Stormwater Management (MS4)

Do Your Part to Help To Keep Our Streams Clean

Stormwater occurs when precipitation from rain or snowmelt flows over the ground and into the municipal storm sewer system. The flow then enters our local waterbodies without being treated.To help keep our local waterbodies clear and clean you can do your part by helping the Borough identify illicit discharge or pollution entering the stormwater system.

The images below depict everyday items that impact the municipal stormwater system.

Animal Water Animal Waste                                  grass clippings Grass  

 

 hazards Household hazards                             Oil  Motor oil                                   

Please notify the Borough if you feel you have seen an illicit discharge.

During a rain event, water runs over the land collecting pollutants and bringing them to the nearest stormwater drain. Pollutants such as fertilizer, pesticide, motor oil, paint and litter that are washed into storm drains flow directly into our waterways. This pollution degrades our water quality and damages local aquatic habitats.  

Everyone can help prevent stormwater pollution by keeping potential pollutants away from storm drains and other bodies of water.

Reducing Stormwater and Flooding

 The recent wet weather has made us all aware of what can happen when repeated rainstorms and intense showers occur: runoff – overflowing streams – erosion – property damage – power outages – hazardous traveling conditions – flooding. We can’t turn the rain on and off as we see fit and the damaging storms can never be fully tamed to our desires. We can, however, remain ever aware of the influence we have on the environment when we build, farm and reshape the land and streams to meet society’s wants and needs. Rainfall happens and with it the inevitable runoff and resulting impacts. What we as a society do to address the influences we have on our environment will have far reaching implications on the health, safety and welfare of future generations as well as on us here and now.

 

Here are a few suggestions about what you can do to make a difference. 
  • Disconnect your rain gutters (downspouts) from impervious surfaces (such as driveways and sidewalks) and direct the flow to grassed areas or into infiltration beds (dry wells).
  • Install a rain barrel and use the collected rainwater for watering flowers and gardens.
  • Allow a buffer of native grasses and other vegetation to grow along streams, ponds, or wetlands. This will filter pollutants, protect the stream channel and bank from erosion, and provide better habitat for aquatic based animals.
  • Convert small low-lying areas into rain gardens. These can consist of small gardens of water tolerant plants and bushes that will help retain and infiltrate runoff.
  • One of the best ways you can reduce the impacts of stormwater is to reduce the pollutants that can be carried in runoff into streams, reservoirs and water supply intakes. Always properly dispose of household hazardous waste, including cleaning solutions, paints, oils, batteries, solvents, pesticides, sealants, fertilizers, etc. When applying fertilizers or pesticides to your lawn or garden, only apply the recommended amount, and do not apply just before a rainstorm, or near a water body.