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Litter, dirt, soaps, oil, gas, fertilizer, pet waste, and chemicals can run down pavement and into unfiltered storm drains, contaminating the water supply. |
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) has a statewide program designed to improve our quality of water. The program requires all municipalities in populated areas to detect and eliminate Non-Point Source Pollution (NPSP). NPSP is a combination of contaminants from various sources that find their way into our streams, lakes, and rivers by way of rainfall and snowmelt. Many of the pollutants include but are not limited to pet waste, soap, oil, gasoline, littler, cigarette butts and sediments. The main outlet of these contaminants is from storm drain discharge. Storm drains offer no means of filtration and are easy targets for illegal dumping. It is important that residents understand that what goes down storm drains ultimately ends up in lakes, streams, and other bodies of water. To insure healthy water for both aquatic life and human consumption we must first detect and hence eliminate NPSP.
Hatfield Township is doing its part. The township has begun monitoring and testing of storm sewer outfalls that have flow during dry periods. The township is asking for all residents to cooperate with the inspectors, as some outfalls are located on private properties. All information from this inspection will be used to remedy any area deemed polluted.
The township is asking residents and business owners to do their part. Please dispose of litter and pet waste properly, keeping soaps, oil, gas, and all chemicals off of the pavement and out of storm drains. Also, use fertilizers sparingly and properly, as this can cause unwanted algae growth in bodies of water. And remember, dumping of anything down a storm drain is illegal and violators may be fined.
Stormwater/Water Manangement Links
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