MS4(Municipal Seperate Storm Sewer Systems)
WHAT IS AN MS4?
A Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) is a publicly-owned conveyance system—such as pipes, ditches, and catch basins—designed to collect or move stormwater runoff and discharge it untreated into local water bodies. MS4s are not combined with sewage systems and are regulated under the Clean Water Act to reduce pollution in stormwater.
WHAT IS STORMWATER?
Stormwater runoff is generated from rain and snowmelt that flows over land or impervious surfaces, such as paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops, and does not soak into the ground. Runoff can pick up and deposit harmful pollutants like trash, chemicals, and dirt/sediment into streams, lakes, and groundwater. Construction sites, lawns, improperly stored hazardous wastes, and illegal dumping are all potential sources of stormwater pollutants.
To protect water resources, communities can employ management practices to control stormwater and prevent pollution at its source.
WHAT IS AN ILLICIT DISCHARGE?
An illicit discharge is any substance other than storm water (rain or snow melt) that enters a municipal storm sewer system or waterway. These discharges are prohibited because storm drains flow directly into local water bodies without treatment. Examples include dumping detergents, oil, paint, sewage, gasoline, and yard waste into storm drains.
WHAT CONSTITUTES AN ILLICIT DISCHARGE?
An illicit discharge is any, often direct, connection or dumping into a storm drain system (pipes, ditches, catch basins) that is not composed entirely of stormwater.
Common Examples: Sanitary sewage from leaking pipes/septic systems, car wash wastewater, gray water, commercial grease, industrial dumping, paint, and chemicals.
Exceptions: Typically, these include fire-fighting activities, water line flushing, landscape irrigation, and foundation drains.
Penn State Extension:
The Penn State website has many articles and webinars on stormwater management, best practices, and general information on where it stands today. Please take a look at all they have to offer!
Please help promote the lifespan of the storm-sewer infrastructure in Dallastown Borough by cleaning the debris and snow and ice that piles up on the storm-sewer drains near your home, by never releasing chemicals into the storm-sewer drains (car washing detergents, oils, gasoline, pesticides, etc), by never mowing grass and weeds into the streets without removing the clippings and properly disposing of them into a composing receptacle or trash container, and by not throwing trash and other garbage into the streets or into the storm-sewer drains. The ultimate goal is to promote the health of our watershed to ensure safe and clean drinking water for you and your family as well as promoting the overall health and diversity of the Chesapeake Bay.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) has designated Dallastown Borough as an MS4 Municipality (municipal separate storm sewer system). As a result of this, Dallastown Borough has been mandated to monitor and correct all issues relating to stormwater runoff.