Municipal Separate Storm Sewer (MS4) Program
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has issued the Township of Center an NPDES Permit for Stormwater Discharges from its small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4). The Township’s MS4 system is inclusive of inlets, catch basins, storm sewers pipes, swales, and stormwater detention facilities, among many other facilities that collect, convey or manage stormwater. The MS4 Permit regulates discharges from the Township’s MS4 to the Waters of the Commonwealth with the intent of reducing the discharge of pollutants and increasing water quality to the maximum extent practicable.
To comply with the requirements of the Permit, the Borough must implement a plan to address the following six Minimum Control Measures (MCMs):
MCM 1 – Public Education and Outreach – MS4 Update September 2023
MCM 2 – Public Participation and Involvement
MCM 3 – Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
MCM 4 – Construction Site Runoff Control
MCM 5 – Post-Construction Storm Water Management in New Development and Redevelopment
MCM 6 – Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping
How Resident’s Can Help Prevent Stream Polution:
- Never dump anything besides stormwater into a storm drain, inlet, swale or stream. Dumping in these areas is an Illicit Discharge and is a violation of the Township Prohibited Discharge Ordinance.
- Report Illicit Discharges. If you observe anyone dumping anything into the MS4 system, or notice a non-stormwater discharge entering the MS4 or a stream, immediately notify the Township at (724) 774-0271. (Read More…)
- Pick up and properly dispose of pet waste. Pet waste should never be disposed of in a storm drains, inlet, catch basin or stream.
- Wash vehicles such that wash water does not enter the MS4. Wash vehicle in lawn or gravel areas, or take them to commercial car washes.
- Recycle or properly dispose of hazardous materials including paints, used oil and chemical.
- Pick up litter, debris or garbage from yard, sidewalks, driveways and other areas so that it is not washed into a storm drain.
Additional Resources:
EPA Stormwater: https://www.epa.gov/npdes/npdes-stormwater-program
PA Stormwater businesses: https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/CleanWater/StormwaterMgmt/Stormwater/Pages/default.aspx
PA Stormwater residents: https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/CleanWater/StormwaterMgmt/Pages/Be-Stormwater-Smart-.aspx
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Have Questions?
Call: 724-724-7244