Letter: Township needs riparian ordinance
To the Editor
In response to Mr. Vincent's letter in the May 7 issue of the Sun, I agree that the commissioners should act when there is clear proof that riparian corridors offer a benefit to township residents. That clear proof is readily available to anyone wishing to see it.
For several decades now, urban streams throughout the country, including streams right here in Southeastern Pennsylvania, have been studied by geologists, hydrologists, and yes, even professional engineers. The published studies clearly show the benefits of a well-maintained riparian corridor.
A riparian corridor increases infiltration, which reduces flooding, and maintains water in the stream during drought periods. Tree and shrubbery roots do indeed hold soil better than turf grass, so stream banks (i.e., backyards) are better protected from erosion. The presence of water during drought periods, along with the shading provided by trees, can improve aquatic habitat and benefit the entire aquatic ecosystem, so streams can be more than just open storm sewers.
But this is not all. By reducing the amount of runoff, riparian corridors can also reduce the amount of fertilizer, pesticides, and herbicides getting to the streams, which further improves aquatic habitat and, more important, gives added protection to those downstream users who use our streams for drinking water.
Anyone with a computer and access to the Internet can go to Google Scholar and find the studies documenting how streams (and stream banks) are better protected by a well-maintained riparian corridor. The benefits are clear, and the proof is well-documented! And so, it is time for the Springfield Township Commissioners to implement a riparian corridor ordinance.
But don't stop there. Neither a riparian corridor ordinance nor anything else, by itself, will solve the flooding and erosion problems in Springfield. We are part of a watershed, and the problems we have must be addressed by examining the entire watershed.
So, start with a riparian corridor ordinance and then ask everyone else in the township to contribute by increasing canopy cover, disconnecting impervious areas from the storm sewer system, and retrofitting the storm sewer system to increase retention and allow infiltration.
Robert Ryan
Flourtown