Due to requirements in the Federal Clean Water Act and the Act 167 Stormwater Management Program, owners of Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4), like Amity Township, need to develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program. Part of this is to educate the public as to what stormwater pollution is, and what we can do to prevent it.
A storm sewer system collects and carries rain and snow water off of impermeable surfaces, such as roads and parking lots. In some cases, the system can even carry spring water. The storm sewer system is composed of catch basins, pipes, swales, and assorted types of inlets and outlets. This water ends up in our streams, rivers and lakes, which are all part of our drinking water supply.
Some pollutants commonly found in storm sewers are:
- Trash or litter
- Leaked automotive fluids
- Sediments
- Leaves and other yard waste
- Animal waste
- Pesticides and other chemicals from lawns and farms
Trash, leaves, and sediments clog up storm sewer pipes ultimately causing floods in areas, and eventually litter our waterways. Automotive fluids, animal waste, and chemicals pollute water which can cause damage or death to watershed animals and plants. You can access a Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater BMP Maintenance here.
Penn State Extension Upcoming Stormwater Solutions for Homeowners
Stormwater using Enviroscape – see this video.
Source water protection and the MS4 permit system
MS4 Story Time With Mr. Michael
2022 MS4 Video Contest Winners
Additional information can be found on the Berks County Planning Commission Website under MS4 Steering Committee, the DEP website or the EPA’s website. Here is a DEP video raising stormwater awareness across the state
| WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
· Do not throw trash, grass clippings, leaves or other debris in the catch basins · Maintain your vehicles to prevent fluid leaks · Follow instructions on pesticide and chemical use, and think of where it may end up once you use it · Contact the appropriate authority when you see clogged storm sewers, or water flow during dry conditions. · See an illicit discharge into our storm sewer system? Fill out our Illicit Discharge-Citizen Complaint Form |
OUTFALL INSPECTIONS
As a part of the Federal requirements, Township employees will do yearly inspections of the stormwater outfalls throughout the Township. You may see these workers taking notes at catch basins, in drainage easements, and along streams near your home. You can do your part by trying to keep drainage easements and outfall areas from having obstructions and by contacting the Township if you see polluted flow in the storm systems.
STORMWATER INLET MARKING
As you may notice around the Township, we have marked storm sewer catch basins with paint or stickers stating “No dumping, drains to creek”. This is part of an EPA mandate to help protect our waterways and to educate residents of the importance of our stormwater systems. Please leave the markings as they are and remember the importance of keeping our waterways clean!