STORMWATER

Illicit Discharge 

An illicit discharge is the release of pollutants or non-stormwater materials to the stormwater system. Illicit discharges contribute high levels of pollutants including heavy metals, toxins, oil and grease, solvents, nutrients, viruses, and bacteria that flow directly into receiving creeks, streams, rivers and lakes.

 WHAT DO I DO IF I SEE AND ILLICIT DISCHARGE?

 REGULAR HOURS CONTACT
 (COLWYN BOROUGH MUNICIPAL BUILDING): 610-461-2000

24 HOUR CONTACT (COLWYN BOROUGH POLICE): 1-484-494-4900

 

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Stormwater management involves the control of water that runs off the surface of the land from rain or melting ice or snow. The volume, or amount of runoff and its rate of runoff, substantially increases as land development occurs. Construction of impervious surfaces, such as roofs and parking lots, and the installation of storm sewer pipes which efficiently collect and discharge runoff, prevent infiltration of rainfall into the soil.

Management of stormwater is necessary to compensate for the possible impacts of development such as flooding, erosion and sedimentation problems, concentration on flow on adjacent properties, damages to roads, bridges and other infrastructure as well as non-point source pollution washed off from impervious surfaces.

The Borough is required to obtain a permit under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) in order to operate a storm sewer system. The permit, called a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit, requires the Borough to take certain steps to ensure that stormwater in the Borough is properly managed and controlled. It also requires that the Borough educate the public about storm water impacts, as well as provide opportunities for public involvement and participation.