Municipal Stormwater (MS4)

Pocono Township maintains a municipal stormwater management program (SWMP) as part of state and federal requirements for the Township’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4).  A separate storm sewer system is a collection of structures, including retention basins, ditches, roadside inlets and underground pipes designed to gather stormwater from built-up areas and discharge it, without treatment, into local streams. It is called a “separate system” because it is not connected to the sanitary sewer system which drains wastewater from inside a home to a sewage treatment facility or private septic system.It is critical that the Township and its residents work together to prevent pollutants from damaging our pristine waters and wildlife. Pollutants that reach nearby streams through MS4 discharges can impair waterways, resulting in fish kills; destruction of wildlife habitat; and contamination of drinking water and recreational waterways.  In addition, sediment from yard debris and construction sites can cause stream bank erosion, vegetation destruction and flooding.

Because every MS-4 faces unique stormwater challenges, each management plan is unique. But every stormwater management plan includes the same six focus areas that the EPA considers essential for success. These areas are called Minimum Control Measures (MCM) and include the following:

MCM #1 – Public Education and Outreach
MCM #2 – Public Participation and Involvement
MCM #3 – Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
MCM #4 – Construction Site Erosion Control
MCM #5 – Post Construction Stormwater Management
MCM #6 – Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping

Public participation is key as we work together to identify sources of stormwater throughout our Township. As part of the Township’s efforts to increase public stormwater awareness, we have included a number of educational materials below for residents, business owners and visitors alike. These materials are designed to help our community understand the importance of stormwater management and how you can help make a difference in protecting our streams and wildlife.

• What is MS4?
• Protect our Watershed: Summer Tips
• Protect our Watershed: 3 Rs of Fall Yard Care
• Protect our Watershed: Winter Tips
• Solutions to Stormwater Pollution
• Clean Up After Your Pet
• When It Rains, It Drains

MS4 Annual Status Reports

MS4 Status Report Year 1: December 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019
MS4 Status Report Year 2: July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020

Federal MS4 Documents

EPA Stormwater Phase II Final Rule

Additional Resources

Brodhead Creek Watershed Association