STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Historically , streams and rivers across the country have been impacted through the transport of pollutants within stormwater runoff , often conveyed via municipal separate storm sewer systems ( MS4 ). These pollutants may include , but are not limited to , oil , nutrients , toxic chemicals , sediment , and chlorides . In addition , the installation of impervious areas ( i . e ., roadways , driveways , roofs ) replacing previously existing pervious areas ( i . e ., meadows , forests ) have increased both the volume and rate of stormwater runoff , contributing to flooding events and accelerated erosion of stream channels .
In 1990 the Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) initiated MS4 Phase I regulations that required medium and large cities to obtain National Pollution Discharge Elimination System ( NPDES ) permit coverage for the storm water discharges associated with these systems , as an effort to prevent pollutants from reaching our waterways . illcreek
MILLCREEK TOWNSHIP NEWS
20 MILLCREEK
An MS4 is a conveyance or conveyance system that is owned by a state , city , town , village , or other public entity that discharges to the waters of the United States , and or Commonwealth ( in Pennsylvania ). One which is designed solely to collect and convey stormwater and does not include a system combined with sewage or associated with a sewage treatment plant . In 1999 Phase II regulations expanded NPDES permit coverage requirements to include small MS4s , like those operated by Millcreek Township and many of our neighboring municipalities . Phase II coverage also included entities such as universities and departments of transportation . In 2003 , through the PA Department of Environmental Protection ( DEP ), Millcreek Township obtained its initial NPDES MS4 Permit .
While Millcreek Township had previously adopted a Stormwater Ordinance , the MS4 Permit required the Township to develop and implement a Stormwater Management Program , approved by DEP , which would reduce the discharge of pollutants .