Jason Smith and Pam Kemecsy, of Hanover Engineering, presented an overview of Pennsylvania’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program at East Allen Township’s meeting Feb. 14. The standard DEP presentation for MS4 lasts around four hours; Smith highlighted everything effectively in 12 minutes.

The premise behind the program is a determination that stormwater flows have increased. The obvious problem is potential flooding. The flooding problem created the detention ponds that are seen on private and commercial properties. Stormwater infiltrates regular sewer systems, which causes a higher load on wastewater treatment plants. The higher loads on the plant increases sewer rates.

The stormwater drainage area for East Allen Township is the Monocacy Creek.

“The programs we had to protect Chesapeake Bay were a start. There will be similar programs to protect the Delaware River Basin,” Smith said.

According to Smith, stormwater runoff increases because urban areas have impervious coverings and compacted earth, both of which increase stormwater runoff. Natural areas, and specifically trees, reduce runoff and allow water to naturally filter to an aquifer.

“Trees are the best way to reduce stormwater runoff,” Smith said. “Many municipalities have already instituted a stormwater tax to get facilities that can control stormwater.”

Examples? Rain gardens, which are detention ponds with aquatic vegetation, so they do not look as bad a detention ponds. Planting compatible vegetation along river banks controls erosion.

Sedimentation is a big issue.

“The Delaware River Basin needs to be dredged to allow ship traffic,” Smith said. “MS4 programs can reduce sedimentation buildup.”

Revamped stormwater lines and manholes can reduce the infiltration into sewer systems.

Every municipality and project will require an MS4 review and approval. Planting trees along with preserving natural lands are the best solutions, but that is not the direction of the MS4 program. Smith cited projects that can range from $5,000 to $5 million, and it will most likely never end. There are future phases for MS4 already on the planning calendar.