Stormwater Management
Conshohocken Borough’s MS4 Pollutant Reduction Plan & Reports
Per the requirements of the Clean Water Act and Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law, the Borough of Conshohocken is required to enforce a Stormwater Management Program, which is designed to reduce the discharge of pollutants from the public storm sewer system in order to protect water quality. The public storm sewer system includes storm sewer inlets, piping, swales, catch basins, channels, and even roads. Pollutants include, but are not limited to soil, garbage, sewage, and nutrients found in fertilizers.
As part of this program, the Borough of Conshohocken submits periodic reports to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection detailing how it complies with the following Minimum Control Measure categories:
- Public Education and Outreach on Stormwater Impacts
- Public Involvement/Participation
- Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
- Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
- Construction Stormwater Management
- Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping
The Borough also enforces a Pollution Reduction Plan to reduce the amount of sediment reaching the Plymouth Creek via the public storm sewer system.
Stormwater Pollutant Reduction Documents
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Plans & Reports
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Forms
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Ordinances
Stormwater Education
Precipitation from rain or melting snow that flows over the ground creates stormwater runoff. Surfaces like streets, driveways, and sidewalks prevent runoff from being absorbed into the ground. Stormwater runoff flows into storm drains or directly into bodies of water.
Stormwater runoff can pick up chemicals, debris, dirt and other pollutants that will contaminate our water. It is a common misconception among residents that stormwater is treated before it reaches the waterways. This assumption is false and everything picked up by the runoff empties into our natural waterways.
By practicing healthy household habits, residents can limit the pollution dumped into our storm drains, which empty into the waterways. Use fertilizers sparingly and sweep up driveways, sidewalks, and roads.
Things You Can Do to Prevent Stormwater Runoff Pollution
- Use fertilizers sparingly and sweep up driveways, sidewalks, and gutters.
- Never dump anything down storm drains or in streams.
- Vegetate bare spots in your yard.
- Compost your yard waste.
- Use least toxic pesticides, follow labels, and learn how to prevent pest problems.
- Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces; consider a rain garden to capture runoff.
- Take your car to the car wash instead of washing it in the driveway.
- Check your car for leaks and recycle your motor oil.
- Pick up after your pet.
Stormwater Educational Resources
- DEP Homeowners Guide To Stormwater BMP Maintenance
- When It Rains, It Drains Brochure
- EPA: The Scoop On Stormwater Video
- Freddy The Fish Teaches About Stormwater Video