Hanover TownshipA progressive growing community in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania

MS4 Program – Storm Water Management

A Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System, otherwise known as an MS4, is a collection and conveyance system designed to move storm water (including rainwater and snow melt) away from public infrastructure and to local waterways. The system is comprised of inlets, pipes, swales, and open channels among other storm water components. The MS4 is a key piece of public infrastructure as it keeps roads free of flowing/ponding water and ice.

Since storm water can become contaminated during overland flow, pollutants are likely to end up in local waterways when picked up by storm water. These pollutants could include pesticides, fertilizers, sediment, oil, and grease among others that could threaten the quality of our local waterways, such as Nanticoke Creek, Solomon Creek, and the Susquehanna River. The negative impacts from this could include public health issues (contaminated food, drinking water, and recreational waterways), harm to freshwater ecosystems, and degradation to the aesthetic value of waterways.

As part of the Township’s authorization to discharge storm water to local waterways, the Township must maintain NPDES permit coverage and a storm water management program, which is required by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and intended to improve the quality of waters by reducing the discharge of pollutants to the maximum extent possible.

For additional information on the MS4 Program, please visit DEP’s website.

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Ten Things You Can Do to Prevent
Stormwater Runoff Pollution

1.   Use fertilizers sparingly and sweep up driveways, sidewalks, and gutters.
2.   Never dump anything down a storm drains or in streams.
3.   Vegetate bare spots in your yard.
4.   Compost your yard waste.
5.   Use least toxic pesticides, follow labels, and learn how to prevent pest problems.
6.   Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces.
7.   Take your car to the car wash instead of washing it in the driveway.
8.   Check your car for leaks and recycle your motor oil.
9.   Pick up after your pets.
10. Have your septic tank pumped and system inspected regularly.