Stormwater Management

What is Stormwater? 

It is water from precipitation that flows across the ground and pavement when it rains or when snow and ice melt. Stormwater is the only water available for recharging local groundwater supplies. There are small changes each of us can make to improve the quality of the stormwater runoff.

Businesses also need to be aware that things they do or products they use in their daily operations can enter the stormwater system and effect our water sources. Visit the National Menu of Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) site to learn what stormwater practices are required by law and what businesses can do help keep pollutants out of the stormwater system. Information specific to the construction industry can be found at the Construction Industry Compliance Assistance site. Information specific to the automotive industry can be found at Environmental Compliance for Automotive Recyclers.

Municipal Drainage - Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) 

The federal Clean Water Act implemented in 1972 protects water resources by providing policies to keep pollutants from the water supply including stormwater management. Marlborough Township is required to comply with the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) program regulated using National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits.

For additional information:

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Region 3 MidAtlantic

Things You Can Do to Help Protect Our Waterways

Residents can help protect local waterways by:

• Removing litter and man-made debris when it can be done safely.

• Keeping pet and livestock waste out of streams.

• Reducing the use of lawn fertilizers and pesticides.

• Planting native trees, shrubs, and other vegetation along streambanks.

• Maintaining natural streamside buffers and floodplains.

• Creating rain gardens and using permeable surfaces to manage stormwater.

• Maintaining septic systems properly.

• Keeping culverts and drainage structures clear of minor obstructions.

• Leaving natural stream features, such as large logs and root systems, undisturbed unless they are causing a specific problem.

• Never dumping pollutants or waste into storm drains.

• Managing roof runoff so it can safely infiltrate into the ground.

PA DEP Stream Maintenance Guideline booklet