Stormwater Management
What is the MS4 Permit?
The Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit is a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), Phase II, General Permit that Lower Towamensing Township obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP). The purpose of the permit is to reduce the conveyance of stormwater discharges with pollutants to streams, rivers, and creeks within the township. Since the township contains "urbanized areas" as per the definition of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the permit was required to be obtained in order to comply with the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does stormwater convey pollutants to streams, rivers, and creeks?
Stormwater runoff is generated when precipitation from rain and snowmelt events flows over land or impervious surfaces and does not percolate into the ground. As the runoff flows over the land or impervious surfaces (paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops), it accumulates debris, chemicals, sediment or other pollutants that could adversely affect water quality if the runoff is discharged untreated.
Where are the "urbanized areas" within Lower Towamensing Township?
These areas, which are primarily adjacent to the Boroughs of Palmerton and Bowmanstown, can be found at the following link to the PA DEP eMapPA website.
Make sure 'Boundaries', 'County Boundaries', 'Municipalities' and 'Urban Areas 2010' are checked and use the navigate buttons to zoom in to Lower Towamensing Township.
What can I do to reduce stormwater discharges with pollutants to streams, rivers, and creeks?
The following link is to a guidance document for homeowner's who live within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Although runoff from Lower Towamensing Township does not drain to the Chesapeake Bay (it does however drain to the Delaware Bay via the Lehigh River), the information within this document is useful.
The following link is to an activity booklet designed to teach children about water resources and stormwater pollution.
The following link to the EPA website provides stormwater outreach materials and reference documents.
Who may I contact with questions regarding the MS4 Permit?
Questions regarding the permit can be directed to the Township Engineer, CARBON ENGINEERING INC. (Address: 350 North Pine Street, Summit Hill, PA 18250, Phone: (570) 645-9545, Email: Click here), or the Township Supervisors.