Stormwater Management

Stormwater management is controlling the surface runoff generated by precipitation through design and installation of a stormwater management facility such as storm sewer pipes and drains, infiltration systems, drainage swales, rain gardens and rain barrels to capture stormwater runoff and minimize the impacts to surrounding properties and streams. Stormwater management compensates for possible impacts from additional impervious surfaces that may result in flooding, erosion and sedimentation problems and damage to structures, roads, bridges and other infrastructure within the community. An impervious surface is a surface that prevents the infiltration of rainfall into the ground.

When Stormwater Management is Required

Stormwater management may be required if a property owner is widening a driveway or installing a new swimming pool, shed, patio or building addition. Each of these improvements may result in additional impervious surfaces which increases the amount of stormwater runoff from a property. If a property owner is unsure whether stormwater management will be required for their improvements, please contact the Township Engineer for more information.

Clean Water Act

The Clean Water Act is the federal legislation that governs stormwater management. Stormwater point discharges to waters of the U.S are regulated using National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. The Township is required to comply with the NPDES program. Under the NPDES stormwater program, Whitpain Township must develop a stormwater management plan that provides the details of how it will comply with the requirements of the permit. Permits are based on a framework of six minimum control measures:

  1. Public Education and Outreach on Stormwater Impacts
  2. Public Involvement and Participation
  3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
  4. Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
  5. Post-Construction Stormwater Management in New Development and Redevelopment
  6. Pollution Prevention/ Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations