Berks County, Pennsylvania

BOROUGH OF HAMBURG

SOURCE WATER PROTECTION & STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

CLEAN WATER POLLUTION SOURCES

WHAT IS AN MS4?

Due to requirements in the Federal Clean Water Act and the Act 167 Stormwater Management Program, owners of Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4), like the Borough of Hamburg, need to develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program. Part of this program is to educate the public as to what storm water pollution is and what can be done to prevent it.

A storm sewer system collects and carries rain and snow melt off of impermeable surfaces, such as roads and parking lots. The storm sewer system is composed of catch basins, pipes, swales, and assorted types of inlets and outlets. This water ends up in our streams, rivers and lakes, which are all part of our drinking water supply.

Some pollutants commonly found in storm sewers are:

• Trash or litter
  
• Leaked automotive fluids
  
• Sediments
  
• Leaves and other yard waste
  
• Animal waste
  
• Pesticides and other chemicals from lawns and farms
  

Trash, leaves, and sediments clog up storm sewer pipes ultimately causing floods in areas, and eventually litter our waterways. Automotive fluids, animal waste, and chemicals pollute water which can cause damage or death to watershed animals and plants.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO HELP?

• Do not throw trash, grass clippings, leaves or other debris into catch basins
  
• Regular vehicle maintenance to prevent fluid leaks
  
• Follow all instructions when using pesticides/chemicals and practice proper disposal
  
• Contact the appropriate authority when you see clogged storm sewers or water flow during dry conditions
  

ILLICIT DISCHARGE DETECTION

See or suspect an illicit discharge into our storm sewer system? Contact the Borough Office at (610) 562-7821.