Historically, storm water has been piped directly from houses and roads to streams. This influx of water during and after storm events has led to erosion of stream banks and scour of stream bed bottoms, moving sediment (and any potential pollutants in the sediment) into downstream waterways and ponds. This method of storm water management has also led to a reduction in groundwater recharge while causing flooding to downstream neighbors.
Today, regulations governing storm water management emphasize the infiltration of storm water on-site, if possible. These on-site infiltration beds contribute to groundwater recharge while minimizing downstream flood impacts. These regulations only impact new land developments, however.
How Can You Help With Storm Water Management
You can help manage storm water by volunteering:
Participate in a stream or creek cleanup within the township
Plant trees along a stream or creek
Stencil storm drains with warnings about dumping
Organize a neighborhood pollution watch
What Residents can help watch for:
Dry weather flows from outfall pipes into streams (72 hours after a rain storm)
Illegal dumping activity into streams or storm sewers (please call 911 first)
Sediment leaving a construction site in storm water spills (chemicals, gas, oil)
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: