Protecting Our Waterways Starts With You

North Whitehall Township is committed to protecting our local streams, rivers, and waterways through responsible stormwater management.

Stormwater runoff occurs when rain or melting snow flows over roads, driveways, rooftops, lawns, and other surfaces. As it travels, it can collect pollutants such as oil, fertilizers, sediment, litter, and pet waste. This runoff often enters storm drains and flows directly into local waterways without treatment.

By taking a few simple steps, residents and businesses can help reduce pollution, prevent drainage problems, and protect our environment.

What Is MS4?

MS4 stands for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System. This system includes storm drains, pipes, roadside ditches, swales, and other drainage facilities that collect and convey stormwater.

North Whitehall Township operates under Pennsylvania's Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program, which is regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) under the federal Clean Water Act.

The program requires municipalities to take steps to reduce stormwater pollution, educate the public, identify improper discharges, and implement stormwater management practices.

Remember: Storm drains lead to waterways, not wastewater treatment plants.

Illicit Discharges: What to Watch For

An illicit discharge generally occurs when something other than stormwater enters the municipal storm sewer system without authorization.

Examples include:

  • Dumping oil, paint, chemicals, or other waste into storm drains
  • Discharging sewage or septic wastewater
  • Allowing vehicle-washing wastewater or detergents to enter storm drains
  • Improperly disposing of household or automotive fluids
  • Releasing contaminated water into roadside ditches or drainage systems

See Something? Report It.

Residents are encouraged to report suspected illicit discharges, unusual odors, discolored water, illegal dumping, or other potential stormwater pollution.

Report an Illicit Discharge – Online Reporting Form

You may also contact:

North Whitehall Township Public Works Department
Rick Holtzman
rholtzman@northwhitehall.org

When reporting a concern, please provide the location, a description of the issue, and photographs if available.

How You Can Help

Everyone plays a role in keeping our waterways clean. Simple actions can make a significant difference.

  • Keep storm drains clear. Do not place leaves, grass clippings, trash, or other debris in streets, roadside ditches, or storm drains.
  • Clean up after pets. Always collect and properly dispose of pet waste to prevent harmful bacteria from entering waterways.
  • Use lawn chemicals responsibly. Follow label instructions for fertilizers and pesticides, and avoid applying them before heavy rain.
  • Maintain your vehicles. Repair fluid leaks promptly and properly dispose of motor oil, antifreeze, and other automotive fluids.
  • Wash vehicles responsibly. Use a commercial car wash or wash vehicles on a grassy or permeable surface away from waterways and storm drains.
  • Prevent construction runoff. Keep exposed soil, sediment, and construction debris from washing into roads, storm drains, and streams. Follow applicable erosion and sediment control requirements.
  • Manage rainwater on your property. Consider rain gardens, rain barrels, native landscaping, and other practices that help absorb runoff.

Maintaining Stormwater Facilities

Property owners who have stormwater management facilities, such as detention basins, infiltration areas, rain gardens, or drainage swales, may be responsible for their ongoing maintenance.

Regularly inspect these facilities, remove accumulated debris, maintain vegetation, and ensure water can flow as designed.

Do not fill, obstruct, or alter drainage swales, stormwater basins, or other drainage facilities without obtaining any required approvals.

Proper maintenance helps reduce flooding, erosion, and damage to neighboring properties.

Stormwater Resources

Learn more about protecting waterways and maintaining stormwater facilities:

For additional information about stormwater regulations and clean water initiatives, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Clean Water Is Everyone's Responsibility

Together, we can help protect North Whitehall Township's waterways, reduce stormwater pollution, and preserve our natural resources for future generations.