Stormwater Management
What is Stormwater Management?
Stormwater management is the effort to reduce runoff of rainwater or melted snow into streets, lawns, and other sites and improve water quality, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
How does Stormwater Management help?
In urban and developed areas, impervious surfaces such as pavement, roofs, and other surfaces prevent precipitation from naturally soaking into the ground. Instead, water runs rapidly into storm drains, sewer systems, and drainage ditches and can cause flooding, erosion, turbidity (or muddiness), storm and sanitary sewer system overflow, and infrastructure damage.
The main purpose of stormwater management is to detain stormwater to remove/reduce pollutants and sediment that reach our streams and waterways and, where possible, reduce flooding and infrastructure damage.
How does the Township help with Stormwater Management?
New Britain Township is responsible for the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System, or MS4, which includes all inlets, storm sewer pipes, and other infrastructure throughout the Township that conveys stormwater to our creeks and streams. As the owner of an MS4, the Township is required to maintain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit, which is held and monitored by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The NPDES Permit focuses on six areas: Public Education, Public Involvement, Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination, Construction, Post-Construction, & Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping.
Illicit Discharge means any discharge to a municipal separate storm sewer that is not composed entirely of stormwater, except authorized non-stormwater discharges per New Britain Township’s Stormwater Ordinance #2022-09-03 Section §26-171.3. Examples of illicit discharges include dumping of motor vehicle fluids, household hazardous wastes, grass clippings, leaf litter, animal wastes, or unauthorized discharges of sewage, industrial waste, restaurant wastes, or any other non-stormwater waste into a municipal separate storm sewer system. Illicit discharges can be accidental or intentional. Please contact the Township for any questions or concerns. 215-822-1391.
How can you help with Stormwater Management?
Educating yourself on where rainwater and snowmelt flow on your property when it doesn’t get absorbed into the ground is a huge first step. Implementing best management practices (BMP) to reduce runoff and to make sure that it is clean when it leaves your property is the next step.
Best Management Practices (BMP) include Rain Gardens, seepage pits, rain barrels, and more.
Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination
What is an Illicit Discharge?
An illicit discharge occurs when any material other than stormwater is improperly disposed of, spilled, emitted, or otherwise released into the stormwater drainage system. This system includes streets, ditches, catch basins, yard inlets, lakes, and streams.
These discharges contribute to water pollution by introducing harmful substances directly into creeks, streams, ponds, and lakes. Understanding what constitutes an illicit discharge is essential for preventing pollution and protecting our waterways.
Help keep our streams clean! If you observe an illicit discharge or notice any form of water pollution entering streams or stormwater inlets, report it to the Township. For emergencies, dial 911.
Examples of Illicit Discharges
- Pouring paint into or near storm drains
- Performing oil or antifreeze changes near storm structures
- Washing vehicles where runoff flows into the stormwater drainage system
- Cleaning dumpster pads and allowing the wastewater to enter storm drains
Reporting a Suspected Illicit Discharge
Reporting promptly allows the Township to locate the source, clean it up, and mitigate further damage as quickly as possible.
When reporting an illicit discharge, please provide the following details:
- Your Name and Contact Information
- Your identity remains confidential and is only used if additional details are needed.
- Time of Observation
- Location of the Discharge
- Provide an address, intersection, business name, or landmark to help us pinpoint the exact location
- Type of Discharge Observed
- Describe what you saw, such as paint, oil, sewage, or another substance.
Preventing illicit discharges is vital to protecting our environment and maintaining clean, healthy streams. Your awareness and quick action can make a significant difference!
Stormwater Hotline | 215-348-9915
To report a concern (illicit discharge, sinkholes, erosion, debris in inlets, etc.) please call 215-348-9915.