Exton Park Phase II, connector trail grant and culvert crossing draw stormwater and liability questions

West Whiteland Township staff told the Stormwater Task Force on April 15 that Exton Park Phase II includes two existing stormwater facilities near Swedesford Recreation and two new facilities by proposed tennis courts and playing fields, and that the township has received a $1.5 million grant to build a connector trail to the Chester Valley Trail.

Justin Smiley, Capital & Special Projects Manager, said the connector trail will cross an existing culvert. Preliminary observations suggest no issues with the crossing, but federal and FEMA permitting will determine whether any work is required. Smiley also confirmed the planned parking lot in Phase II will be impervious unless the township pays more to make it pervious.

Task Force member Jason Bailey noted frequent sinkholes and damage from flooding along the Chester Valley Trail and said the nearby trail culvert currently floods out from the adjacent pond. Smiley said the county will require an agreement that the developer will be liable for any new sinkholes tied to the trail work.

Consultant Nick Szeredai described alternatives to traditional channel restoration, including 'step pool' (tiered basin) designs, and showed pictures. He cautioned that such tiered features can be vulnerable in major storms—"during a storm like Ida, the steps would be destroyed"—and that large pooling areas can encourage algae and other undesirable effects. Szeredai also said Miller Park restoration would yield more MS4 credits than an Exton Park restoration and noted DEP has been noncommittal about whether stream restoration alone can satisfy new volume-management requirements.

Staff asked task force members to review the draft Comprehensive Plan materials posted on the township website; Smiley said the Planning Commission issued a motion recommending approval of the draft plan. The task force did not vote on Exton Park construction at the April meeting.