Stormwater Management

The Clean Water Act is the federal legislation that governs stormwater management. Stormwater point discharges to waters of the U.S. are regulated using National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. In 1999, federal regulations extended coverage of the NPDES program to local separate storm sewer systems (MS4’s) serving populations less than 100,000. Upper Uwchlan Township is required to comply with the NPDES program as an MS4. Under the NPDES stormwater program, permittees must develop a stormwater management plan that provides the details of how the community will comply with the requirements of the permit. Permits are based on a framework of six minimum control measures:

  • Public education and outreach
  • Public participation and involvement
  • Illicit discharge detection and elimination
  • Construction site runoff control
  • Post-construction storm water management in new development and redevelopment
  • Pollution prevention and good housekeeping for municipal operations and maintenance

Active Stormwater Projects

In 2018, Upper Uwchlan Township was awarded grant funding through the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for a stormwater management project. The Township’s project, Restoration of the Marsh Creek Watershed, was one of 61 projects selected by the DEP. The project will include the restoration of approximately 700 linear feet of streambank to a tributary of the Marsh Creek, the construction of a naturalized detention basin at Upland Farms and the naturalization of Township owned detention basins located off of Heather Hill Drive.Stormwater outfall at Upland Farms Park

No Dumping - Drains to Creek. Image of fish in center. Report An Illicit Discharge

If you have observed illegal dumping of any materials - e.g., used oil, soap/detergents or other compounds, waste water, trash, or yard waste - into a street, storm drain, or watercourse, please report this discharge via the Township's Report a Concern map. 


Upper Uwchlan Township's Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)

Upper Uwchlan Township is a participant in and is complying with all the requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program. The goals of the MS4 program and Upper Uwchlan Township are to reduce the discharge of pollutants from the Township, to protect water quality, and to satisfy requirements of the Clean Water Act. Please remember that the water, and any items that go into a storm sewer, goes directly into local streams. This water is not cleaned in any way and does not go to the waste water treatment plant. Residents can assist in keeping our stormwater and stormwater system clean by doing the following: dispose of water properly, clean up after your pets, use fertilizers properly and efficiently to prevent excess runoff, and store potential pollutants indoors. Please monitor stormwater inlets near your property. No one should dump anything into the storm sewer system. If you see someone dumping please call the township at 610-458-9400.

Watersheds Located in Upper Uwchlan Township

  • Brandywine Creek - East Branch
  • Pickering Creek Watershed

View Watersheds Map of Chester County

Resources

For more information about stormwater management, please see the information displayed on bulletin boards in the township building and other various businesses throughout Eagle Village.

Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

Lawn Care
  • Set lawnmower height to three (3) inches or taller.
  • Maintain thick vegetative cover, which allows for infiltration and reduces erosion.
  • Keep grass clippings on the lawn and out of streets and storm drains.
  • Use grass and leaf clippings, which are high in nutrients, as a “natural fertilizer.”
  • Do not apply fertilizer before spring or within 15-20 feet of a stream or waterway.

Leaves and Yard Waste
  • Do not rake or blow leaves into the roadway.
  • Keep leaves out of storm drains and out of our waterways.
  • Leaves in the street end up in storm drains, and drains full of leaves lead to floods.
  • Bag leaves and yard waste in biodegradable bags or open containers and place curbside on designated yard waste days.

Snow Removal
  • Shovel first! Deicers are only effective on surfaces where minimal snow has accumulated. 
  • Pile snow downslope on vegetated areas to prevent runoff when snow melts.
  • Minimize use of chemical deicers and salts - Add sand or kitty litter for increased traction. 
  • Limit where you apply deicers to heavily  trafficked areas.


More Downloadable Documents

  1. Be StormWater Smart MS4 Brochure 4-29-2020
  2. Chester County Annual Water Status Report 2019
  3. Healthy Benefits of Green Infrastructure - EPA
  4. Homeowners Guide to Stormwater BMP Maintenance
  5. Homeowners Guide to Stormwater Management
  6. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Fact Sheet
  7. Protecting Water Quality from Urban Runoff - EPA
  8. Stormwater Place Mat
  9. Swimming Pool Discharge and Disposal Guidelines
  10. When It Rains It Drains Brochure