In 2003, The City of Coatesville began a comprehensive storm water management program mandated by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and monitored by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP). The program is designed to literally “manage” stormwater, both by protecting water quality and by preventing high volumes of runoff from causing flooding in developed areas. Any municipality with a population of at least 5,000, including counties, must comply with the program.

Water pollution degrades surface waters making them unsafe for drinking, fishing, swimming, and other activities. As authorized by the Clean Water Act, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program controls water pollution by regulating “point sources” that release pollutants into waters of the United States. Point sources can be pipes or man-made ditches that carry stormwater from the street level to the nearest stream.

Because Coatesville owns the stormwater conveyance system (point sources) within the municipal boundaries, the responsibility lies with the City to ensure that any water pollution entering the system is minimized to the fullest extent possible. This effort to protect water quality is two-pronged: through education of residents, businesses, developers, and its own staff, and through the use of Best Management Practices (BMP’s) to reduce the discharge of pollutants into streams. For instance, a large component of the program is the requirement that the City screens its stormwater outfalls for potential conditions of pollution and takes corrective action in the event a pollutant source is found.

Another major component of the program requires an effort by the City to increase citizen participation and awareness. It is important for Coatesville’s residents and businesses to be aware that increased stormwater runoff and pollution can occur from many different sources, and can cause a number of different problems.

Concentrated development in urbanized areas substantially increases impervious surfaces, such as streets, driveways and parking lots. These surfaces are the primary collector of pollutants until a rain washes them into nearby storm drains. Common pollutants include pesticides, fertilizers, oils, salt, litter, and sediment. Storm drains do not run to treatment plants. They empty directly into waterways. When left uncontrolled, these discharges can result in fish kills, destruction of wildlife habitats, and contamination of drinking water and recreational waterways. Sediment from yard debris and construction sites can cause stream bank erosion, vegetation destruction, and flooding. It is therefore extremely important to recognize that individual actions can multiply the effect on water quality.

Public Notice

The City of Coatesville Christina River Basin TMDL Plan is available for public review on this City website and by request at City Hall at 1 City Hall Place, Coatesville, PA 19320. Written comments from the public will be accepted for a period of 30 days from the date of this public notice.  A presentation will be made and verbal and written comments accepted at the City Council meeting scheduled for August 14, 2017 at 7:30pm at the City Hall.  The TMDL Plan describes proposed measures to be taken to reduce sediment and nutrient pollution to impaired streams within the City and is a requirement of the City’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit.

Coatesville MS4 TMDL Summary

Coatesville TMDL Plan

Please browse this page for more information on the stormwater program and things you can do to help minimize the pollution that enters our watershed.

• EPA Stormwater Menu of Best Management Practices
• PA Department of Environmental Protection Home Page
• PA American Water
• PADEP Stormwater Management Program
• Chester County Conservation District Website
• Chester County Water Resources Authority Website
• Stormwater Discharges from MS4s
• Center for Watershed Protection
• EPA Stormwater Toolbox
• Stormwater Webcasts
• Stormwater Information for Homeowners
• Brandywine Red Clay Alliance

Stormwater is unavoidable, but its effects can be reduced by keeping harmful chemicals and materials out of the runoff.

 

 

Phone: (610) 384-2861
Fax: (610) 383-6203