Storm Water

BASIC INFORMATION
Overview
Storm water runoff is generated when precipitation from rain and snow melt events flows over land or impervious surfaces and does not percolate into the ground. As the runoff flows over the land or impervious surfaces (paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops), it accumulates debris, chemicals, sediment or other pollutants that could adversely affect water quality if the runoff is discharged untreated. The primary method to control storm water discharges is the use of best management practices (BMPs). In addition, most storm water discharges are considered point sources and require coverage under an NPDES permit. For more information about the Stormwater program, visit EPA’s web site for the Stormwater Basic Information page.

Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
Federal regulations that were issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established permit requirements within the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) for discharge to surface water from certain MS4s. The intent of these regulations is the improve water quality of the waterways in the United States. The permit requirement applies to small MS4s that have been designated by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PEDEP).

THE COUNTY OF BERKS
To find useful information on Stormwater Regulations, MS4, Act 167 and other stormwater management resources click this link to reach the Berks County Stormwater Management the web page:
http://www.co.berks.pa.us/Dept/Planning/Pages/BerksCounty%27sStormwaterManagementProgram.aspx

Bern Township is a participating member of the Berks County MS4 Steering Committee.

MS4 POSTER: Thank You for Recycling It Helps Protect Our Watersheds

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Stormwater Links
Bern Twp Stormwater Ordinance	Ordinance No. 340 Adopted February 7, 2023
Berks County Storm Water Management Program
Department of Environmental Protection Municipal Stormwater Management	DEP
EPA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)	In case of environmental emergency, please call 484.250.5900 (24 hours)
EPA Best Management Practices for Stormwater
Bern Township Stormwater Management Program Education and Outreach	Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System MS4 program
Stormwater Application Form	or see Permits page to download
Stormwater Application in WORD Format Rev. 2023	This is part of the item above
Bern Stormwater Design Examples	Bern stormwater design examples shall only be used for projects less than 2,000 square feet of impervious area and less than 5,000 square feet of earth disturbance
Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater Management
MS4 Pollution Reduction Plan (PRP) for Bern Township
Stormwater and the Construction Industry
Water-Efficient Landscaping	for using resources wisely

YouTube Videos about Stormwater Management

BCTV STORM WATER VIDEO: Source Water Protection and the MS4 Permit System Video from 2-20-17 with Kent Morey, Lyn Rodino and Chip Bilger. It is a long video but it is informative.

Story Time With Mr. Michael This video is a lovely story read by Michael of Berks Nature. For audiences of all ages.

Tulpehocken Creek Restoration Project If you live you within the Tulpehocken Creek watershed you’ll enjoy this description by Deestuary of a restoration project along the creek.