Stormwater Issues

You may have noticed medallions attached to the stormwater inlets around the Borough. These have been installed to raise awareness about pollution generated from stormwater runoff.

When it rains, stormwater runs over our yards, streets, parking lots, parks, and playgrounds, carrying with it everything in its path.  Pollutants such as oil and grease from cars, sediment from construction sites, and bacteria from pet feces are transported with the water as it’s conveyed to the Yellow Breeches, Cedar Run Watershed, or Susquehanna River, either overland or via a storm drain.

Unlike sanitary sewers that divert water to a treatment plant directly from your home, storm drains lead directly to surrounding surface waters without any type of treatment.  Stormwater pollutants can affect water quality, recreational activities, aesthetic value, wildlife habitat, and the normal life cycle of organisms and animals.

• Keep litter, pet waste, leaves & debris out of street gutters and storm drains – these outlets drain directly to the creek or river and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.
• Apply lawn & garden chemicals sparingly & according to directions.
• Dispose of used oil, antifreeze, paints & other household chemicals properly, not in storm sewers or drains.
• Clean up spilled brake fluid, oil, grease & antifreeze. Do not hose them into the street, where they can eventually reach the creek or river.
• Control soil erosion on your property by planting ground cover & stabilizing erosion-prone areas.
• Purchase household detergents & cleaners that are low in phosphorous to reduce the number of nutrients discharged into surface waters.
• Do not release chlorinated pool water into the storm sewer system.
• Notify the Borough of any suspected illicit discharges to the storm sewer system.