Stormwater

Did you know that the stormwater drains and inlets within your neighborhood have an important impact on the water quality of our streams?

Why? Because storm drains flow directly to nearby rivers and streams, not to wastewater treatment plants.  Your city street is really like waterfront property and everything that rain washes off of your roof, yard, and driveway goes to the nearby water used for swimming, boating, and maybe even drinking.  In addition, anything that is dumped into these drains, such as used motor oil, paint, or excess pesticides, goes directly into a local stream.  It's important for everyone – homeowners, business owners, developers, and other citizens – not to dump anything into storm drains so we can protect our water from storm water pollution that may close beaches, cause unsightly weed and algae growth, and even kill fish!
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Where does this pollution comes from?
From all of us!  Storm water picks up litter, yard waste, excess lawn fertilizers and pesticides, leaking oil on streets and parking lots, pet wastes in parks and on lawns, and dirt from construction sites.  All together, this adds up to more pollution than industries make!

What can I do to help?
Never dump substances down a storm drain that you wouldn’t swim in or drink.  Spread this simple message to everyone you know.  Other ways to help include:
  • Use less fertilizer on lawns
  • Recycle used oil
  • Pick up pet wastes 
  • Dispose of household hazardous wastes responsibly.

Report Illicit Discharge:
The EPA defines an illicit discharge as ‘any discharge to an MS4 (Stormwater System) that is not composed entirely of stormwater. The Township encourages residents to report any illicit discharges or water quality complaints to Township staff. Some examples of reportable activities include:
  • Household cleaners and chemicals
  • Lawn fertilizers, grass clippings, and other maintenance products
  • Vehicle fluids including oil and runoff from washing
  • Animal waste
  • Plastics and other trash
​If you witness an illicit discharge into the municipal storm sewer system, please call 610.384.0600 and provide the following:
  • Name
  • Date of Observation
  • What was observed?
  • Nearest Address
  • Was there an odor/color to the discharge?
  • If you are calling after normal business hours, please leave a detailed message. You may also submit a written summary to the municipal office that contains the information above.

CONTACT

Phone: 610-384-0600 X135 or X140
Email: [email protected]

MS4 PROGRAM

Caln Township is covered by the MS4 program and has an MS4 permit. This requires the township to implement and enforce a stormwater management program which encompasses six minimum control measures, or best management practices (BMPs).