Rushbrook Creek, Jermyn, PA after a major rain storm.
Stormwater Management (MS4)
Most municipalities have catch basins on or along their municipal roads.
The stormwater collected by these catch basins is then conveyed by pipes and swales to a retention pond or body of water. This system conveys stormwater runoff and is separate from the sanitary sewer system. These stormwater facilities are referred to as Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4)
Why should we care about stormwater? It has always rained, and the rain has always gone down the street into the catch basin and disappeared.
However, in most cases it didn't disappear. It flowed into the Lackawanna River, then into the Susquehanna River, and then to the Chesapeake Bay.
So what? You might ask! Isn't that what is supposed to happen?
Well actually, more than stormwater flowed into the rivers and the bay.
Whatever was on the street or in your driveway: oil, dog feces, salt, dirt, chemicals, etc. was carried down the drain.
These things, along with a lot of others, such as mine acid, fertilizer, and general debris have a negative impact on our waterways. They affect aquatic life, drinking water, fishing, swimming, and the enjoyment of the water itself.
We know we can't keep all of these pollutants out of water, but we can reduce them. And we can make others aware that they can help also.
Rain gardens, rain barrels, storm sewer stenciling, street sweeping, and so many more things can improve the quality of the water that flows to our rivers.
We often think water is everywhere and always will be... maybe so, but can we be sure? Or should we do a small part to protect our waterways now!
For more information, visit the PADEP web page at
https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/CleanWater/StormwaterMgmt/Stormwater/Pages/default.aspx or contact KBA Engineering, pc at
570-876-5744