National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) MS4 Stormwater Program
Polluted stormwater runoff is a leading cause of damage to nearly 40 percent of surveyed U.S. water bodies. Over land or through storm sewer systems, polluted runoff is discharged, often untreated, directly into local water bodies. When left uncontrolled, this water pollution can result in the destruction of fish, wildlife and aquatic life habitats, and threats to public health due to contaminated food, drinking water supplies, and recreational waterways.
Mandated by Congress under the Clean Water Act, the NPDES Stormwater program addresses the non-agricultural sources of stormwater discharges which affect our streams and rivers. The program is designed to use NPDES permits to require controls to prevent harmful pollutants from being washed by stormwater runoff into local water bodies.
Homeowners can help keep pollutants off the ground and out of stormwater. Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on your lawn or other unpaved surface. Check your car and other equipment for leaks and spills. Recycle used oil and other automotive fluids. Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly avoiding application when the forecast calls for rain. Sweep up yard debris, rather than hosing down areas. Compost or recycle yard waste when possible. Reduce the amount of paved area and increase the amount of vegetated area in your yard. Downspouts should be directed away from paved surfaces and onto lawns to increase infiltration. Locate your nearest storm drains and protect them from litter and debris. When walking your pet, remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it properly. Keep livestock away from stream banks and rotate animal grazing to prevent soil erosion. Only drain your swimming pool when a test kit does not detect chlorine levels. Have your septic system inspected by a professional at least every 2 to 3 years and have the tank pumped as necessary.
Remember effective management of storm water protects wetlands and aquatic ecosystems, conserves water resources, improves water quality, protects public health and improves flood control. Help save our environment. Remember to recycle. Take household hazardous waste to a center near you. Storm drains connect to water bodies. “Remember only rain goes down the drain!”
Stormwater management is critical to our enviroment, our health and well being.
Please report any "illicit" discharge or pollution incident that you may observe to the Township.
For more information contact: East Vincent Township at 610-933-4424 or by e-mail: manager@eastvincent.org or visit the links below:
Department of Environmental Protection - Stormwater Management
EPA Stormwater Homepage
Stormwater Information for Homeowners
EPA Water Homepage
EPA Water Pollution Prevention
EPA MS4 Homepage
Center for Watershed Protection
Chester County Water Resources Authority
Chester County Conservation District
Southeastern PA Resource Conservation and Development Council
Caring for Your Stream-side Property
Watershed Partnerships-Stormwater Calculator
A Farmer's Guide for Healthy Communities - Best Management Practices
Click on the link below to get information regarding proper disposal of swimming pool water.