STORMWATER MANAGEMENT IN CHADDS FORD TOWNSHIP
HOW IT EFFECTS YOU AS A RESIDENT
Stormwater management involves the control of water that runs off the surface of land from rain or melting ice or snow. The volume or amount of runoff and its rate substantially increases as land development occurs. Management of stormwater is necessary to compensate for adverse effects such as frequent flooding, erosion and sedimentation problems, concentration of flow on adjacent properties, damage to roads and infrastructure as well as non-point source pollution washed off from impervious surfaces.
The Pennsylvania legislature enacted the Storm Water Management Act (No. 167) in 1978 which authorizes, among other things, the local implementation and enforcement of stormwater ordinances. Chadds Ford Township’s local regulations can be found in Ordinance 104.
Proper management of stormwater directly relates to the quality of our water. This is especially important in Chadds Ford Township because the vast majority of residents obtain their water from private wells. Water quality is not just important for wildlife, but directly affects our own health. Please take time to view the following information and websites regarding what you can do to help improve the quality of water in Chadds Ford:
WHAT IS STORMWATER RUNOFF?
Please see an excellent explanation at the US Environmental Protection Agency’s website http://www.epa.gov/weatherchannel/stormwater.html.
SWIMMING POOL REQUIREMENTS
Read the important letter Swimming Pool Requirements from Board of Supervisor Chairman Deborah Love D’Elia regarding what you can do to help keep streams healthy while still enjoying your pool.
MOWING TIPS
See Mowing Tips For A Better, More Environmentally Friendly Lawn for three simple steps to a better lawn and environment.
STORMWATER COMPLAINTS
Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection requires Chadds Ford to investigate illicit discharges into streams. Promptly report any of the events listed on the Who Are You Going To Call link by either calling the appropriate telephone number or filing the Citizen Complaint Form with the Township office.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT LINKS
DEP Stormwater Information:
http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/watermgt/wc/subjects/stormwatermanagement/default.htm
EPA Nonpoint Source Toolbox:
http://www.epa.gov/nps//toolbox/
Delaware County Conservation District:
www.delcocd.org
Chester County Water Resources
Authority:
http://dsf.chesco.org/water
ChestConservation District Chester County:
http://dsf.chesco.org/conservation
Center for Watershed Protection - Stormwater Manager's Resource Center:
www.stormwatercenter.net
Stormwater Outreach Materials and Reference Documents:
http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwatermonth.cfm
National Menu of Stormwater Best Management Practices:
http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/menuofbmps/index.cfm
Southeast Regional Environmental Emergency Reporting:
http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/southeastro/site/default.asp
Please check the Township website at www.ChaddsFordPa.net for updated information on local events to help improve water quality and control stormwater.