Stormwater Management
OVERVIEW
Stormwater runoff is generated when precipitation from rain and snow flow over land and impervious surfaces and does not infiltrate into the ground. The runoff from streets, lawns, farms, and construction and industrial sites pick up fertilizers, dirt, pesticides, oil, grease and many other pollutants and discharge into our lakes, streams and rivers. This untreated discharge is detrimental to our water quality as it can adversely affect our drinking water supply and environment. Many detention/retention/infiltration basins are already in place to help keep our water clean.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT, SIMPLIFIED:
Stormwater runoff is generated when precipitation from rain and snow flow over land and impervious surfaces and does not infiltrate into the ground. The runoff from streets, lawns, farms, and construction and industrial sites pick up fertilizers, dirt, pesticides, oil, grease and many other pollutants and discharge into our lakes, streams and rivers. This untreated discharge is detrimental to our water quality as it can adversely affect our drinking water supply and environment. Many detention/retention/infiltration basins are already in place to help keep our water clean.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT, SIMPLIFIED:
Have you ever wondered where all that water that gushes into a storm drain ends up? The journey does not end there... This story map provides a summary of the stormwater journey, including what stormwater contains, how it is managed, and its impacts on New Hanover Township streams and the community.
Click here for a link to the story map.
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STORMWATER BMP INSPECTION PROGRAM
STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTIONS TIPS
Click here to view tips on reducing stormwater runoff.
MS4 INFRASTRUCTURE
If you are interested in where our stormwater is located, check out this attached link.
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Stormwater from my neighbor's property is causing erosion and flooding problems on my property. What can I do?
A landowner has the right to have stormwater flow onto and over his property, and discharged through a natural water course onto a neighboring property. In addition, a landowner may make proper and profitable use of his land even though this use may result in some change in the quality or quantity of the water flowing to the property below.
Generally, any damage to the property below caused by surface water as a result of this use is not actionable. However, there are two exceptions to this general rule. The first exception is when the stormwater is diverted from its natural channel, and the second exception is when stormwater is unreasonably or unnecessarily changed in quantity or quality.
If you believe that either or both of the above-noted exceptions are applicable to your case, you should contact an attorney with experience in these matters. For if your neighbor is not willing to fix the problem you may be required to file suit in the Court of Common Pleas. Because the stormwater is flowing from private property, the Township is not a party to such disputes.
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Click here for a link to the story map.
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STORMWATER BMP INSPECTION PROGRAM
All properties with a stormwater management facility, or a “BMP” (Best Management Practice) are responsible for inspecting the facility on a regular basis. Please click here to learn about the requirements for this program, as well as the options for property owners to either complete the required inspection through an Engineer Inspection or a Self-Inspection.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTIONS TIPS
Click here to view tips on reducing stormwater runoff.
MS4 INFRASTRUCTURE
If you are interested in where our stormwater is located, check out this attached link.
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Stormwater from my neighbor's property is causing erosion and flooding problems on my property. What can I do?
A landowner has the right to have stormwater flow onto and over his property, and discharged through a natural water course onto a neighboring property. In addition, a landowner may make proper and profitable use of his land even though this use may result in some change in the quality or quantity of the water flowing to the property below.
Generally, any damage to the property below caused by surface water as a result of this use is not actionable. However, there are two exceptions to this general rule. The first exception is when the stormwater is diverted from its natural channel, and the second exception is when stormwater is unreasonably or unnecessarily changed in quantity or quality.
If you believe that either or both of the above-noted exceptions are applicable to your case, you should contact an attorney with experience in these matters. For if your neighbor is not willing to fix the problem you may be required to file suit in the Court of Common Pleas. Because the stormwater is flowing from private property, the Township is not a party to such disputes.
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The Township regulates its stormwater management through a permit that is obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) through the National Pollution and Discharge Elimination System Phase II (NPDES)/Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4). This is a federal requirement from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) that is administered by the state. This NPDES permit is broken up into six minimum control measures to be regulated and enforced by the Township. These minimum control measures include:
- Public Education and Outreach
- Public Participation/Involvement
- Illicit Discharge, Detection and Elimination
- Construction Site Runoff Control
- Post-Construction Runoff Control
- Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping
The Township is monitoring and testing storm sewer outfalls that have flow during dry periods. We request that all residents cooperate with our inspectors, as some outfalls are located on private properties.
For any questions or concerns regarding stormwater or to report illicit discharges to the storm sewer system, contact the Township at 610 323-1008.
[The Montgomery County Conservation District presented on this topic. Click here - especially if you are considering developing in our municipality.]
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More Information
There are many ways you can help the Township with its stormwater program, such as participating in volunteer programs that help keep trash, debris and other pollutants out of the storm sewer system. For more information on ways to get involved with your community, visit:
Quick Resource Guide For Winter Maintenance BMPs
Winter Maintenance BMPs
Stormwater Brochure
Be Stormwater Smart Brochure
PennDOT: Adopt-A-Highway
http://www.dot.state.pa.us/Internet/Bureaus/pdHwyBeau.nsf/AAHHome?OpenFrameset
United State Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.epa.gov/
Stormwater Basic Information
http://www.epa.gov/npdes/npdes-stormwater-program
Stormwater Program
http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=6
Stormwater Discharge from MS4's
http://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater-discharges-municipal-sources#overview
Stormwater Outreach Materials and Reference Documents
https://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/docs.cfm?document_type_id=3&view=Fact%2520Sheets%2520and%2520Outreach%2520Materials&program_id=6&sort=name
PA Department of Environmental Protection
http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/dep_home/5968
PA DEP Southeast Region Office
http://www.dep.pa.gov/About/Regional/SoutheastRegion/Pages/default.aspx#.VtWfKFsrKUk
Stormwater Management Program
http://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/PointNonPointMgmt/StormwaterMgmt/Pages/default.aspx#.VtWiP1srKUl
BCCD Bucks County Conservation District
http://www.bucksccd.org/
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
http://www.fema.gov/
CWP Center for Watershed Protection
http://www.cwp.org/
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
PA DEP – MS4 Resources
http://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/PointNonPointMgmt/StormwaterMgmt/Stormwater/Pages/MS4-Resources.aspx#.VtWaHFsrKUk
PA DEP - MS4 Stormwater Activity Book for Children
http://files.dep.state.pa.us/Water/BPNPSM/StormwaterManagement/MunicipalStormwater/MuniSWResources/MS4_Partners_Stormwater_Activity_Book_2015-rv2.pdf
DEP Southeast Regional Office
http://www.dep.pa.gov/About/Regional/SoutheastRegion/Pages/default.aspx#.VtWfKFsrKUk
PA DEP - Stormwater Management Program
http://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/PointNonPointMgmt/StormwaterMgmt/Pages/default.aspx#.VtWiP1srKUl
PA DEP – E&S for Single Family Homes and Minor Construction Projects
http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/Get/Document-107599/3150-FS-DEP4096.pdf
DEP – Snow Management and Removal
http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/Get/Document-109526/3800-FS-DEP1634.pdf
DEP – Swimming Pool Discharge Guidelines
http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/Get/Document-108937/3850-FS-DEP4251.pdfhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28I1qP-rtw0&feature=youtu.be
DEP – Stream Improvement Program
http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/Get/Document-108190/3130-FS-DEP2179.pdf
DEP – Minimizing Accelerated Soil Erosion & Preventing Sediment Pollution
http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/Get/Document-107595/3150-FS-DEP1841.pdf
DEP – Reporting Requirements for Spills and Pollution Incidents under PA Clean Streams Law
http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/Get/Document-101220/3800-FS-DEP4449.pdf
DEP – Water Quality Standards
http://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/PointNonPointMgmt/WaterQuality/Pages/default.aspx#.VtW6sy0o6Uk
DEP – Raingardens and Rain Barrels
http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/Get/Document-109593/3850-PA-DEP4500.pdf
United States Environmental Protection Agency
EPA – Stormwater Fact Sheets and Outreach Materials
https://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/docs.cfm?document_type_id=3&view=Fact%2520Sheets%2520and%2520Outreach%2520Materials&program_id=6&sort=name
EPA - Stormwater Basic Information
http://www.epa.gov/npdes/npdes-stormwater-program
EPA - Stormwater Discharges from MS4’s
http://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater-discharges-municipal-sources#overview
EPA - MS4 Overview
http://www3.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/fact2-0.pdf
EPA - MS4 Fact Sheet
http://www3.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/fact2-1.pdf
EPA –Urbanized Area Definition
http://www3.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/fact2-2.pdf
EPA – Public Education and Outreach
https://www3.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/fact2-3.pdf
EPA – Public Participation and Involvement
https://www3.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/fact2-4.pdf
EPA – Illicit Discharge, Detection and Elimination
https://www3.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/fact2-5.pdf
EPA - Construction Site Runoff Control
https://www3.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/fact2-6.pdf
EPA – Post-Construction Runoff Control
https://www3.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/fact2-7.pdf
EPA – Pollution Prevention / Good Housekeeping
https://www3.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/fact2-8.pdf
EPA – National Menu of Stormwater Best Management Practices
http://www.epa.gov/npdes/national-menu-best-management-practices-bmps-stormwater#edu
EPA – Stormwater Permit Coverage for Construction Sites
https://www3.epa.gov/region10/pdf/water/stormwater_permit_brochure_print.pdf
EPA – After the Storm
https://www3.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/after_the_storm.pdf
EPA – Stormwater Management Practices
http://www.epa.gov/greeningepa/stormwater-management-practices-epa-facilities
EPA – Stormwater Management
http://www.epa.gov/greeningepa/stormwater-management
EPA – Green Infrastructure
http://www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure
EPA Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP) Menu
http://www.epa.gov/npdes/national-menu-best-management-practices-bmps-stormwater-documents
EPA – Evaluating the Effectiveness of Municipal Stormwater Programs
https://www3.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/region3_factsheet_swmp.pdf
EPA – Water Pollution Prevention and Control
http://www.epa.gov/p2/learn-about-pollution-prevention
Miscellaneous
Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy
http://www.perkiomenwatershed.org/
Rain Barrel Resources
http://www.rainbarrelresource.com/
PennDOT Adopt-a Highway
http://www.penndot.gov/about-us/AdoptaHighway/Pages/default.aspx#.VtSv9lsrKUk
Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater
http://www.stormwaterguide.org/static/HomeownersGuide.pdf
Green Guide for Property Management
http://schuylkillwaters.org/doc_files/Green%20Guide%20for%20Property%20Management.pdf
Winter Maintenance BMPs
Stormwater Brochure
Be Stormwater Smart Brochure
PennDOT: Adopt-A-Highway
http://www.dot.state.pa.us/Internet/Bureaus/pdHwyBeau.nsf/AAHHome?OpenFrameset
United State Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.epa.gov/
Stormwater Basic Information
http://www.epa.gov/npdes/npdes-stormwater-program
Stormwater Program
http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=6
Stormwater Discharge from MS4's
http://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater-discharges-municipal-sources#overview
Stormwater Outreach Materials and Reference Documents
https://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/docs.cfm?document_type_id=3&view=Fact%2520Sheets%2520and%2520Outreach%2520Materials&program_id=6&sort=name
PA Department of Environmental Protection
http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/dep_home/5968
PA DEP Southeast Region Office
http://www.dep.pa.gov/About/Regional/SoutheastRegion/Pages/default.aspx#.VtWfKFsrKUk
Stormwater Management Program
http://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/PointNonPointMgmt/StormwaterMgmt/Pages/default.aspx#.VtWiP1srKUl
BCCD Bucks County Conservation District
http://www.bucksccd.org/
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
http://www.fema.gov/
CWP Center for Watershed Protection
http://www.cwp.org/
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
PA DEP – MS4 Resources
http://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/PointNonPointMgmt/StormwaterMgmt/Stormwater/Pages/MS4-Resources.aspx#.VtWaHFsrKUk
PA DEP - MS4 Stormwater Activity Book for Children
http://files.dep.state.pa.us/Water/BPNPSM/StormwaterManagement/MunicipalStormwater/MuniSWResources/MS4_Partners_Stormwater_Activity_Book_2015-rv2.pdf
DEP Southeast Regional Office
http://www.dep.pa.gov/About/Regional/SoutheastRegion/Pages/default.aspx#.VtWfKFsrKUk
PA DEP - Stormwater Management Program
http://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/PointNonPointMgmt/StormwaterMgmt/Pages/default.aspx#.VtWiP1srKUl
PA DEP – E&S for Single Family Homes and Minor Construction Projects
http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/Get/Document-107599/3150-FS-DEP4096.pdf
DEP – Snow Management and Removal
http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/Get/Document-109526/3800-FS-DEP1634.pdf
DEP – Swimming Pool Discharge Guidelines
http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/Get/Document-108937/3850-FS-DEP4251.pdfhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28I1qP-rtw0&feature=youtu.be
DEP – Stream Improvement Program
http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/Get/Document-108190/3130-FS-DEP2179.pdf
DEP – Minimizing Accelerated Soil Erosion & Preventing Sediment Pollution
http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/Get/Document-107595/3150-FS-DEP1841.pdf
DEP – Reporting Requirements for Spills and Pollution Incidents under PA Clean Streams Law
http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/Get/Document-101220/3800-FS-DEP4449.pdf
DEP – Water Quality Standards
http://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/PointNonPointMgmt/WaterQuality/Pages/default.aspx#.VtW6sy0o6Uk
DEP – Raingardens and Rain Barrels
http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/Get/Document-109593/3850-PA-DEP4500.pdf
United States Environmental Protection Agency
EPA – Stormwater Fact Sheets and Outreach Materials
https://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/docs.cfm?document_type_id=3&view=Fact%2520Sheets%2520and%2520Outreach%2520Materials&program_id=6&sort=name
EPA - Stormwater Basic Information
http://www.epa.gov/npdes/npdes-stormwater-program
EPA - Stormwater Discharges from MS4’s
http://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater-discharges-municipal-sources#overview
EPA - MS4 Overview
http://www3.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/fact2-0.pdf
EPA - MS4 Fact Sheet
http://www3.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/fact2-1.pdf
EPA –Urbanized Area Definition
http://www3.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/fact2-2.pdf
EPA – Public Education and Outreach
https://www3.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/fact2-3.pdf
EPA – Public Participation and Involvement
https://www3.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/fact2-4.pdf
EPA – Illicit Discharge, Detection and Elimination
https://www3.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/fact2-5.pdf
EPA - Construction Site Runoff Control
https://www3.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/fact2-6.pdf
EPA – Post-Construction Runoff Control
https://www3.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/fact2-7.pdf
EPA – Pollution Prevention / Good Housekeeping
https://www3.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/fact2-8.pdf
EPA – National Menu of Stormwater Best Management Practices
http://www.epa.gov/npdes/national-menu-best-management-practices-bmps-stormwater#edu
EPA – Stormwater Permit Coverage for Construction Sites
https://www3.epa.gov/region10/pdf/water/stormwater_permit_brochure_print.pdf
EPA – After the Storm
https://www3.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/after_the_storm.pdf
EPA – Stormwater Management Practices
http://www.epa.gov/greeningepa/stormwater-management-practices-epa-facilities
EPA – Stormwater Management
http://www.epa.gov/greeningepa/stormwater-management
EPA – Green Infrastructure
http://www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure
EPA Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP) Menu
http://www.epa.gov/npdes/national-menu-best-management-practices-bmps-stormwater-documents
EPA – Evaluating the Effectiveness of Municipal Stormwater Programs
https://www3.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/region3_factsheet_swmp.pdf
EPA – Water Pollution Prevention and Control
http://www.epa.gov/p2/learn-about-pollution-prevention
Miscellaneous
Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy
http://www.perkiomenwatershed.org/
Rain Barrel Resources
http://www.rainbarrelresource.com/
PennDOT Adopt-a Highway
http://www.penndot.gov/about-us/AdoptaHighway/Pages/default.aspx#.VtSv9lsrKUk
Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater
http://www.stormwaterguide.org/static/HomeownersGuide.pdf
Green Guide for Property Management
http://schuylkillwaters.org/doc_files/Green%20Guide%20for%20Property%20Management.pdf
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