Stormwater Management

Stormwater Runoff

Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation from rain or melting ice or snow flows over the land surface. The volume, or amount of runoff and its rate of runoff, substantially increase as land development occurs. Construction of impervious surfaces, such as roofs and parking lots, and the installation of storm sewer pipes which efficiently collect and discharge runoff, prevent infiltration of rainfall into the ground. 

The runoff is carried to our local streams, lakes, wetlands and rivers and can cause flooding and erosion, and wash away the habitat for critters that live in or by the stream.

Managing the Runoff

Stormwater management involves the control of the runoff. To reduce the impacts of runoff on urban streams, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expanded the Clean Water Act in 1987 to require municipalities to obtain permits (MS4 Permit) for discharges of stormwater runoff. As a result, Cecil Township has adopted a Stormwater Management Ordinance requiring developers to install stormwater management practices that reduce the rate and/or volume and remove pollutants from runoff generated on their development sites.

How You Can Help

Anything that goes into the catch basins flows directly into the streams without being treated. Please be safe and cautious and keep the following things in mind to prevent pollution.

• Dumping used motor oil or other toxic waste into the catch basins eventually finds its way to the streams. Take them to a recycling center
• Don’t litter. Styrofoam, plastics and other debris can injure and kill fish and wildlife.
• When using fertilizers and pesticides, follow the label for use and storage methods.
• Help prevent erosion by planning steep slopes and planting bare spots. Without the planting, the soil will erode the stream banks and harm all fish and wildlife.