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Stormwater / MS4
Our municipality participates in the Christina Watersheds Municipal Partnership (CWMP) to share information and resources on storm water management with our residents. Our municipality has an MS4 Permit and we are required to meet specific requirements set forth by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. To learn more about stormwater regulations and the MS4 program click on the link(s) below:
Stormwater Regulations: (https://cwmp.org/sw_regs/)
• Homeowner Resources: (https://cwmp.org/homeowner_resources/) This page provides general information to homeowners and specific resources for activities you can do at home to improve water quality, including installing: rain gardens, porous paving, meadow and tree plantings, understanding the proper use of fertilizers and pesticides, and more.
• Farmer Resources: (https://cwmp.org/farmer_resources/) This page provides general information and resources to agricultural landowners and operators including equine operations and properties with crop farming.
• Building Project Resources: (https://cwmp.org/developer_resources/) Many landowners planning building projects, such as adding a driveway, garage, pool or other improvement are not always aware of requirements related to stormwater. This page addresses these projects, potential regulations, and best practices.
What Is MS4?
Untreated or uncontrolled storm water runoff is the number one cause of impairment in our local waterways. Polluted runoff is often transported through municipal drainage systems until it eventually discharges into streams, lakes, and rivers untreated.
An MS4, or Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System, is comprised of drainage systems, including streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, man-made channels and storm pipes, owned by a state, county, city, town, township, borough or other public entity.
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) storm water Phase II regulations require permit coverage for storm water discharges from MS4s, mainly those located in urbanized areas.
Click Here for the 2022-2023 MS4 Report
Want to Learn more about how to improve water quality in Chester County?
Check out the CWMP Calendar for an Up-To Date list of activities and programs.
These activities include: tree panting events, best management practice workshops, stormwater seminars and more!
Quick Reminders
Do your part to make our waters clean for aquatic life to live in and for us to enjoy by following these quick steps:
1. Never pour any hazardous substance such as used oil, cleaning supplies, paint, or vehicle fluids outside where it could enter any part of the stormwater system or impervious surfaces. Dispose of them properly
2. Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly to prevent excess runoff.
3. Correct vehicle leaks (dripping fluids) such as oil, grease, gasoline, antifreeze, and brake fluid.
4. When walking your pet, pick up the waste and dispose of it properly. Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria to wash into the storm drain and eventually into local water bodies.
5. Sweep up litter and debris from sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots to avoid having it wash into stormwater systems which could clog them or wash into waterways.
6. Inspect your stormwater system or your erosion and sediment control (if under construction) regularly to ensure it is operating properly.