Runoff

Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation from rain or snowmelt flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and streets prevent stormwater from naturally soaking into the ground. Stormwater can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants and flow into a storm sewer system or directly to a lake, stream, river, wetland, or coastal water. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the waterbodies we use for swimming, fishing, and providing drinking water.

• Never dump anything down a storm drain;
• Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly;
• Don't dispose of household hazardous waste in sinks or toilets;
• Remember to pick up pet waste and dispose of it properly;
• Use a commercial car wash or wash your care on a lawn or other unpaved surface to minimize the amount of dirty, soapy water flowing into the storm drain and eventually into your local waterbody;
• Repair auto leaks and dispose of used auto fluids and batteries at designated drop-off or recycle locations;
• Report any stormwater problems, dumping incidents, stream irregularities, etc. to Upland Borough.

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II stormwater program requires that Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) address the six required elements contained in the federal regulations to reduce water pollution:

• Public Education and Outreach
• Public Participation and Involvement
• Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
• Construction Site Runoff Control
• Post-Construction Stormwater Management in New Development and Redevelopment
• Pollution Prevention / Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations and Maintenance