administrator Monica Love at 717-244-6813 or MLove@LowerWindsor.com
Link to https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center, Search by Address.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation: cbf.org
Lower Susquehanna River Keeper http://www.lowersusquehannariverkeeper.org
FEMA Mapping York County: https://yorkcountypa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=fab3de7b2b5c488894aded80f7451fe4&utm_source=July+18%2C+2016&utm_campaign=July+18%2C+2015_E_alert&utm_medium=emai