Stormwater Management

Stormwater Overview

Stormwater Management in Northampton Township

Stormwater runoff occurs when rain or melting snow flows over land and hard surfaces—such as streets, driveways, and rooftops—without soaking into the ground. As this runoff travels, it can collect pollutants like fertilizers, pesticides, oil, grease, dirt, and debris. These pollutants are then carried into our lakes, streams, and rivers, harming water quality, our environment, and even our drinking water supply.

To protect local waterways, the Township uses detention, retention, and infiltration basins designed to manage and treat stormwater before it enters natural water systems.

Stormwater Regulations

Northampton Township manages stormwater under a permit issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II / Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program. This federally required permit—regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and administered by the state—includes six minimum control measures:

1. Public Education and Outreach

2. Public Participation and Involvement

3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination

4. Construction Site Runoff Control

5. Post-Construction Runoff Control

6. Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping

Illicit Discharges

Federal law defines an illicit discharge as “any discharge to an MS4 that is not composed entirely of stormwater” (with exceptions such as firefighting activities or permitted discharges). Because storm sewer systems are not designed to handle pollutants, illicit discharges pose a serious risk to water quality.

Report a Concern

If you have questions about stormwater management—or wish to report an illicit discharge—please contact:

Northampton Township
Phone: (215) 357-6800 x214

How You Can Help

Residents play a key role in protecting water quality. Simple actions like properly disposing of trash, limiting fertilizer use, picking up pet waste, and maintaining vehicles can reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff.

You can also participate in community programs such as PennDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway or other volunteer clean-up efforts.

Resources and More Information

Key Agencies & Programs

• EPA – Stormwater Program: https://www.epa.gov/npdes/npdes-stormwater-program

• EPA – Stormwater Discharges from MS4s: http://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater-discharges-municipal-sources#overview

• EPA – Outreach Tools: https://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater-smart-outreach-tools

• EPA – Green Infrastructure: http://www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure

• PA DEP – Stormwater Management Program: http://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/PointNonPointMgmt/StormwaterMgmt

• PA DEP Southeast Region Office: http://www.dep.pa.gov/About/Regional/SoutheastRegion/Pages/default.aspx

• Bucks County Conservation District: http://www.bucksccd.org/

• FEMA – Floodplain & Stormwater Resources: http://www.fema.gov/

• Center for Watershed Protection: http://www.cwp.org/

Educational Materials

• PA DEP – MS4 Stormwater Activity Book (Children): http://files.dep.state.pa.us/Water/BPNPSM/StormwaterManagement/MunicipalStormwater/MuniSWResources/MS4_Partners_Stormwater_Activity_Book_2015-rv2.pdf

• DEP – Rain Gardens & Rain Barrels: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dep/programs-and-services/water/clean-water/stormwater-management/be-stormwater-smart

• Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater: http://www.stormwaterguide.org/static/HomeownersGuide.pdf