What is Stormwater?
Stormwater runoff is precipitation that does not soak into ground but flows over land into storm drains. As this water flows across surfaces it picks up pollutants from the ground. Water that flows into stormwater drains is released back into creeks, streams and rivers.
Where does it go?
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Sewer pipes and stormwater pipes are not connected! Stormwater flows back out into natural bodies of water, not into treatment plants.
What problems does it cause?
Stormwater becomes a problem when it carries pollutants into our creeks and streams. Examples of stormwater pollutants include oil and grease, household chemicals and cleaners, pet waste, pesticides, sediments, plant nutrients, metals and organic materials. Stormwater runoff does not get treated so increased amounts of pollutants entering stormwater drains causes an increase in surface water pollution and lower water quality.
Problems caused in water bodies may include erosion, sedimentation, turbidity, eutrophication, increased salinity and habitat disruption. Eutrophication results from excess plant nutrients (nitrogen & phosphorous—found in many fertilizers) causing an overgrowth of algae, leading to decreased oxygen levels in surface waters. This creates problems for aquatic life.
What can I do to help?
- Do not dump waste in storm drains !
- Clean up pet waste.
- Landscape with fewer hard-paved (impervious) surfaces.
- Prevent erosion by vegetating bare soil.
- Plant native trees and plants to help stormwater infiltrate.
- Reduce pesticide use and explore alternate pest control measures.
- Clean up auto/household chemical spills with absorbents instead of rinsing with water.
- Do not litter and help by picking up any litter you see near storm drains.
- Do not dump grass clippings and other yard waste near street curbs, storm drains or drainage areas.
Stormwater Regulations
Act 167 Stormwater Management Plan
Pennsylvania Act 167 requires that the Township adopt a stormwater management ordinance to regulate stormwater activities within South Coventry Township. For more information, please visit the Act 167 Stormwater Management Plan page.
MS4 Program
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) are required to have a NPDES permit to discharge stormwater into waters of the Commonwealth. As an MS4, South Coventry Township is required to implement a stormwater management program to reduce contamination of stormwater runoff and prohibit illicit discharges. For more information, please visit the MS4 Program page.
For Additional Information Please Visit the Following Links: