Stormwater Management
You might be wondering, with all that goes on in Pocopson Township, why a topic such as Stormwater Management merits its own navigational button on our homepage. The reason is that the proper management of stormwater is one of the most important functions of the Township. It is one of our most important jobs, as it is directly related to the quality of our water. Water quality is critically important, not just for fish and other wildlife, but for our own health and welfare.
People have learned not to simply collect stormwater from rainfall and then pipe it or discharge it directly into our streams. This is detrimental to us and our environment in a number of ways. This out-dated method of stormwater management creates the following damage:
- Fails to recharge our aquifers
- Causes downstream flooding
- Erodes stream banks and scours stream beds
- Dumps sediment and pollutants into our streams, ponds,
and rivers
People have learned that stormwater management not only
reduces downstream flooding, but it also has great impacts on our environment.
One method of stormwater management that minimizes the impact of development on
the environment is infiltration. Pocopson Township has been in the forefront of
this type of stormwater management and has been requiring it of developments for
at least the past 25 years.
You will notice, in our newer developments, infiltration
beds, basins and other state-of-the-art stormwater management devices. They are
designed to mimic “Mother Nature” as closely as possible in terms of getting the
water back into the ground, and in terms of their appearance. When properly
designed, constructed and maintained, these features can be attractive amenities
in a new neighborhood.
The Township regulates stormwater management through two
different “programs.” The first is through its regulations for new development
as mentioned above. The second is through the permit we must maintain with the
State Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), through the National
Pollution and Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Municipal Separate
Storm Sewer System (MS4). This is a Federal requirement that is administered by
each State. The Township is required to not only regulate the activities of
developers, but to also manage its own stormwater facilities in such a way as
not to pollute our streams. We are also required to have an active public
participation and education component in the program.
There is yet another stormwater “program” that the Township
will be most likely required to administer in the next few years. This is a
Federal program that is related to those municipalities located in impaired
watersheds. Pocopson Township is entirely within the Brandywine Creek watershed,
which in turn is part of the Christina River watershed. It is the Christina
River watershed that is impaired and subject to improvement under the Federal
program. This program is still being developed and will require the Township to
regulate and improve the “total maximum daily load” (TMDL) of various
pollutants, such as sediments, nitrates and phosphates.
Stormwater Management is not only critical to our environment, it is also critical
to our own health and well-being. It is a matter involving all levels of
government, new development, existing developments, and private citizens. In
short, it is the responsibility of all of us.
For more information on the Township’s stormwater management
responsibilities and programs, please contact the Township office. For
additional information on stormwater management, please use the links below as a
starting point to understand the programs and see how you can help.
How Can You Help
With Stormwater Management - Volunteer
You can help manage
stormwater by volunteering:
1. Participate in a stream or
creek cleanup within the Township.
2. Plant trees along a stream
or creek.
3. Stencil storm drains with
warnings about dumping.
4. Organize a neighborhood
pollution watch.
* If you are interested in any of these programs, please contact
the Township at
secretary@pocopson.org,
or by calling
610-793-2151. Within the Parks, Recreation, & Trails Committee is a Stream Team
that works on these types of projects.
Links:
Department
of Environmental Protection Stormwater Management
Chester
County Stormwater Management
Villanova Urban Stormwater Partnership
EPA
Nonpoint Source Outreach Toolbox
Additional
EPA Stormwater Management
Stormwater Educational Posters: