Stormwater Management

HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION is available to all residents of Crescent Township.  The proper collection of hazardous waste will help eliminate toxins going into our waterways.  Please take advantage of this wonderful and FREE service to everyone.  Click here for curbside pickup details.

 

Stormwater Management is an important part of today's enviroment.  We all have an oppurtunity to contribute to cleaner waterways.  How can you help? Below is a guide containing some suggestions on how to contribute using your property.  

HOMEOWNER'S GUIDE TO STORMWATER

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIROMENTAL PROTECTION - STORMWATER INFORMATION

ENVIROMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) MS4 INFORMATION

Polluted stormwater runoff is commonly transported through Municipal Seperate Storm Systems (MS4s), from which is often discharged untreated into local waterbodies.  To prevent harmful pollutants from being washed or dumped into a MS4, operators must obtain a NPDES permit and develop a stormwater management program.

Minimum Control Measures and Best Management Practices
The MS4 Program contains elements called Minimum Control Measures (MCM) that when implemented should result in a significant reduction in pollutants discharged into receiving waters.  Each MCM requires implementation of Best Management Pratices (BMPs) to meet measurable goals according to an approved schedule.  Annual or periodic reports are also required.  In development and acativities that may affect stormwater runoff.

ORDINANCE 556 - STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

update 1/3/2018

WATER CYCLE GLOSSARY OF TERMS

https://pixabay.com/illustrations/hydrosphere-water-iceberg-cloud-1929070/

The water supply of Earth is a required element for life to exist and thrive. The water cycle is a continuous cycle that keeps water moving on and around Earth in different forms. The different stages of the water cycle include evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection. Each stage of the cycle leads to the next stage, and each stage is an important part of a process that helps to water plants, fill cisterns, dry up puddles, and remove floodwaters.

Aquifer: An aquifer is an underground layer that contains groundwater.

Atmosphere: A unit of atmosphere measures the air pressure at sea level, which is about 14.7 pounds per square inch.

Climate: The climate of a location includes all of the weather conditions for this location over an extended period of time.

Cloud: A cloud is a visible mass of small water droplets or tiny ice crystals that are suspended in the atmosphere.

Cloud Condensation Nuclei: Water vapor surrounds tiny particles, condensing in clouds to become raindrops.

Condensation: Condensation is the process by which water vapor changes into liquid.

Current: Currents are predictable and steady flows of fluid in a larger body of fluid.

Density: Density describes the amount of things in a specific space.

Dew Point: Dew point is the temperature at which water in the air condenses to become water droplets near the ground.

Ecosystem: An ecosystem is a community of living and nonliving things in an area.

Erosion: Erosion happens when soil is worn away, usually by wind, water, or ice.

Evaporation: Evaporation is the process of water changing into water vapor.

Evapotranspiration: When moisture from the soil evaporates into the atmosphere or when transpiration from plants occurs, this is called evapotranspiration.

Fog: Clouds near the ground are known as fog.

Freshwater: A lake, river, or spring is a source of freshwater, which animals can drink.

Glacier: A glacier is a mass of ice that moves slowly across a land mass.

Great Lakes: The Great Lakes are the biggest freshwater bodies of water in the world, located in the United States.

Greenhouse Gas: Gases in the atmosphere that absorb solar heat reflected by Earth's surface, contributing to warming of the atmosphere, are greenhouse gases.

Groundwater: Groundwater is water found in an aquifer.

Humidity: The amount of water vapor in the air is the humidity.

Ice: Ice is water in solid form.

Ice Cap: An ice cap is an area of less than 19,000 square miles covered by ice.

Ice Sheet: Ice sheets are glacial ice areas that cover a large expanse.

Lake: A lake is a body of water that is surrounded by land.

Microscopic: Microscopic describes something very small.

Pollutant: A pollutant is a substance that harms a natural resource.

Precipitation: Precipitation includes all types of water that fall to Earth.

River: A river is a big stream of fresh water that flows.

Runoff: When fluid overflows from a farm or factory, it's known as runoff.

Snowmelt: Melted water from snow is snowmelt.

Temperature: The level of heat or cold, measured by a thermometer, is temperature.

Transpiration: Water that evaporates from plants is transpiration.

Vapor: Vapor is liquid that is suspended in air.

Water Cycle: Water moves between the land, bodies of water, and atmosphere in a process known as the water cycle.

Weather: Weather describes the state of the atmosphere, and it includes atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity, cloudiness, precipitation, and wind.

Wind: Wind is air that moves from areas of high pressure to low-pressure zones.

Learn More About Water!

Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs)

The following markers have been placed near stormdrains throughout the township. These are reminders to residents that "ONLY RAIN, DOWN THE DRAIN".   If you notice any items, besides stormwater, being dumped down our drains, complete the following form, ILLICIT DISCHARGE FORM and contact the muncipal office immediately.  Keep our waterways clean!

Stormwater runoff is precipitation from rain or snowmelt that flows over the ground. As it flows, it can pick up debris,chemicals,dirt,and other pollutants and deposit them into a storm sewer system or waterbody. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged into the waterbodies we use for swimming,fishing,and providing drinking water. To keep the stormwater leaving your home or workplace clean,follow these simple guidelines:

  • Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly.
  • Repair auto leaks.
  • Dispose of household hazardous waste used auto fluids (antifreeze, oil, etc.), and batteries at designated collection or recycling locations.
  • Clean up after your pet.
  • Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on a lawn or other unpaved surface.
  • Sweep up yard debris rather than hosing down areas.
  • Compost or recycle yard waste when possible.
  • Clean paint brushes in a sink, not outdoors.
  •  Properly dispose of excess paints through a household hazardous waste collection program.
  •  Sweep up and properly dispose of construction debris like concrete and mortar.

For further information please visit the 3Rivers Wet Weather Website:  3Rivers Wet Weather

If you see illict discharge in your area, complete the following form and report it to the municipal office at your earliest convenience: CITIZEN COMPLAINT FORM- ILLICIT DISCHARGE DETECTION

 

WATER CONSERVATION

As we face the effects of climate change, conserving water becomes increasingly important. Saving water also means saving money; the average American family spends more than $1,000 on water a year, which can be diminished significantly by addressing the way we use water in our daily lives. 

EcoWatch created a guide that highlights a few water-conscious changes we can all make at home. You can check it out below: 

10 Ways to Save Water at Home https://www.ecowatch.com/how-to-save-water-at-home-2655069630.html