Stormwater Management

In accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit regulations, Willistown Township is required to develop and implement a stormwater management program. The program is based on the federal Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) protocol (developed by DEP). 

The stormwater management projects and priorities are guided by the Willistown Township Stormwater Master Plan, which was completed in 2024 by Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. The master plan project was funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funds.

Minimum Control Measures

The DEP’s protocols provide our township with suitable guidelines to design a local program that addresses the DEP’s six Minimum Control Measures (or MCMs).

These six MCMs are designed to reduce the discharge of pollutants from MS4s, to the maximum extent practicable, to protect water quality, and to satisfy the appropriate requirements of the Federal Clean Water Act.

MCM Categories

The six MCM categories are:

  • Public Education and Outreach on Stormwater Impacts
  • Public Involvement and Participation
  • Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination 
  • Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
  • Post-Construction Stormwater Management (PCSM) in New Development & Redevelopment
  • Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping

Residents Can Help Too
Remember that goes into a storm sewer eventually drains into a stream. Please:

  1. Monitor storm sewer inlets near your property.  No one should be dumping anything into the storm sewer system.  Contact the Police Department at 610-647-1440 immediately if you witness illegal dumping
  2. Clean up after your pets and dispose of their waste properly
  3. Use fertilizers properly and efficiently to prevent excess runoff
  4. Direct rooftop runoff to grass or gardens
  5. Plant gardens in bare spots
  6. Sweep up driveways and sidewalks
  7. Properly store materials that could contaminate water supply
  8. Report any chemical spills

    Read the Be Stormwater Smart Brochure or watch the short video.

Report Violations or Problems

Citizens are important advocates for the health of our local streams and water systems. To report a concern, see the list of events to report and whom to contact.

Additional Information

Township residents can learn more about these regulations and the need to improve stormwater quality by visiting the DEP website, or reviewing the Chester-Ridley-Crum Watersheds Association website.