STORMWATER & MS4

Stormwater Management and MS4 Program

Topton Borough operates a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) that is permitted by the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). This permit allows for the discharge rainwater and stormwater runoff from the storm sewer system into local streams. This discharge is not treated before it is released.

Topton Borough topography and storm sewers drain to two watersheds:

Toad Creek – drains to the Little Lehigh Creek watershed (Lehigh River)

Sacony Creek – drains to the Maiden Creek watershed (Schuylkill River)

The MS4 NPDES permit currently requires the Borough to conduct the following tasks every year and report a summary of their work. Task items include:

• Provide public education on stormwater management
• Provide public education on illicit discharges and how to identify them
• Contact point where residents can file illegal dumping and/or illicit discharge actions that need further inspection by the Borough
• Opportunities for residents to participate in clean up events, stream monitoring, or other related stormwater management activities. This includes Berks County hosted events.
• Enforcement of Borough Ordinances, including controlling runoff from construction sites
• Inventory of the Borough’s storm sewer system
• Inspection of all post-construction stormwater improvement areas, also known as best management practices (BMPs) in new or re-developed areas
• Implement a pollution prevention program for equipment and properties owned by the Borough of Topton.

The MS4 permit also includes requirements to improve the water quality of stormwater runoff before it enters our local streams. Topton Borough prepared a Pollutant Reduction Plan to address sedimentation impairments within the Toad Creek/Little Lehigh Creek watershed.

The Stormwater Management tab of the website is provided as a resource, to learn more about stormwater management, activities that contribute to water pollution and how to prevent further contamination from property runoff.

What is Stormwater?

• Stormwater is rainwater and melted snow that runs off lawns, streets and other land surfaces. This runoff is supposed to be absorbed by plants and soils or make its way back to ponds and streams. However, more hard surfaces — such as pavement, parking lots, driveways, sidewalks and roofs — especially in urban areas, prevent this runoff from naturally soaking into the ground. Stormwater has several environmental impacts, including flooding and the erosion of rivers and streams.

What is a Best Management Practice (BMP)?

• Best Management Practice (BMP) means a practice, or combination of practices, that is determined to be an effective and practicable (including technological, economic, and institutional considerations) means of preventing or reducing the amount of pollution generated by nonpoint sources to a level compatible with water quality goals.
• Cover, Capture, Clean, and Contain
• Post-Construction Maintenance
• Restoring Toad Creek and maintaining tributaries of Little Lehigh

How can Residents Help?

• Pick up after your pets on walks and in your yard at home.
• Plant native flowers, trees, and shrubs.
•  Wash your car on the lawn or at a commercial car wash.
• Drain untreated pool water to your lawn instead of the gutter.
• Sweep up anything that spills on the sidewalk or driveway.
• Properly dispose of household hazardous waste.
• Don’t flush wipes, feminine products, medications, etc. down the toilet.
• Always remember, “only rain down the storm drain.”