Stormwater Management
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.
Warwick 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:
- Public Education and Outreach
- Public Participation/Involvement
- Illicit Discharge, Detection and Elimination
- Construction Site Runoff Control
- Post-Construction Runoff Control
- Pollution Prevention / Good Housekeeping
Warwick Township has begun monitoring and testing of storm sewer outfalls that have flow during dry periods. The township asks all residents to cooperate with the inspectors, as some outfalls are located on private properties.
For any questions or concerns regarding stormwater or to report illicit discharges to the storm sewer system please call the Township at (215) 343-6100.
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: PennDOT: Adopt-A-Highway.
PennState Extension Webinars: Residential Stormwater Solutions
Watershed-Friendly Recommendations – Discover how the Watershed-Friendly Property Certification and Stormwater Basics Series can help residents implement stormwater management best practices and safeguard water resources on their properties. November 14, 2023 (12:00pm-1pm)
Use and Benefits of Rain Barrels – Join us for a discussion on the uses and advantages of rain barrels for homeowners and provide information on a basic DIY rain barrel construction method. November 16, 2023 (12:00pm-1:00pm)
Backyard Meadows – Join our informative webinar on the advantages and fundamental aspects of installing and maintaining a backyard meadow. Learn to assess whether a meadow is a viable option for your property, regardless of its size. November 28, 2023 (12:00pm-1:00pm)
Stormwater-Friendly Lawn Care Strategies – This session will encompass various topics, such as downsizing your lawn, optimizing fertilizer use, effective mowing techniques, preventing soil compaction, and managing pests effectively. November 30, 2023 (12:00 pm-1:00pm)
Resources for Residents:
- Thirsty
- Catch of the Day
- Grasscycling
- Rain Garden
- Canines for Clean Creeks
- The Importance of Cleaning Up After Your Pet
- Car Wash Information
- Septic System Information
- Winter Deicing Tips
- Vehicle Maintenance Tips
- Pet Waste Tips
- Fertilizing Tips
- Water Conservation Tips
- Sollution to Pollution
- An Overview for Auto Recyclers
- Protecting Water Quality from Urban Runoff
- DEP Swimming Pool Water Discharge Guidelines
- How Homeowners can help keep our stormwater clean
- Be Wise When You Fertilize
Resources For Contractors:
- Stormwater and the Construction Industry
- Stormwater Pollution Prevention
- When it Rains it Drains
- Stormwater and Runoff Primer
- How do I get Stormwater Permit Coverage for My Construction Site
For more information on stormwater management, please visit:
- US EPA
- PA DEP
- (BCCD) Bucks County Conservation District
- (FEMA) Federal Emergency Management Agency
- (CWP) Center for Watershed Protection
- For business specific information, please visit the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary.
Additional Resources:
DEP
DEP – MS4 Resources
DEP – MS4 Stormwater Activity Book for children
DEP – Southeast Regional Office
DEP – Stormwater Management Program
DEP – Swimming Pool Discharge Guidelines
DEP – Reporting Requirements for Spills and Pollution Incidents under PA Clean Streams Law
EPA
EPA – Stormwater Basic Information
EPA – Stormwater Discharges from MS4’s
EPA – MS4 Overview
EPA – MS4 Fact Sheet
EPA –Urbanized area Definition
EPA – Public Education and Outreach
EPA – Public Participation and Involvement
EPA – Illicit Discharge, Detection and Elimination
EPA – Construction Site Runoff Control
EPA – Post-Construction Runoff Control
EPA – Pollution Prevention / Good Housekeeping
EPA – National Menu of Stormwater Best Management Practices
EPA – Stormwater Permit Coverage for Construction Sites
EPA – After the Storm
EPA – Stormwater Management Practices:
EPA – Stormwater Management
EPA – Green Infrastructure
EPA – Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP) Menu
EPA – Evaluating the Effectiveness of Municipal Stormwater Programs
EPA – Water Pollution Prevention and Control
Miscellaneous
Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy
DEP – Raingardens and Rain Barrels
PennDOT: Adopt-a-Highway
MCPC – Stormwater Management in Montgomery County
Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater
Green Guide for Property Management
Center for Watershed Protection Municipal Pollution Prevention / Good Housekeeping Practices (Manual 9)