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Stormwater Management

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

  1. Use fertilizers sparingly and sweep up driveways, sidewalks, and gutters.
  2. Never dump anything down storm drains or in streams.
  3. Vegetate bare spots in your yard.
  4. Compost your yard waste.
  5. Use least toxic pesticides, follow labels, and learn how to prevent pest problems.
  6. Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces; consider a rain garden to capture runoff.
  7. Take your car to the car wash instead of washing it in the driveway.
  8. Check your car for leaks and recycle your motor oil.
  9. Pick up after your pet.
  10. Have your septic tank pumped and system inspected regularly.

Wrightstown Township regulates stormwater management through a permit that the Township is required to obtain for the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) through the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. This is a Federal requirement from the Unites States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that is administered by the PADEP.

The permit includes 6 Minimum Control Measures (MCMs) which are:

  • Public Education and Outreach
  • Public Participation and Involvement
  • Illicit Discharge, Detection and Elimination
  • Construction Site Runoff Control
  • Post-Construction Runoff Control
  • Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping

In addition, the Township was required to develop Pollution Reduction Plans to address sediment and nutrient impairments in the Neshaminy Creek and Jericho Creek. These plans have been approved by the PADEP and are included in the links below. The Township is also required to investigate potential sources in the Township that may contribute to the pathogen impairment in the Neshaminy Creek.

Questions or Illicit Discharges

If you have any questions about storm water or observe any pollutants or an illicit discharge entering the storm sewer, channels or creeks within the Township, please call the Township office at (215) 598-3313.

Helpful Links

Here are some links that you may find helpful. These are provided in pdf format and may be referenced, downloaded or printed as necessary.