BOROUGH OF MACUNGIE

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Macungie Borough is required to address the impacts of stormwater runoff as part of the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Phase II of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program.

Phase I of this program focused on controlling the quantity of stormwater reaching water resources in larger metropolitan areas. Phase II focuses on improving the quality of the nation's streams, rivers and lakes by managing stormwater runoff from smaller municipalities, urban areas adjacent to municipalities and construction sites over 1 acre. These programs are intended to reduce the amount of runoff generated from new development and the levels of pollutants carried by stormwater runoff. These regulations require Macungie Borough to develop and implement a comprehensive stormwater management program that includes six minimum control measures:

	Educate the public about the effects of stormwater runoff on water quality.
	Involve the public as an active participant in managing stormwater runoff.
	Identify and eliminate illegal pipes, culverts and similar conveyances carrying non-stormwater discharges into streams and lakes.
	Control stormwater runoff from new construction activities. Click here to see more information and helpful hints on construction runoff.
	Control stormwater runoff from development sites following construction.
	Implement a pollution prevention program for Macungie's operations including training for Borough staff.

Most water quality problems can be attributed to pollution carried by stormwater runoff. These pollutants originate from a variety of sources: new construction, failing septic tanks, lawn care activities, car maintenance activities, vehicle washing and pet wastes. As these common sources of pollution suggest, we all contribute to stormwater pollution, thus we can all choose to be part of the solution.

STORM DRAINS VS. SANITARY SEWERS

It's important to understand the difference. Storm drains and sanitary sewers have two distinct functions.

Storm drains collect and transport runoff from rainfall. Typically these are the drains found in streets and in parking lots. Storm drain systems do no remove pollutants from water before it is discharged into streams and rivers.

Sanitary sewers collect wastewater from indoor plumbing such as toilets, sinks, washing machines and floor drains and take it to a sewage treatment plant. The treatment plant removes any pollutants from wastewater before it is discharged to the river.

The Borough invites you to participate in its stormwater program by being a good steward. Follow label directions when using fertilizers and pesticides around your home. Store chemicals in a dry, safe environment and dispose of old containers properly. Keep grass clippings and leaves away from streams and ditches. Property owners that are not connected to the Borough sewer and have a septic tank, should have it inspected annually and have it pumped every 3 to 5 years to ensure the system is functioning properly. Revegetate or cover any bare areas on your lawn to reduce soil erosion.

Our streams and rivers are valuable, but limited, resources. We rely on these waters for drinking water, electricity and recreational opportunities. Their quality is important to everyone. Please do your part in protecting our streams and rivers by adopting the common sense strategies outlined above.

To help raise public awareness of what happens to stormwater runoff, click to an article entitled "WHEN IT RAINS, IT DRAINS".