Stormwater Management

Clifton Heights Borough has an MS4 permit issued by DEP which regulates the municipal separate storm sewer system.  The Clifton Heights Borough MS4 Permit can be viewed at the Township Building.  The MS4 permit requires the Borough to implement a stormwater management program designed to reduce the discharge of pollutants from the storm sewer system and that this program consists of six different areas. The six areas (i.e., the Minimum Control Measures) can be seen at the link to the EPA MS4 Overview site.
One of the requirements of the MS4 permit is to educate the public about ways the Township, residents and local business can reduce stormwater runoff and decrease the amount of pollution in our creeks.  Here are simple tips that homeowners can do to control runoff and reduce everyday pollutants (such as sediment, road salt, oil, grease, etc.) from entering our creeks:

• Sweep up and dispose of sand/salt/grit after snow storm events to prevent accumulation of sediment in streets and stormwater drains.  This will reduce the amount of sediment pollutants flowing to our streams.
• Slow the flow of water by directing roof leaders away from impervious surfaces and direct roof runoff to grass areas.
• Connect downspouts to rain barrels to detain runoff during rain events. Rain barrels collect and store roof runoff and provide a naturally, chemical-free water source to water the lawn and garden.  Rain barrels are inexpensive and easy to install.
• Install small rain gardens (in low lying areas) to detain runoff and reduce the amount of pollutants flowing to creeks.  Rain gardens will enhance the beauty of your yard while detaining site runoff.
• If you notice an illicit discharge, please contact the Borough immediately during normal business hours at 610-623-1000 or contact DEP at the following numbers:
  • DEP Water Quality Complaint Hotline – Daytime 484-250-5991 or 5970 (Weekdays 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
  • DEP 24-Hour Water Quality Hotline 484-250-5900 or toll free at 1-866-255-5158 (Anytime, including evenings and weekends)

Educational Links

Several beneficial stormwater related sites are:

What is a watershed?
Caring for your streamside property
A homeowner’s guide to stormwater management
EPA MS4 Fact Sheets
EPA Stormwater Program Overview
EPA MS4 Overview
EPA Public Education and Outreach on Stormwater Impacts
EPA Stormwater Outreach Materials
Delaware County Conservation District
Chester Ridley Crum Watersheds Association
DEP Stormwater Management Program
DEP Southeast Regional Office
Maintaining Stormwater Basins – PEC
Keeping Pool Water from Damaging Stream
DEP Water Quality Standards Webpage
Splish, splash: a deep dive into proper pool water discharge

These useful websites will allow you to have access to additional stormwater information.