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MS4 Stormwater Management

What is Stormwater?

Stormwater is water precipitation that flows across the ground and pavement when it rains or when snow and ice melt.The water seeps into the ground or drains into what we call storm sewers.These are the drains you see at street corners or at low points on the side of streets.Collectively, the draining water is called storm water runoff.

The Marysville Borough is regulated by state and Federal law through its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer (MS4) permit.The Borough is also required to be active in the Chesapeake Bay Pollutant Reduction Plan. For questions concerning stormwater activities and regulations, contact the borough office at (717) 957-3110.

WHAT IS AN ILLICIT DISCHARGE?

Protecting Our Local Waterways

An illicit discharge is any discharge to a storm sewer system – storm drains, pipes and ditches – that is not comprised entirely of stormwater. Pollutants end up in storm sewer systems in a number of ways, many of which are easily preventable.In some instances, companies or residences have waste pipes tapped into stormwater pipes.In other cases, individuals use the storm drain inlets to dispose of various types of waste.Disposal of anything other than stormwater in storm sewers is illegal.Storm sewer systems cannot treat polluted water.Stormwater does not get carried to the wastewater treatment plant.Storm sewers transport rain water and everything in it directly to our local streams and rivers.Examples of illicit discharges include:

  • Home Improvement Waste (e.g. concrete, paint)
  • Pesticides and Fertilizers
  • Pool / Spa Discharge
  • Cooking Grease / Household Waste
  • Detergents
  • Improper Waste Oil Disposal / Auto Fluids Flushing

Things you can do to protect water quality:

  • Never dump anything down storm drains
  • Use lawn and garden chemicals sparingly; sweep up any excess from driveways, sidewalks and roads
  • Repair vehicle leaks; cover spilled fluids with kitty litter then sweep into household waste
  • Pick up after your pet and dispose of properly
  • Control soil erosion on your property by planting ground cover and stabilizing erosion-prone areas
  • Keep grass clippings, leaves, litter, and debris out of street gutters and storm drains
  • Direct downspouts onto grassy areas away from paved surfaces
  • Use a commercial car wash or wash your vehicle on the grass instead of the driveway
  • Dispose of used oil, antifreeze, paints and other household chemicals in an approved manner