Stormwater Management

Maintenance

The Township’s storm drainage system is very important to keeping runoff from flooding roadways and damaging property. The inlets in the streets are interconnected by piping.  The inlets discharge to larger pipes, ditches/swales, or streams. Eventually all of our runoff ends up in the Brandywine Creek, which drains into the Delaware River.

Maintenance is critical to the proper operation of the Stormwater Management (SWM) system. Inlets are spaced along a roadway at low points in order to efficiently collect rainwater. It is important that inlets remain free and clear of leaves and other debris. If the inlet is clogged and not accepting runoff, the Public Works Department should be notified at 610-436-5108 ext. 201.  Similarly drainage ditches and swales must also be kept clear of debris.

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES Permit)

As part of the Clean Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed stormwater management regulations to improve water quality. The Township was required to apply for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit which is administered through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).  This permit is a 5-year program that began in 2003. The permit is broken up into 6 components:

  1. Public Outreach and Education (PDF)
  2. Public Participation and Involvement (PDF)
  3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (PDF)
  4. Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control (PDF)
  5. Post-Construction Stormwater Management in New Development and Redevelopment (PDF)
  6. Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations and Maintenance (PDF)

Additional Information & Resources