Monitoring completion of project.
Stormwater Management
East Cocalico Twp's Stormwater Management Program
Have you ever wondered why there is a ditch, swale, or stormwater basin in your backyard or neighborhood? These features are designed to collect, direct, and manage stormwater runoff from your property and surrounding areas, helping to prevent flooding, erosion, and drainage problems.
Stormwater runoff is a natural part of the water cycle. However, as land is developed, rooftops, driveways, roads, and other impervious surfaces prevent rainwater from soaking into the ground. Without proper management, increased runoff can contribute to flooding, property damage, soil erosion, and pollution of local streams and waterways.
East Cocalico Township works to protect residents, properties, infrastructure, and the environment through its Stormwater Management Program. The Township reviews proposed subdivision and land development projects to ensure compliance with its Stormwater Management Ordinance, which establishes requirements for controlling runoff, reducing pollution, and protecting neighboring properties.
Property Owner Responsibilities
Proper maintenance of stormwater facilities is essential to keeping these systems functioning as designed. Property owners may be responsible for maintaining drainage swales, basins, and other stormwater facilities located on their property, depending on applicable plans, agreements, and Township regulations.
Residents should avoid filling, altering, or obstructing drainage areas without first contacting the Township. Even minor changes can affect drainage patterns and create problems for neighboring properties.
Stormwater Management Ordinances
The Township's Stormwater Management Ordinance establishes requirements for managing runoff associated with development, redevelopment, and other applicable property improvements. Residents, contractors, and developers should review these regulations before beginning projects that may affect drainage or increase impervious surfaces.
Landowner Manual for Small Projects
Planning a new patio, driveway, shed, garage, or other property improvement? The Township's Landowner Manual for Small Projects provides guidance on stormwater management requirements, available Best Management Practices (BMPs), and the application process for qualifying smaller projects.
Residents are encouraged to review the manual and contact the Township before beginning construction to determine whether permits or stormwater approvals are required.
Stormwater Mgmt. Projects - PLANNING/CONSTRUCTION
Last Updated: October 2026
Monitoring completion of project.
Received revised plans from applicant for review/approval. Issued financial security recommendation letter dated November 24, 2025 in the amount of $18,848.50. Awaiting receipt of signed agreements and financial security from the applicant for Board of Supervisors approval.
Monitoring completion of project.
Received and reviewed revised stormwater management plan. Issued review letter dated November 12, 2025. Issued financial security recommendation letter dated November 13, 2025 in the amount of $95,967.91. Action on plan, waiver, agreements and financial security has been delayed at the request of the applicant pending receipt of revised plans.
Received and reviewed small projects application and issued approval letter dated May 22, 2026. Monitoring completion of project.
Received and reviewed small projects application and issued approval letter dated September 9, 2026. Issued financial security recommendation letter dated September 28, 2026 in the amount of $2,200.00. Received stormwater management agreement for action by the Board.
What Can Citizens Do?
The goals of the stormwater program are to reduce the discharge of pollutants, to protect water quality, and to satisfy requirements of the Clean Water Act. It's easy to get involved.
Stormwater from your home and from the public streets goes into a storm sewer, which goes directly into streams. This water is not cleaned in any way and does not go to the wastewater treatment plant. The township needs its citizens to assist us in keeping our stormwater and stormwater and stormwater sewer system clean by doing the following:
- Dispose of water properly.
- Clean up after your pets.
- Use fertilizers properly and efficiently to prevent excess runoff.
- Store materials indoors that could pollute stormwater.
- Keep sediment from leaving a construction site.
- Do not spill anti-freeze, chemical, liquid fuel, oil, etc..
- Report illegal dumping into streams or storm sewers (call 911).
Please monitor stormwater inlets near your property. No one should dump anything into the storm sewer system. Citizens may be the first to recognize illicit discharges such as dumping into storm sewers or coming out of from storm sewer outfalls.
If you see an illicit discharge into a dry or wet watercourse or a water body, please report it to the Township Zoning Officer at (717) 336-1718 or dial 911 immediately.
Rain Gardens for Stormwater Management
Rain gardens are an attractive and environmentally friendly way to manage stormwater runoff from rooftops, driveways, patios, and other hard surfaces. These specially designed landscaped areas collect and absorb rainwater, allowing it to naturally filter into the ground rather than flow directly into storm drains and local waterways.
By incorporating native plants, flowers, and grasses, rain gardens help reduce flooding and erosion, improve water quality, and provide valuable habitat for pollinators and wildlife. Whether installed as part of an approved stormwater management plan or added voluntarily by homeowners, rain gardens offer a practical way to protect our local environment while enhancing the beauty of a property.
Interested in learning more? Explore the resources below for information on rain garden design, installation, maintenance, and native plant selection. You can also view our Rain Gardens for Stormwater Management Handout for a helpful overview, practical tips, and additional resources to help you get started.
