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Contact the Township @ 215 453-6000 to report any pollution incident that is impacting stormwater sewers, surface water or any Township waterways!
Non-point source pollution is contamination stemming from many sources, accumulating to negatively impact stream quality. Non-point source pollutants can be discharged over a wide land area, from many different locations, and most find their way to a stream through stormwater. When it rains, stormwater washes substances off the land and carries them into local streams. Much of this polluted "runoff" enters storm drains, which lead directly to local waterways commonly used for swimming, fishing or drinking water supplies. Snowmelt and irrigation have the same effect, carrying pollutants from plowed fields, city streets or suburban backyards. Sediment, nutrients, organic and toxic substances originating from land-use activities can all become non-point source pollution, washing into one stream at many different locations. What we do to the land, we do to the water. Download the PDF to read more
You can help manage stormwater by volunteering:
"When it Rains it Drain's" The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection brochure on storm water. Recent Federal regulations will require most municipalities in the area to adopt new methods to help improve the quality of stormwater runoff to the creeks and streams. An important aspect of these requirements is raising public awareness of the importance of this issue, and advising the Township residents how they can help in reducing stormwater pollution.
Stormwater is water from precipitation that flows across the ground and pavement when it rains or when snow and ice melt. The water seeps into the ground or drains into storm sewers. These are drains at street corners or at low points on the sides of streets. Collectively, the draining water is called stormwater runoff.
Stormwater becomes a problem when it picks up debris, chemicals, dirt and other pollutants as it flows or when it causes flooding and erosion of streambanks. Stormwater travels through a system of pipes and roadside ditches that make up storm sewer systems. It eventually flows directly to a lake, river, stream, wetland or coastal water. All of the pollutants stormwater carries along the way empty into our waters, too, because stormwater does not get treated!
Rain, by nature, is important for replenishing drinking water supplies, recreation and healthy wildlife habitats. It only becomes a problem when pollutants from our activities, such as car maintenance, lawn care and dog walking are left on the ground for rain to wash away. Here are some of the most important ways for Township residents to prevent stormwater pollution:
Township residents can learn more about these new regulations and the need to improve stormwater quality by visiting the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) stormwater website: Department of Environmental Protection
What Residents can help watch for:
Residents may be the first to recognize "illicit" discharges dumping into storm sewers or coming out of from storm sewer outfalls. If you see an "illicit" discharge please report that to the township by one of the following methods:
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2011, Hilltown Township, PA. All rights reserved.
Hilltown Township
13 West Creamery Road, P.O. Box 260, Hilltown, PA 18927
Phone: 215-453-6000
Fax: 215-453-1024
Email: info@hilltown.org
