New Hanover Township, PA

OVERVIEW

Stormwater runoff is generated when precipitation from rain and snow 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. This untreated discharge is detrimental to our water quality as it can adversely affect our drinking water supply and environment. Many detention, retention, and infiltration basins are already in place to help keep our water clean.

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT, SIMPLIFIED:

Have you ever wondered where all that water that gushes into a storm drain ends up? The journey does not end there... This story map provides a summary of the stormwater journey, including what stormwater contains, how it is managed, and its impacts on New Hanover Township streams and the community.

Click here for a link to the story map.

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STORMWATER BMP INSPECTION PROGRAM

All properties with a stormwater management facility, or a “BMP” (Best Management Practice) are responsible for inspecting the facility on a regular basis. Please click here to learn about the requirements for this program, as well as the options for property owners to either complete the required inspection through an Engineer Inspection or a Self-Inspection.

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STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTIONS TIPS

Click here for winter Stormwater Management tips for reducing stormwater runoff.

MS4 INFRASTRUCTURE

If you are interested in where our stormwater is located, check out this attached link.

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Stormwater from my neighbor's property is causing erosion and flooding problems on my property. What can I do?

A landowner has the right to have stormwater flow onto and over their property and discharge it through a natural water course onto a neighboring property. In addition, a landowner may make proper and profitable use of his land even though this use may result in some change in the quality or quantity of the water flowing to the property below.

Generally, any damage to the property below caused by surface water as a result of this use is not actionable. However, there are two exceptions to this general rule. The first exception is when the stormwater is diverted from its natural channel, and the second exception is when stormwater is unreasonably or unnecessarily changed in quantity or quality.

If you believe that either or both of the above-noted exceptions are applicable to your case, you should contact an attorney with experience in these matters. If your neighbor is not willing to fix the problem, you may be need to file suit in the Court of Common Pleas in order to seek a resolution. Since the stormwater is flowing from a private property, the Township will not become involved. The Township is not a party to private disputes between neighbors.

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The Township regulates its stormwater management through a permit that is obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) through the National Pollution and Discharge Elimination System Phase II (NPDES)/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. This NPDES permit is broken up into six minimum control measures to be regulated and enforced by the Township. These minimum control measures include:

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

The Township is monitoring and testing storm sewer outfalls that have flow during dry periods. We request that all residents cooperate with our inspectors, as some outfalls are located on private properties.

For any questions or concerns regarding stormwater or to report illicit discharges to the storm sewer system, contact the Township at 610 323-1008.

[The Montgomery County Conservation District presented on this topic. Click here - especially if you are considering developing in our municipality.]

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More Information

There are many ways you can help the Township with its stormwater program, such as participating in volunteer programs that help keep trash, debris and other pollutants out of the storm sewer system. For more information on ways to get involved with your community, visit:

Quick Resource Guide For Winter Maintenance BMPs
Winter Maintenance BMPs

Stormwater Brochure
Be Stormwater Smart Brochure

PennDOT: Adopt-A-Highway
https://www.pa.gov/agencies/penndot/programs-and-doing-business/roadside-beautification

United State Environmental Protection Agency
https://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater-discharges-municipal-sources/

Stormwater Basic Information
https://www.epa.gov/npdes/npdes-stormwater-program

Stormwater Discharge from MS4's
https://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater-discharges-municipal-sources#overview

Stormwater Outreach Materials and Reference Documents
https://cfpub.epa.gov/watertrain/module.cfm?module_id=72&object_id=3017

PA Department of Environmental Protection
https://www.dep.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx

PA DEP Southeast Region Office
https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dep/about-dep/regional-office-locations/southeast-regional-office

Stormwater Management Program
https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/Watershed-Restoration/Pages/default.aspx

BCCD Bucks County Conservation District
https://bucksccd.org/

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
https://www.fema.gov/