The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) is requiring a statewide program designed to improve our quality of water. The program requires all municipalities in populated areas to detect and eliminate Non-Point Source Pollution (NPSP). NPSP is a combination of contaminants from various sources that find their way into our streams, lakes and rivers by way of rainfall and snowmelt. Many of the pollutants include but are not limited to soap, oil, gasoline, litter, cigarette butts and sediments.
The main outlet of these contaminants is from storm drain discharge. Storm drains offer no means of filtration and are easy targets for illegal dumping. It is important that residents understand that what goes down storm drains ultimately ends up in lakes, streams and other bodies of water. To insure healthy water for both aquatic life and human consumption we must first detect and then eliminate NPSP.
The Borough is doing its part, beginning with the monitoring and testing of storm sewer outfalls. As some outfalls are located on private properties, the Borough is asking for all residents' cooperation. Any and all information from this research will be used to remedy areas deemed as polluted.
Now, the Borough is asking the residents to do their part. Please dispose of litter properly, keeping soaps, oil, gas and all chemicals off of the pavement and out of storm drains. Also, use fertilizers sparingly and properly, as this can cause unwanted algae growth in bodies of water. And remember, dumping of anything down a storm drain is illegal and violators may be fined.