Township denies Pleasantview Estates Phase 6 stormwater waiver after engineer raises runoff concerns

Blair Township supervisors voted unanimously April 8 to deny a request for a waiver of the township's stormwater management ordinance for undeveloped lots in Pleasantview Estates Phase 6.

Township engineer Eric Banks told the board that previously approved subdivision plans require on‑lot stormwater plans and that runoff from lot 4 flows away from the existing basin toward Charger Highway. He said there is a potential for similar flows from lots 3 and 6 and therefore he could not recommend granting the waiver.

Applicant Jeff Holtzinger, participating by telephone, said the note on the subdivision plan addressed sediment control rather than stormwater management and argued the subdivision’s existing stormwater measures — including what he described as sufficient infiltration, slope and volume control — render a waiver unnecessary. He also cited the subdivision’s 2021 NPDES permit renewals as evidence the site meets requirements.

"I believe the word 'waiver' is a misnomer," Holtzinger said, reiterating his view that existing plans adequately address runoff and volume control.

Chairman Paul Amigh said there was no alternative way to circumvent the township ordinance but invited Holtzinger to meet with the township engineer to review the Stormwater BMP Manual and acceptable on‑lot stormwater plans for individual applicants and their engineers.

The formal motion to deny the waiver was made by Chairman Amigh, seconded by Supervisor Brad Germaux, and passed unanimously.

Next steps: the applicant may consult with the township engineer to revise plans or submit additional information; no further administrative action was recorded at the April 8 meeting.