What is an MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System)?
An MS4 or Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System is a general permit mandated by the USEPA that authorizes the discharge of stormwater from municipal separate storm sewers to waters of the US. These storm sewers only convey storm water, not combined waste or sewage.
Spring Garden Township is required to develop, implement, and enforce their Stormwater Management Ordinance (SWM) to reduce the discharge of pollutants from the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) to protect water quality, and to satisfy the appropriate water quality requirements of the Clean Water Act and PA Clean Streams Law. The MS4 permit makes up the SWM.
The SWM and MS4 permit consist of six Minimum Control Measures (MCMs) to be met by Spring Garden Township.
Minimum Control Measures (MCMs)
The six MCMs include:
- Public Education & Outreach
- Public Participation and Involvement
- Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
- Construction Site Runoff Control Measures
- Post-construction Runoff Control Measures
- Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping
Each MCM also has Best Management Practices (BMPs) associated with each which outline the practices the Township must incorporate in order to satisfy each MCM.
Illicit Discharge
What is an Illicit Discharge?
An illicit discharge is any discharge to an MS4 that is not composed entirely of stormwater or uncontaminated groundwater. The only things entering an MS4 should be uncontaminated groundwater or stormwater that is free of pollutants, debris, oils, residues, etc.
Why are Illicit Discharges a Problem?
Illicit discharges are a problem because they can pollute waterways without any treatment. Water from the storm sewer system typically is discharged directly from storm pipes to waterways so any pollutants being carried in the stormwater will also enter waterways.
Identifying an Illicit Discharge
An illicit discharge may have occurred if you notice that a storm sewer is discharging water, or if water or other liquids (other than stormwater) are entering the MS4. If the storm sewer is conveying water when there has been no rain, there is a chance it could be a sign of an illicit discharge.
How Can You Help?
You may notice stormwater inlets near your property, along roadways, or near businesses. You can monitor these stormwater inlets and take note if it seems like anything has been dumped into the storm sewer system.
If you do notice any potential pollutants entering the stormwater sewer system, please contact the Township during normal business hours. Outside of regular business hours, call the police non-emergency line, 717-843-0851.
