Regional Stormwater Management Program
In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is charged with regulating stormwater pursuant
to the Clean Water Act (CWA).
In 2016, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEPI labeled approximately 19,000 mites Of rivers
and streams in Pennsylvania impaired for water supply, aquatic life, recreation or fish consumption.
Stormwater runoff is one Of the biggest reasons for impairment.
Under existing federal law, municipalities in Northeastern Pennsylvania must curb pollution of the
Susquehanna River by as much as 10% in the next five years (2018-2023). Stormwater carries an
immense amount Of pollution, including sediment. Car oil, lawn fertilizers and pesticides. Those
pollutants have many negative impacts on our Streams and rivers.
All developed properties contribute stormwater runoff.
All properties with driveways. parking lots, and rooftops inhibit infiltration of rainfall into the soil. The goal Of stormwater management is to increase widespread infiltration.
Together, we’ll be supporting pollution reduction efforts.
Municipalities have been designated as MSO (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) permit holders and are required to complete all stormwater management permit requirements. The requirements focus On Pollution Reduction Planning—supported by Minimum Control Measures (MCMs) and Best Management Practices (BMPs).
That is why Luzerne Borough has joined the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority’s (WVSA)
Regional Stormwater Management program. They serve as the MS4 permit administrator, which
allows municipalities to gamer efficiencies in the use of the Authority’s trained staff, equipment, and knowledge of how to operate and manage a regional authority. This collaborative, cost-effective program is designed to meet federal mandates and benefit our environment for generations to come.
To learn more about stormwater management, please visit:
PADEP, Stormwater Smart
http://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/Cleanwater/StormwaterMgmt/Pages/Be-Stormwater-Smart-aspx
Stormwater PA http://www.stormwaterpa.org
EPA, Polluted Runoff: Nonpoint Source Pollution http://www.epa.gov/nps
Center for Watershed Protection http://www.cwp.org
Luzerne County Conservation District (LCCD) http://luzernecd.org/