Stormwater Management/MS4
What is Storm Water?
Storm water is rainwater or melted snow that runs off buildings, streets, lawns, and other sites. When storm water is absorbed into the ground, it is filtered and ultimately replenishes groundwater or flows into streams and creeks. Impervious surfaces like driveways, buildings, streets, and sidewalks prevent storm water from naturally soaking into the ground.
Why is Storm Water Runoff a Problem?
Storm water in developed areas can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants. The impervious surfaces prevent the storm water from soaking into the ground which would filter the water, and instead the polluted storm water flows rapidly into storm drains, drainage ditches, or creeks. Anything that enters the storm drains is untreated and ultimately ends up in the water we use for swimming, fishing, and drinking water. Untreated storm water can contain higher levels of pollutants leading to contaminated creeks and streams and can also cause flooding and stream bank erosion.
Why Am I Paying a Fee?
The Township charges a fee to meet the unfunded Federal and State mandates that were imposed as part of the MS4 Program. A Storm water Fee was determined to be the most equitable way to disperse the costs of the program. A few examples of reasons why fee rates vary are the projects being proposed, the amount of impervious area, and the billing structure.
When do I Need a Storm Water Permit?
A Storm water management permit for Minor land disturbance needs to be completed when there is an addition of between 1,000-4,999 square feet of new impervious area or a land disturbance between 5,000 square feet and 1 acre. A Stormw ater management permit Major land disturbance is required when there is an addition of 5,000 square feet or greater (up to 2/3 of lot) of new impervious area or a land disturbance over 1 acre. The Storm water Permit needs to be reviewed and approved before the Building and Zoning Permit is approved.
Annual Storm Water Reports
Annual Storm Water Reports can be viewed in person at the Township Building upon request. You can also view it by clicking:
Volunteering
Silver Spring Township’s MS4/Storm Water program will have a number of volunteer opportunities available under the new MS4 permit and pollutant reduction plan beginning in 2019. Volunteer opportunities may include, but are not limited to, environmental education events, riparian buffer (streamside tree) plantings, stream cleanups and storm sewer system monitoring programs. If interested in learning more about these opportunities or to get involved, please contact the Township office at 717-766-0178.