John Ruch

HARMONY — Historic Harmony is asking Jackson Township for stricter flood level limits and to request FEMA to update its floodplain map for the township’s revision of its flood ordinance.

In a letter from Historic Harmony to the township, President John Ruch asks that the allowable effect of development on the 100-year flood level be restricted to a maximum of three inches. The current ordinance’s limit is a cumulative 12 inches, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s only minimum standard.

“Given recent and extensive nearby development within the flood plain, we believe a more restrictive three-inch limit is justified, and have asked Harmony and Zelienople to adopt — and enforce — a similar limit,” Ruch said in the letter.

“Municipalities may adopt restrictions more stringent than the FEMA minimum to achieve more effective protection of their citizens and property owners.”

Historic Harmony also is asking the township to “demand” FEMA change it floodplain maps to reflect changes taking place on the north side of the Connoquenessing Creek.

The development in question is the filling of land by Creekside Manor owned by Don Rodgers. No plans for the property after filling have been announced.

Harmony Borough Council showed concern at its Sept. 2 meeting about the floodplain map, saying the development needs to be included in the new map.

Council possibly will vote on the flood ordinance at its Oct. 6 meeting. As for the map, FEMA has delayed implementation of its new map for six months.

“This fill operation has removed nearly 30 acres from the flood plain this summer and must have re-delineated, dramatically, the 100-year flood line on nearby terrain, including within the borough,” Ruch said in the letter.

However, hydrological studies of the area said the development would only affect flood level rises by a half-inch. But Jackson Township manager Chris Rearick said the three-inch maximum will be looked at for “serious” consideration.

“We have a draft turned in that meets the requirements,” Rearick said. “We’re not at any point in making a decision on the ordinance yet.”

As for the flood map, Rearick said the township would have to look at it before deciding what needs to be changed, if any.

“It’s fairly simple. We’ll certainly proceed and make sure we have an ordinance adopted in accordance with the state model ordinance,” he said.

Ruch also asks boroughs and municipalities for more stringent enforcement for the ordinances.

“After what the community went through in 2004 (Hurricane Ivan), they really owe it to everybody, especially to people affected by flooding to be enforcing those ordinance provisions,” he said.