Welcome to Township of Concord

Storm Water and the Clean Water Act

Chapter 148 (Stormwater Management) of The Codebook of the Township of Concord

Monthly Stormwater Planner for Residents (Winter/Spring)
Monthly Stormwater Planner for Residents (Summer/Fall)

Citizen Complaint Illicit Discharge Reporting Form

What the construction industry should know about storm water in Concord Township

New Federal Stormwater Management regulations require municipalities in urbanized areas to apply for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit to discharge stormwater from Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4).

Concord Township is concerned about the protection of its water resources and its watersheds, for the health, safety and quality of life of its current and future residents. Watersheds are areas of land that drain to creeks and other bodies of water. Our creeks are a source of public drinking water supply and provide for habitat and food sources for aquatic life and wildlife, and are attractive settings for fishing, hiking, and other forms of water-based recreation. These streams flow into and impact the water quality of the Delaware Estuary, which is a vital ecological and food resource to our region. Our creeks are also an important part of the scenic beauty, character, and "legacy" of our community.

These water resources are threatened by the impacts of increased stormwater runoff from new impervious surfaces, point source discharges, and nonpoint source pollution, which results when pollutants are washed into stormwater. This is the focus of the new stormwater law and the new stormwater permits issued to municipalities. It is a violation of these new laws and the townships "MS4" stormwater permit to discharge polluted water into storm drains or onto paved areas which flow to storm drains. Potential pollutants include detergents, chlorine, grease, oil, gasoline, chemicals, or sediment.

Concord Township is working in conjunction with the Chester-Ridley-Crum Watersheds Association and the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary to promote clean water practices and good stormwater management in our community.

A video entitled "Stormy Weather - Clean Water Begins and Ends with You" is available from the Rachel Kohl Community Library. This video takes a gritty look at the hazards of stormwater runoff in Philadelphia. The densely populated urban watershed - with its concentrations of people, pets, vehicles and other pollution sources - poses extreme risks to the health of rivers. In this video you will explore the issues, meet organizations that are enhancing the quality of your rivers, and discover how you can help protect your drinking water supply.

Concord Township residents can help by:

Use a Rain Barrel
Rain barrels capture and store rain, making it available for watering gardens, washing, cars, and other activities that you would use your hose for. The collected rainwater is used in place of your utility or well water, therefore reducing costs. The stored rain water will not contribute to stormwater runoff, which causes flooding and carries pollutants to our streams. For more information regarding rain barrels click here.

Pick Up After your Dog
Pet waste can contribute nutrients and bacteria to our streams. In drinking water areas, the bacteria can form algae which costly to treat. These costs can be passed on to you! Click here for more information.

Properly Dispose of Hazardous Waste
Do not dump anything down storm drains; they drain directly to the creek. Delaware County holds four Hazardous Waste collections yearly.
Click here for the dates and more information.

Minimize Lawn Chemicals
Stormwater can carry pesticides and herbicides into the stream. Try natural lawn care methods instead of chemicals. If using chemicals, make sure to follow directions, and do not apply when the forecast is calling for rain.

Only Rain in the Drain
Never put anything into storm sewers, including oil, paint, soap, debris, leaves, etc. Storm sewers do not go to the sewer plant but discharge directly to our streams. You might be pouring oil into your drinking water!

Plant Native Trees and Shrubs
Riparian buffers are the vegetated areas alongside streams. They are an important part of the natural ecosystem and vital to the health of streams and their organisms including fish, plants and other aquatic organisms. Click here for additional information on trees.

Citizens can help report violations or problems they notice in their local streams before they cause more damage and pollution. Residents sometimes may be the first to recognize "illicit" discharges being directed into storm sewers or flowing out of storm sewer outfall pipes into streams. "Dry weather flows" - flows from storm sewer outfall pipes after 72 hours or more without rain- should be reported to Concord Township for further investigation. New storm water requirements from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) require that we investigate more thoroughly potential illicit discharges (pollutants) into our storm sewers and streams. You can help by promptly reporting the following events to the authorities listed in "Who are you going to call?" attachment. Below are some of the conditions that you should report and to whom they should be reported.

Township report sheets for construction site erosion and sediment issues can be downloaded. Click here for a Citizen Complaint Illicit Discharge Reporting Form

If you observe an illicit discharge, contact the Township at 610-459-8911, ext. 105.

Sediment leaving a construction site during rain events and other construction violations (your county conservation district- send a photo if possible)

Observed pollution event or pollutants in stream (DEP)

Clogged, leaking or overflowing sanitary sewer lines (your municipality or sewer authority)

Inadequately treated effluent from a sewage treatment plant (your municipality/sewer authority and DEP)

Spills, hazardous materials (DEP or PEMA hotlines)

Illegal dumping into water courses or storm sewers (your municipality, DEP)

Dry weather flows from storm sewer outfall pipes into streams (your municipality)

Fish kills (Fish Commission, DEP)

Water main breaks (United Water Bethel or Chester Water Authority, DEP)

For additional information, check out these Web sites:

Center for Watershed Protection - Stormwater Manager's Resource Center

Chester-Ridley-Crum Watersheds

Delaware County Conservation District