MS4 AND SHALER
MS4 AND SHALER
With an ever-changing quandary of rules, regulations and requirements, stormwater management in Pennsylvania often can be confusing to understand. Hopefully, the information below will help residents of Shaler Township to know why these requirements are in place. As you will discover, these requirements are mandated by federal and state laws. haler TOWNSHIP OF SHALER NEWS
38 Shaler
What is an MS4? An MS4, or Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System, is comprised of drainage systems including streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ponds, ditches, manmade channels and storm pipes owned by a state, county, city, town, township, borough or other public entity. Untreated or uncontrolled stormwater runoff is the number one cause of impairment in our local waterways. Polluted runoff is often transported through municipal drainage systems until it eventually discharges untreated into streams, lakes and rivers. Most municipalities— including Shaler Township— are required to comply with the MS4 Program.
MS4 Programs are intended to improve our nation’ s surface waters by reducing the quantities of pollutants that are picked up by runoff and transported into the storm sewer systems during rainfall. As part of the MS4 Program, municipalities hold a permit to discharge stormwater into local waterways. In Pennsylvania, the MS4 Program is administered by the Department of Environmental Protection( DEP).
The MS4 Program has six elements termed“ minimum control measures” that, when implemented, should result in significant reduction in pollutants discharged into receiving waters. The six minimum control measures and the actions required include:
Public Education and Outreach— Distribute educational materials and conduct outreach to inform citizens about the impacts that stormwater runoff has on water quality.
Public Participation / Involvement— Provide opportunities for residents to participate in the stormwater management program or other programs which improve water quality.
Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination— Develop and implement a plan to detect and eliminate non-stormwater discharges into the stormwater system.
Construction Site Runoff Control— Develop, implement and enforce an erosion and sediment control program for construction site activities that disturb one acre or greater.
Post-Construction Runoff Control— Develop, implement and enforce a program to address discharges of post-construction stormwater runoff from new development or redevelopment areas.