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Stormwater Management

MS4 & Stormwater Projects Presentation - 9/13/23

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) has a statewide program designed to improve our quality of water. The program requires all municipalities in populated areas to detect and eliminate Non-Point Source Pollution (NPSP). NPSP is a combination of contaminants from various sources that find their way into our streams, lakes, and rivers by way of rainfall and snowmelt. Many of the pollutants include but are not limited to soap, oil, gasoline, littler, cigarette butts and sediments. The main outlet of these contaminants is from storm drain discharge. Storm drains offer no means of filtration and are easy targets for illegal dumping. It is important that residents understand that what goes down storm drains ultimately ends up in lakes, streams, and other bodies of water. To insure healthy water for both aquatic life and human consumption we must first detect and hen eliminate NPSP.

The Township is doing its part. The Township has begun monitoring and testing of storm sewer outfalls that have flow during dry periods. The Township is asking for all residents to cooperate with the inspectors, as some outfalls are located on private properties. All information from this inspection will be used to remedy any area deemed polluted.

The Township is asking residents and business owners to do their part. Please dispose of litter properly, keeping soaps, oil, gas, and all chemicals off of the pavement and out of storm drains. Also, use fertilizers sparingly and properly, as this can cause unwanted algae growth in bodies of water. And remember, dumping of anything down a storm drain is illegal and violators may be fined.

Stormwater runoff is generated when precipitation from rain and snow melt events flow over land and impervious surfaces and does not infiltrate into the ground. The runoff from streets, lawns, farms, and construction and industrial sites pick up fertilizers, dirt, pesticides, oil, grease and many other pollutants and discharge into our lakes, streams and rivers. This untreated discharge is detrimental to our water quality as it can adversely affect our drinking water supply and environment. Many Best Management Practices (BMP’s) such as detention/retention/infiltration basins, are already in place to help keep out water clean.

Towamencin Township regulates stormwater management which goes above and beyond typical BMP’s through a permit that is obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) through the National Pollution and Discharge Elimination System Phase II (NPDES)/Municipals Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4).  This is a Federal requirement from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) that is administered by the PA DEP.  This NPDES Permit is broken up into six minimum control measures to be regulated and enforced by the Township.  These minimum control measures include:

  1. Public Education and Outreach
  2. Public Participation/Involvement
  3. Illicit Discharge, Detection and Elimination
  4. Construction Site Runoff Control
  5. Post-Construction Runoff Control
  6. Pollution Prevention / Good Housekeeping

For any questions or concerns regarding stormwater or to report illicit discharges to the storm sewer system please call the Towamencin Township Administration Building at (215) 368-7602.

There are many ways you can help the Township with its stormwater program and participate in volunteering programs that will keep trash, debris and other pollutants out of the storm sewer system. For more information on ways you get involved with your community, please visit the following site:

For More Information on Stormwater Management, Please Visit: