STORM WATER MANAGEMENT

STORMWATER BASIC INFORMATION

Overview

Stormwater runoff is generated when precipitation from rain and snowmelt events flows over land or impervious surfaces and does not percolate into the ground. As the runoff flows over the land or impervious surfaces (paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops), it accumulates debris, chemicals, sediment or other pollutants that could adversely affect water quality if the runoff is discharged untreated. The primary method to control stormwater discharges is the use of best management practices (BMPs). In addition, most stormwater discharges are considered point sources and require coverage under an NPDES permit. For more information about the Stormwater program, visit EPA’s web site for the Stormwater Basic Information page.

Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)

Federal regulations that were issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established permit requirements within the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) for discharge to surface water from certain MS4s. The intent of these regulations is the improve water quality of the waterways in the United States. The permit requirement applies to small MS4s that have been designated by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PEDEP). Perkiomen Township has been designated by the PADEP as one of these small MS4s. Perkiomen Township’s NPDES Permit Number is 130069. The following is a link to EPA’s web site for an overview of Stormwater Discharges From Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s).

Stormwater Management Ordinance

Under the MS4 Program, Perkiomen Township is required to adopt, implements, and enforce a Stormwater Management Ordinance. In May of 2005 Perkiomen Township Adopted Ordinance No. 189.

View Ordinance

Minimum Control Measures (MCM)

Under the MS4 Stormwater Management Program, the PADEP established six (6) MCMs: Public Education and Outreach Public Participation/Involvement Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Construction Site Runoff Post-Construction Runoff Control Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping

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INFORMATION FOR HOMEOWNERS, RESIDENTS & BUSINESSES

What You Can Do To Help

As stormwater flows over driveways, lawns, and sidewalks, it picks up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants. Stormwater can flow into a storm sewer system or directly to a lake, stream, river, wetland, or coastal water. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the waterbodies we use for swimming, fishing, and providing drinking water. Polluted runoff is the nation’s greatest threat to clean water. By practicing healthy household habits, homeowners can keep common pollutants like pesticides, pet waste, grass clippings, and automotive fluids off the ground and out of stormwater. Adopt these healthy household habits and help protect lakes, streams, rivers, wetlands, and coastal waters. Remember to share the habits with your neighbors!

Vehicle and Garage

Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on a lawn or other unpaved surface to minimize the amount of dirty, soapy water flowing into the storm drain and eventually into your local waterbody. Check your car, boat, motorcycle, and other machinery and equipment for leaks and spills. Make repairs as soon as possible. Clean up spilled fluids with an absorbent material like kitty litter or sand, and don’t rinse the spills into a nearby storm drain. Remember to properly dispose of the absorbent material. Recycle used oil and other automotive fluids at participating service stations. Don’t dump these chemicals down the storm drain or dispose of them in your trash.

Lawn and Garden

Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. When use is necessary, use these chemicals in the recommended amounts. Avoid application if the forecast calls for rain; otherwise, chemicals will be washed into your local stream. Select native plants and grasses that are drought- and pest resistant. Native plants require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides. Sweep up yard debris, rather than hosing down areas. Compost or recycle yard waste when possible. Don’t overwater your lawn. Water during the cool times of the day, and don’t let water run-off into the storm drain. Cover piles of dirt and mulch being used in landscaping projects to prevent these pollutants from blowing or washing off your yard and into local waterbodies. Vegetate bare spots in your yard to prevent soil erosion.

Home Repair and Improvement

Before beginning an outdoor project, locate the nearest storm drains and protect them from debris and other materials. Sweep up and properly dispose of construction debris such as concrete and mortar. Use hazardous substances like paints, solvents, and cleaners in the smallest amounts possible, and follow the directions on the label. Clean up spills immediately, and dispose of the waste safely. Store substances properly to avoid leaks and spills. Purchase and use nontoxic, biodegradable, recycled, and recyclable products whenever possible. Clean paint brushes in a sink, not outdoors. Filter and reuse paint thinner when using oil-based paints. Properly dispose of excess paints through a household hazardous waste collection program, or donate unused paint to local organizations. Reduce the amount of paved area and increase the amount of vegetated area in your yard. Use native plants in your landscaping to reduce the need for watering during dry periods. Consider directing downspouts away from paved surfaces onto lawns and other measures to increase infiltration and reduce polluted runoff.

Pet Care

When walking your pet, remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it properly. Flushing pet waste is the best disposal method. Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into the storm drain and eventually into local waterbodies. Dog Waste Ordinance

Swimming Pool and Spa

Drain your swimming pool only when a test kit does not detect chlorine levels. Whenever possible, drain your pool or spa into the ssanitary sewer system. Properly store pool and spa chemicals to prevent leaks and spills, preferably in a covered area to avoid exposure to stormwater.

Septic System Use and Maintenance

Have your septic system inspected by a professional at least every 3 years, and have the septic tank pumped as necessary (usually every 3 to 5 years). Care for the septic system drainfield by not driving or parking vehicles on it. Plant only grass over and near the drainfield to avoid damage from roots. Flush responsibly. Flushing household chemicals like paint, pesticides, oil, and antifreeze can destroy the biological treatment taking place in the system. Other items, such as diapers, paper towels, and cat litter, can clog the septic system and potentially damage components.

INFORMATION FOR BUSINESS

Stormwater Discharges from Commercial Properties

Vehicle, Buses, Automobile Facilities and Garage

	Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on a lawn or other unpaved surface to minimize the amount of dirty, soapy water flowing into the storm drain and eventually into your local waterbody. Check your car, boat, motorcycle, and other machinery and equipment for leaks and spills. Make repairs as soon as possible. Clean up spilled fluids with an absorbent material like kitty litter or sand, and don’t rinse the spills into a nearby storm drain. Remember to properly dispose of the absorbent material. Recycle used oil and other automotive fluids at participating service stations. Don’t dump these chemicals down the storm drain or dispose of them in your trash.
	Dirt, oil, and debris that collect in parking lots and paved areas can be washed into the storm sewer system. Sweep up litter and debris from sidewalks, driveways and parking lots, especially around storm drains. Cover grease storage and dumpsters and keep them clean to avoid leaks.

Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities

Overview

The NPDES stormwater program requires construction site operators engaged in clearing, grading, and excavating activities that disturb 1 acre or more, including smaller sites in a larger common plan of development or sale, to obtain coverage under an NPDES permit for their stormwater discharges. In Pennsylvania, the Department of Environmental Protection (PaDEP) is authorized to implement the Stormwater NPDES permitting program. Site operators must meet the requirements of the PaDEP PAG-02 permit. For more information regarding NPDES stormwater permitting from construction activities, please visit PaDEP’s website at www.dep.state.pa.us, keyword “Stormwater Management”. Additionally, EPA’s website contains links to information and frequently asked questions. The EPA website is www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/construction. Stormwater and Construction Industry Pamphlet

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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency



• PA Department of Environmental Protection
  PA Department of Environmental Protection
  Southeast Regional Office
  2 East Main Street
  Norristown, PA 19401
  In case of environmental emergency, please call 484.250.5900 (24 hours)



• Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy



• Homeowner’s Guide to Storm Water Management



• Stormwater Outreach Materials and Reference Documents



• Stormwater Best Management Practices