(Note: This Section is mandated by Section 30309 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act [P.A. 451 of 1994, as amended].)

Section 5-801 A Wetlands Use Permit shall be approved for a wetland less than two acres in area unless the Forest Home Township Planning Commission determines that the wetland is essential to the preservation of the natural resources of Forest Home Township.

Section 5-802 In making the determination that a wetland area of less than two acres is essential to the preservation of the natural resources of Forest Home Township, the Forest Home Township Planning Commission must provide findings in writing which state the reasons for its determination. In making this determination, the Planning Commission must find that one or more of the following exist:

1. The site supports state or federal threatened or endangered plants, fish, or wildlife appearing on a list specified in Section 36505 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (P.A. 451 of 1994)

The site represents what is identified as a locally rare or unique ecosystem by the Planning Commission.

3. The site supports plant or animals of an identified local importance.

4. The site provides groundwater recharge documented by a public agency.

5. The site provides flood and storm control by the hydrologic absorption and storage capacity of the wetland.

6. The site provides wildlife habitat by providing breeding, nesting, or feeding grounds or cover for forms of wildlife, waterfowl, including migratory waterfowl, and rare, threatened, or endangered wildlife species

7. The site provides protection of subsurface water resources and provision of valuable watersheds and recharging groundwater supplies.

8. The site provides pollution treatment by serving as a biological and chemical oxidation basin.

9. The site provides erosion control by serving as a sedimentation area and filtering basin, absorbing silt and organic matter.

10. The site provides sources of nutrients in water food cycles and nursery grounds and sanctuaries for fish.

Section 5-803 After determination has been made that a wetland of less than two acres is essential for the preservation of natural resources in the Township, the Wetland Use Permit
application shall be reviewed according to the standards put forth in this Article.