Community Life - The Environment

Attention MS4s, consultants, engineers and other interested entities within the Southeast Region:        

The following messages were placed on the DEP storm water management website on 8-19-08:

•  NPDES Phase II MS4 General Permit (PAG-13) (Updated)

DEP intends to administratively extend the expiration of the current NPDES Phase II MS4 general permit (PAG-13) by one year from midnight, March 9, 2009 to midnight, March 9, 2010. The Notice of Extension for PAG-13 is scheduled for publication in the PA Bulletin on August 30, 2008. If you are using PAG-13, you do not need to file an application for the extension at this time. It is anticipated that your coverage will be automatically extended.

•  Application for a One-Year Extension of NPDES Phase II MS4 Individual Permits (Updated)

If you are using an NPDES Phase II MS4 individual permit, you must either submit an application for a renewal permit or request an extension of your current permit 180 days or more before the expiration of your current permit. One-Year Extension of NPDES Phase II MS4 Individual Permits Request Form

Go to Stormwater Management to read the messages. 

Read more: Attention MS4s, consultants, engineers and other interested entities

Untreated or uncontrolled stormwater runoff is the number one cause of impairment in our local waterways. Polluted runoff is often transported through municipal stormwater systems where it is eventually discharged into streams untreated. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a municipal stormwater management program known as the MS4 Program that is intended to improve our Nation’s waters by reducing the quantities of pollutants that stormwater picks up and carries into the storm sewer systems during a storm event. As part of the MS4 Program, your municipality holds a permit to discharge their stormwater into local waterways. This permit requires the municipality to design a stormwater management program that reduces the discharge of pollutants to the maximum extent possible, that protects water quality and that satisfies the water quality requirements of the Clean Water Act. In Pennsylvania, the MS4 program is administered by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

The MS4 stormwater management program has six elements termed “minimum control measures” which when implemented should result in significant reduction in pollutants discharged into receiving waters. The six minimum control measures and the actions required by your municipality are outlined below.

1. Public Education and Outreach
Distribute educational materials and conduct outreach to inform citizens about the impacts that stormwater runoff has on water quality.

2. Public Participation/Involvement
Provide opportunities for citizens to participate in the stormwater management program or other programs which improve water quality.

3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
Develop and implement a plan to detect and eliminate non stormwater discharges into the stormwater system.

4. Construction Site Runoff Control
Develop, implement and enforce an erosion and sediment control program for construction site activities of that disturb one acre or greater.

5. Post-Construction Runoff Control
Develop, implement and enforce a program to address discharges of post-construction stormwater runoff from new development or redevelopment areas.

6. Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping
Develop and implement a program that reduces or prevents pollutant runoff from municipal operations

Your municipality is committed to improving water quality in their watershed through better management of stormwater runoff. Every resident and business owner can participate in their municipal stormwater program by reducing or preventing pollutant runoff from their own property and by reporting any non stormwater discharges into their local waterways. Rain by nature is important for replenishing drinking water supplies, recreation, and healthy wildlife habitats. It only becomes a problem when pollutants from our active like car maintenance, lawn care, and dog walking are left on the ground for the rain to wash away. Here are some important ways to prevent stormwater pollution that you as a Township resident can do:

• Properly dispose of hazardous substances such as used oil, cleaning supplies and paint
• Never throw anything down any part of the storm system and report anyone who does
• Use pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides properly and efficiently to prevent excess runoff
• Report signs of potential pollutants such as soil, debris or chemicals from construction sites that may pollute
• Install innovative stormwater practices such as rain barrels or rain gardens to capture stormwater
• Pick up after your pets and dispose of their waste properly no matter where the mess is made – in your backyard or the park
• Volunteer in local or regional stream clean-up days

For more information, or to report any non stormwater discharge into local waterways please contact one of the agencies listed below.

 

• East Fallowfield Township  610-384-7144  www.eastfallowfield.org
• Chester County Conservation District 610-925-4920  www.chesco.org/conservation
• Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection 610-250-5970  www.dep.state.pa.us Keyword: Stormwater

 

• Good Housekeeping Practices for Restaurants and Food Service Establishments
• Good Housekeeping Practices for Auto Maintenance, Repair, and Fueling Operations

1. Begin at the general DEP website:  www.depweb.state.pa.us
2. Click on DEP Keywords “Water Topics”; 
3. From the drop down list, choose “Stormwater Management” http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/watermgt/wc/subjects/stormwatermanagement/default.htm  
1. This site has information on the new Pennsylvania Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP) Manual and training events. 
2. Under “announcements”, there is more info on the BMP Manual plus info on the revised Pennsylvania Stormwater Model Ordinance. 
3. Under “general permits”, there is NPDES permit info, the MS4 resource CD, the MS4 annual report form and protocol (and also the Notice of Intent form and the request for waiver form), and Urbanized Area maps. 
4. Under “general information”, there is various storm water related information. 
5. Under “technical information”, there is info on Act 167, Post-Construction Storm Water Management, and various other storm water topics
4. From the drop down list, choose “Water Management”, then “Bureau of Watershed Management”
5. http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/watermgt/wc/default.htm
1. This site has technical guidance, Fact Sheets, helpful links, and other storm water information.
6. From the drop down list, choose “Water Quality”; 
7. http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/watersupply/cwp/view.asp?a=1261&q=448024&watersupplyNav=|30184|
1. This site has useful Water Quality Standards information related to existing surface water uses, stream re-designation, 303d impaired waters, TMDLs, and fish consumption advisories.
8. From the drop down list, choose “Watersheds”
9. http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/watershedmgmt/site/default.asp
1. This site has information on County Conservation Districts, Growing Greener, Watersheds, DEP Regulations and Fact Sheets for Chapters 93, 102 & 105, and the PA Bulletin.
10. The DEP Southeast Regional Office website, http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/southeastro/site/default.aspalso has useful storm water information, resources and links.

If you have a swimming pool on your property please remember to use a water company to fill your pool in the spring and throughout the summer season, instead of your well water. Please consider your neighbors with your water consumption, while your well is on your property drawing too much water to fill a swimming pool may impact your neighbors by reducing their water pressure or causing them to loose their well service for an extended period of time.

A tip from Supervisor George Broadbent