Stormwater Management

Stormwater Management concerns the control of water (rain, snow and ice melt) that runs off the land. The Borough of Ambler owns and maintains the storm sewer that conveys runoff to the Tannery Run and the Stuart Farm, Rose Valley and Wissahickon Creeks. The borough storm sewer is comprised of roads, gutters, inlets, storm pipe, channels, and swales. On average, Ambler receives about 4 feet of precipitation annually.

Because stormwater runoff picks up pollution from land surfaces, efforts to control stormwater pollution must consider individual, household and public behaviors and activities that can generate pollution from these surfaces. Remember, the rain that drains from the roadway, your roof, or that runs off from your property in Ambler eventually makes its way to the Wissahickon Creek and the Delaware River. It is important that the borough and every property owner manage the runoff from their properties to eliminate or minimize the amount of pollutants in stormwater.

These common individual behaviors have the potential to contribute to stormwater pollution:

littering
improper disposal of trash and recyclables
improper disposal of pet waste
application of lawn chemicals
car washing
changing motor oil on paved driveways
improper disposal of leftover paint and household chemicals.

The National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Small, Separate Storm Sewer (MS4) Program is a United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environment Protection (PADEP). The main goal of the MS4 program is to protect water quality. The borough’s MS4 program involves a PADEP-issued permit that includes best management practices (BMPs) and measurable goals for the following:

public education and outreach
public participation and involvement
illicit discharge detection and elimination
construction site runoff control
post-construction stormwater management in new development and redevelopment
pollution prevention
good housekeeping for municipal operations and maintenance.

Borough Engineer Jim Dougherty, of Gilmore & Associates, Inc., has been appointed by borough council to oversee Stormwater Management and compliance. If you identify any problems with stormwater management within the borough, please contact the Borough of Ambler at 215-646-1000.

The PADEP also has a 24-hour Water Quality Hotline that can be reached at 484-250-5900, or 800-541-2050.