East Cocalico Township

What Is an MS4?

MS4 stands for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System. An MS4 is a network of stormwater drainage systems designed to collect and carry rainwater and snowmelt away from roads, neighborhoods, and developed areas. These systems may include storm drains, catch basins, roadside ditches, curbs, gutters, pipes, swales, and other drainage structures.

Unlike sanitary sewer systems, which transport wastewater to treatment facilities, storm sewer systems generally discharge stormwater directly into local streams, creeks, and other waterways without treatment.

East Cocalico Township operates and maintains portions of the local stormwater drainage system and participates in the MS4 Program to help reduce stormwater pollution, protect water quality, and comply with state and federal environmental regulations.

Understanding the MS4 Program

The MS4 Program is a federally mandated stormwater management program established under the Clean Water Act and administered in Pennsylvania by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP).

Municipalities subject to MS4 requirements must obtain coverage under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and implement measures to reduce pollutants entering stormwater drainage systems.

East Cocalico Township's MS4 Program focuses on preventing stormwater pollution through public education, community involvement, proper stormwater management practices, and ongoing maintenance of municipal facilities and infrastructure.

The program is organized around six Minimum Control Measures (MCMs), each containing specific Best Management Practices (BMPs) designed to protect water quality.

Why Is Stormwater Management Important?

When rain falls or snow melts, water flows across rooftops, driveways, parking lots, lawns, and roadways. Along the way, stormwater can collect pollutants such as fertilizers, pesticides, motor oil, sediment, pet waste, grass clippings, and litter.

Because stormwater typically enters local waterways without treatment, these pollutants can negatively affect water quality, aquatic life, and the surrounding environment.

Proper stormwater management helps:

Reduce pollution entering local streams and waterways.
Protect aquatic habitats and natural resources.
Minimize erosion and sediment buildup.
Reduce drainage problems and localized flooding.
Preserve water quality for future generations.
Support compliance with state and federal environmental regulations.

Protecting our waterways is a shared responsibility. Through the MS4 Program, East Cocalico Township works to reduce stormwater pollution while encouraging residents, businesses, and property owners to do their part.

The Six Minimum Control Measures (MCMs)

The MS4 Program includes six Minimum Control Measures established to address different sources of stormwater pollution and encourage environmentally responsible practices throughout the community.

MCM 1 – Public Education and Outreach

MCM 1 – Public Education and Outreach

Helping Residents Understand Stormwater Pollution

Public education is an important part of preventing stormwater pollution. This measure focuses on informing residents, businesses, and property owners about how everyday activities can affect local waterways.

East Cocalico Township provides stormwater information and educational resources through its website, newsletters, social media, and other public outreach efforts.

Educational topics may include proper disposal of household chemicals, lawn care practices, pet waste management, preventing illicit discharges, and maintaining stormwater facilities.

The goal is to help everyone understand how small changes in daily activities can make a meaningful difference in protecting water quality.

MCM 2 – Public Involvement and Participation

MCM 2 – Public Involvement and Participation

Encouraging Community Participation

Protecting local waterways requires cooperation between the Township and the community.

This measure encourages residents, businesses, community organizations, and other interested individuals to become involved in stormwater pollution prevention efforts.

Opportunities for participation may include community cleanup activities, educational programs, public meetings, and providing feedback on stormwater-related concerns.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the Township's MS4 Program, participate in available activities, and report stormwater issues that may affect the community.

MCM 3 – Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination

MCM 3 – Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination

Keeping Harmful Materials Out of Storm Drains

An illicit discharge is generally any discharge into the storm sewer system that is not composed entirely of stormwater, except for certain discharges specifically permitted or otherwise authorized by applicable regulations.

Examples of potential illicit discharges include:

Motor oil, gasoline, antifreeze, and other automotive fluids.
Paint, solvents, and household chemicals.
Wastewater or sewage entering storm drains.
Improperly discharged swimming pool water containing chemicals.
Wash water containing detergents or cleaning products.
Other substances that may contaminate local waterways.

East Cocalico Township works to identify, investigate, and address suspected illicit discharges through its stormwater management program.

Residents can help by reporting suspicious discharges, unusual odors, discolored water, or evidence of dumping into storm drains, drainage ditches, or waterways.

To report a suspected illicit discharge, contact the Township Office or complete the Township's Illicit Discharge Reporting Form.

Report an Illicit Discharge

MCM 4 – Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control

MCM 4 – Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control

Preventing Pollution During Construction

Construction activities can disturb soil and increase the amount of sediment, debris, and other pollutants carried by stormwater into nearby drainage systems and waterways.

This measure focuses on reducing stormwater pollution associated with construction and land development activities.

Construction projects must comply with applicable erosion and sediment control requirements, which may include measures such as silt fencing, stabilized construction entrances, sediment basins, and other practices designed to prevent soil and debris from leaving a construction site.

East Cocalico Township coordinates with applicable regulatory agencies, including PA DEP and the Lancaster County Conservation District, as appropriate, to support compliance with stormwater and erosion control requirements.

MCM 5 – Post-Construction Stormwater Management

MCM 5 – Post-Construction Stormwater Management

Managing Stormwater After Development

New construction and land development often increase impervious surfaces such as rooftops, roads, sidewalks, and parking lots. These surfaces prevent rainwater from naturally soaking into the ground and can increase the amount and speed of stormwater runoff.

Post-construction stormwater management focuses on controlling runoff and reducing pollution after construction activities are complete.

Stormwater management facilities may include detention and retention basins, infiltration systems, rain gardens, vegetated swales, and other approved practices designed to manage runoff.

East Cocalico Township administers applicable stormwater management requirements for development projects and works to ensure that required stormwater facilities are properly addressed through the land development and permitting processes.

Property owners are responsible for maintaining stormwater management facilities located on their properties when required by applicable plans, agreements, or Township regulations.

MCM 6 – Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping

MCM 6 – Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping

Leading by Example Through Municipal Operations

The Township also has a responsibility to prevent stormwater pollution through its own operations and maintenance activities.

This measure focuses on reducing pollutants generated by municipal facilities, equipment, road maintenance, and other public works activities.

Pollution prevention practices may include:

Proper storage and handling of fuels, chemicals, and maintenance materials.
Responsible management of roadway debris, leaves, and sediment.
Maintaining storm drains, drainage pipes, swales, and other stormwater infrastructure.
Preventing pollutants from entering stormwater systems during municipal maintenance activities.
Proper disposal of waste materials.
Training municipal employees on stormwater pollution prevention practices.

Through these efforts, East Cocalico Township works to maintain public infrastructure while reducing the potential for pollutants to enter local waterways.

What Are Best Management Practices (BMPs)?

Best Management Practices (BMPs) are methods, activities, or physical improvements used to prevent or reduce stormwater pollution and manage runoff.

BMPs generally fall into two categories:

Structural BMPs

Structural BMPs

Structural BMPs are physical systems or improvements designed to collect, slow, filter, absorb, or otherwise manage stormwater runoff.

Examples include:

Rain Gardens: Landscaped areas that collect and absorb rainwater while filtering pollutants.
Vegetated Swales: Shallow, planted drainage channels that help slow and filter stormwater.
Infiltration Trenches: Stone-filled trenches that allow stormwater to soak into the ground.
Stormwater Basins: Facilities designed to temporarily store or manage runoff from developed areas.
Permeable Pavement: Specially designed pavement that allows water to pass through into underlying layers.

Non-Structural BMPs

Non-Structural BMPs

Non-structural BMPs focus on preventing pollution before it enters the stormwater system and reducing the amount of runoff generated.

Examples include:

Reducing the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
Properly disposing of household chemicals and automotive fluids.
Keeping grass clippings, leaves, and litter out of streets and storm drains.
Protecting trees, wetlands, and natural vegetation.
Limiting unnecessary impervious surfaces.
Picking up and properly disposing of pet waste.
Maintaining stormwater facilities and drainage areas.

Both structural and non-structural BMPs play an important role in protecting local waterways and supporting the Township's stormwater management efforts.

How Can You Help Protect Our Waterways?

Stormwater pollution prevention starts with simple actions at home, at work, and throughout the community.

Residents and businesses can help by keeping storm drains clear of debris, properly disposing of waste, maintaining their properties, and reporting suspected pollution.

Remember, only rain should go down the storm drain!

By working together, we can help protect East Cocalico Township's streams, waterways, and natural resources for generations to come.

For additional information about stormwater management, educational resources, reporting concerns, and Township requirements, visit the Township's Stormwater Management page.

Stormwater Management Information

MS4 Annual Reports & Documents

View East Cocalico Township’s MS4 Annual Reports & Documents to learn about the Township’s ongoing efforts to manage stormwater, reduce pollution, protect local waterways, and meet state and federal stormwater requirements.

MS4 Program Annual Report 2020

MS4 Program Annual Report 2021

MS4 Program Annual Report 2022

MS4 Program Annual Report 2023

MS4 Resources

Explore helpful resources and educational materials about stormwater management, pollution prevention, and water quality protection. These local, state, and federal resources provide guidance, best management practices, and information to help residents and businesses reduce stormwater pollution and protect our local waterways.

Explore MS4 Resources

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program