DepartmentsStormwater Management
Introduction
Stormwater management concerns the control of water (from rain, melting ice or snow) that runs off the surface of the land. The amount and rate of runoff is increased considerably as land is developed; construction of impervious surface (e.g. parking lots) hinders the infiltration of rainfall into the soil. Therefore stormwater management is imperative to offset the possible impacts of development – flooding and erosion problems, concentration of flow on neighboring properties, damages to infrastructure, and non-point source pollution (i.e. pollution that comes from general drainage of the land such as runoff from parking lots and farmland).
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 and good housekeeping for municipal operations and maintenance
INFORMATION:
What is storm water? Storm water is water from precipitation that flows across the ground and pavement when it rains or when snow and ice melt. The water seeps into the ground or drains into what we call storm sewers. These are the drains you see at street corners or at low points on the sides of streets. Collectively, the draining water is called storm water runoff. 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.
Water Quality Hotlines
Residents can help report violations or problems they notice in their neighborhood and local streams before they cause more damage and pollution. Residents sometimes may be the first to recognize "illicit" discharges dumping into storm sewers or coming out of from storm sewer outfalls. You can help by promptly reporting the following events to the authorities listed below.
Here are some of the conditions that you should report and who to contact:
| Violation | Who to Contact |
|---|---|
| Sediment leaving a construction site in stormwater | Bucks County Conservation District |
| Observed pollution event or pollutants in stream | Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection |
| Clogged or leaking sewer lines; Broken water mains | Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority |
| Spills | Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection spills hotline |
| Illegal dumping activity into water courses | Langhorne Borough; Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection |
| Dry weather flows from outfall pipes into streams (72 hours after a rain storm) | Langhorne Borough |
| Fish Kills | Pennsylvania Fish Commission, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection |
| DEP Water Quality Hotlines | 484-250-5900 1-800-541-2050 (toll free) | Anytime, including evenings and weekends |
| Off site discharge of sediment, erosion, and other improper controls during construction | Bucks County Conservation District 215-345-7577 | Email photo and send full address and directions |
| Clogged or leaking sanitary sewer lines; sewage smell in creek | Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority 215-343-2538 | After hours, call 911 |
| Fish kills, illegal fishing | PA Fish Commission: 717-626-0228 | Also call DEP Water Quality Hotline |
| Dry weather outfall flows (discharges to stream from outfall pipes after 72 hours of no rain) | Langhorne Borough 215-757-3768 | Weekdays during working hours |
| Broken water mains | Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority 215-343-2538 | 24 hour |
Educational Shows:
The Weather Channel produced “After the Storm” a documentary about the effects of polluted storm water runoff on rivers, lakes and coastal waters. The program will also demonstrate simple things citizens can do to help protect their local watersheds.
Educational Materials:
For Homeowners and Residents
- What Happens After the Flush?
- Water Efficient Landscaping
- Where Does All the Dirty Water Go?
- After the Storm
- When It Rains It Drains
- Make your Home the Solution to Stormwater Pollution
- Stormwater Basic Information
For Businesses:
- Stormwater Basic Information
- EPA Stormwater Outreach Materials
- When it Rains it Drains
- After the Storm
Information for Builders and Developers
- EPA Stormwater Outreach Materials
- When it Rains it Drains
- Don't Let Storm Water Run Off With Your Time and Money
- Does your Construction Site Need a Stormwater Permit?
- Stormwater and the Construction Industry