How Homeowners Can Help Prevent Stormwater Pollution
Stormwater runoff occurs when water from rain or snow and ice melting flows over the ground. Stormwater becomes a problem when it picks up debris, chemicals, dirt and other pollutants as it flows or when it causes flooding and erosion of streambanks. Stormwater travels through a system of pipes and roadside ditches that make up storm sewer systems. It eventually flows directly to a lake, river, stream, wetland or coastal water. All of the pollutants stormwater carries along the way empty into our waters, too, because stormwater does not get treated!
Here are some of the most important ways for Township residents to prevent stormwater pollution:
- Properly dispose of hazardous substances, such as used motor oil, cleaning supplies and paint – never pour them down any part of the storm sewer system, and report anyone who does.
- Use pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides properly and efficiently to prevent excess runoff of these items.
- Look for signs of soil and other pollutants, such as debris and chemicals, leaving construction sites in stormwater runoff or tracked into roads by construction vehicles. Report poorly managed construction sites that could impact stormwater runoff to the Township.
- Install innovative stormwater practices on residential properties, such as rain barrels or rain gardens, that capture stormwater and keep it on-site instead of letting it drain away into the storm sewer system.
- Report any discharge from stormwater outfalls during times of dry weather – a sign there could be a problem with the storm sewer system.
- Pick up after pets and dispose of their waste properly. No matter where pets make a mess – in a backyard or on open space – stormwater runoff can carry pet waste from the land to the storm sewer system to a stream.
- Store materials that could pollute water indoors and use containers for outdoor storage that do not rust or leak to eliminate exposure of materials to stormwater.
New federal regulations enacted in December 1999 require Lower Makefield Township to improve on their existing stormwater management program over the next five years, beginning in March 2003.
Stormwater Management – 2023 MS4 Program Update
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II stormwater program requires that Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) address the six required elements contained in the federal regulations to reduce water pollution:
- Public Education and Outreach
- Public Participation and Involvement
- Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
- Construction Site Runoff Control
- Post-Construction Stormwater Management in New Development and Redevelopment
- Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations and Maintenance
Information on this program is available from the Pennsylvania DEP at the following website: http://www.dep.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx
STORMWATER/MS4 REFERENCES AND RESOURCES – APRIL 2010
Ordinance 388 Neshaminy Creek Watershed Act 167 Stormwater Management Ordinance
Ordinance 389 Delaware River South Watershed Act 167 Stormwater Management Ordinance
What is an Illicit Discharge and How Do I Report One?
Volunteer Opportunities
- Stencil storm drains with warnings about dumping.
- Participate in a stream or creek cleanup.
- Plant trees along a pond, stream or creek.
- Organize a neighborhood or watershed pollution watch. Map of Lower Makefield Watersheds
* If you are interested in any of these programs contact Jim Majewski at jimm@lmt.org
Students can earn community service hours!!!!
Educational Brochures
When It Rains It Drains
After The Storm
Maintain Your BMPs and Maintain Your BMPs II
Septic System Maintenance
Stormwater Prevention Tips
Swimming Pool Guidelines
Stormwater Related Websites
NPDES Permit Program Basics
EPA Stormwater Program Overview
DEP Southeast Regional Office
Bucks County Conservation District
Bucks County Planning Commission
