Stream Walks

The Township’s MS4 permit requires the municipality to develop a Pollutant Reduction Plan that will reduce the amount of excess nutrients and sediment in stormwater discharges to local surface waters as well as the Chesapeake Bay. The Township is currently in the process of developing a Best Management Practice (BMP) strategy that will achieve their permit-required goal of a 10% reduction in sediment, 5% reduction in Phosphorus, and 3% reduction in Nitrogen. One of the most cost-effective BMP strategies to achieve significant load reductions is through the implementation of stream restoration projects. Therefore, municipal staff will be conducting stream walks throughout the municipality to assess for the potential stream restoration project sites.

In addition to the required sediment reductions, the Township’s MS4 permit also requires the Township to develop, implement and enforce a program to detect and eliminate illicit discharges into the MS4. Stream walks are used as a part of this plan to detect and address non-stormwater discharges to the MS4. Further information on what constitutes an illicit discharge as well as a copy of Londonderry’s Plan for Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination is available on Township’s website under the “Stormwater Management” tab.

Projects identified during the stream walks will be used to increase the local water quality as well as help Londonderry to meet the federally mandated MS4 requirements. The goal of the MS4 Environmental department is to improve the local environment, as well as meet all regulatory requirements. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation. If you have any questions please contact Tyler Erb, the MS4/Environmental Specialist, at terb@londonderrypa.org or by phone at 717-944-1803. Additionally, please feel free to stop by the township office at any time to discuss any questions or concerns.