STORM WATER PROGRAM Have you ever noticed those safety grates in the road? These grates actually cover holes, called catch basins that are designed to catch rainwater and keep the roads from flooding. Rain collected in the catch basins is never filtered or treated before they eventually end up in a river or stream. Anything that enters a catch basin along with the rainwater will eventually be placed into a river or stream, including litter, detergents, mulch, and other pollutants. Catch basins are not intended for waste removal and should not be treated as such. Pollutants that enter storm water drainage systems not only hurt wildlife, but they also degrade and endanger the overall water quality for everyone. The EPA has established a set of guidelines for municipalities to follow, called the Phase II program. Under this program, municipalities are instructed to reduce the discharge or pollutants to reasonable limits, protect water quality, and satisfy requirements of the "Clean Water Act". North Huntingdon is working to meet these requirements by using computerized geographic equipment in order to provide detailed maps of all storm water systems in the township, as well as functionality and quality of each storm water structure. These systems will be tested for several pollutants including bacteria and evidence of acid mine drainage. While we, at the township, are working hard to reduce storm water pollutants and improve your water quality, you too can help. Check out the EPA's "What Can We Do"? feature to see some simple ways for everyone to improve water quality. Helpful Links: Excellent source of info: http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/stormwater How can I help locally? http://www.turtlecreekwatershed.org More info on regulations: |
Web Site updated 5/2/11 |