Stormwater runoff
Stormwater runoff is generated when precipitation from rain and snow melt events flow over land and impervious surfaces and does not infiltrate into the ground. The runoff from streets, lawns, farms, and construction and industrial sites pick up fertilizers, dirt, pesticides, oil, grease and many other pollutants and discharge into our lakes, streams and rivers. It is a common misconception among residents that stormwater is treated before it reaches the waterways. This assumption is false, and every thing picked up by the runoff empties into our natural waterways. This untreated discharge is detrimental to our water quality as it can adversely affect our drinking water supply and environment. Stormwater runoff is our most common cause of water pollution. Because stormwater pollution is caused by so many different activities, traditional regulatory control will only go so far. Many Best Management Practices (BMPs) such as detention/retention/infiltration basins are already in place to help keep out water clean.
Guidelines
Perkasie Borough regulates stormwater management which goes above and beyond typical BMPs through a permit that is obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) through the National Pollution and Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4). This is a Federal requirement from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) that is administered by the State. The NPDES Permit has six minimum control measures that are to be regulated and enforced by the Borough. These minimum control measures include:
Public Education
Public Participation
Illicit Discharge
Pollution Prevention
Construction Site Runoff Control
Post Construction Runoff Control
How to Help
Residents with questions or concerns regarding stormwater runoff, illicit discharges or construction runoff should call the Borough office at (215) 257-5065.
There are many ways you can help the Borough with its stormwater program and participate in volunteering programs that will keep trash, debris and other pollutants out of the storm sewer system. One way is to stencil storm drains. If you would like to volunteer and help stencil storm drains, please contact the Borough. For more information on ways you get involved with your community, please visit the following sites:
PA DOT: Adopt-A-Highway
Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy
Tips for Residents
After the Storm
Canines for Clean Creeks
Car Wash Information
Catch of the Day
Fertilizer Tips
GrassCycling
Make Your Home the Solution to Stormwater Pollution
Pet Waste Tips
Protecting Water Quality from Urban Runoff
Rain Garden
Septic System Tips
Pool Water Safety
Thirsty
Vehicle Maintenance Tips
Water Conservation Tips
Winter DeIcing Tips
Tips for Contractors
Stormwater and the Construction Industry
Stormwater Pollution Prevention
When it Rains it Drains
More Information
Please visit the following websites for more information on stormwater management:
USEPA
PA DEP
PA DEP Southeast Region Office
Bucks County Conservation District (BCCD)
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Center for Watershed Protection
Perkiomen Creek Communities Working Together on Stormwater Issues
If gold coins fell from the sky, would you collect them in trashcans and throw them away? Of course not! But that is exactly what we do when it rains. Stormwater may be a nuisance or occasionally a hazard but it should never be treated like trash! It is actually a precious resource.
A group of municipalities in the Perkiomen Creek watershed, known as the Perkiomen MS4 Partnership, are working together to address portions of the state’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) regulations by helping communities and property managers identify ways to improve their stormwater management techniques and treat stormwater with well, with more respect! Please visit https://www.perkiomenwatershed.org/ for more information.