Stormwater Management and Pollution Prevention

What is Storm Water Runoff?

You may have noticed medallions attached to the storm water inlets around the Borough. These have been installed to raise awareness about pollution generated from storm water runoff. When it rains, storm water runs over yards, streets, parking lots, parks, and playgrounds, carrying with it everything in its path. Pollutants such as oil and grease from cars, sediment from construction sites, and bacteria from pet feces are transported with the water as it is conveyed to the Yellow Breeches Creek or Susquehanna River either over land or via a storm drain. Unlike sanitary sewers that divert water to a treatment plant directly from your home, storm drains lead directly to surrounding surface waters without any type of treatment. Storm water pollutants can affect water quality, recreational activities, aesthetic value, wildlife habitat, and the normal life cycle of organisms and animals.

View New Cumberland Borough’s Stormwater Management Ordinance 621 to comply with municipal regulations.

What Can You Do to Prevent Storm Water Pollution?

• Keep litter, pet wastes, leaves and debris out of street gutters and storm drains – these outlets drain directly to the creek or river and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.

• Apply lawn and garden chemicals sparingly and according to directions.

• Dispose of unused oil, antifreeze, paints, and other household chemicals properly, not in storm sewers or drains. Visit  https://www.ccpa.net/3376/Household-Hazardous-Waste-Program to find out how to properly dispose of household hazardous waste.

• Clean up spilled brake fluid, oil, grease, and antifreeze. Do not hose them into the street where they can eventually reach the creek or river.

• Control soil erosion on your property by planting ground cover and stabilizing erosion-prone areas.

• Purchase household detergents and cleaners that are low in phosphorous to reduce the amount of nutrients discharged into surface waters.

• Notify the Borough of any unauthorized discharges to the storm sewer system.

You can find out many other ways of reducing your contribution of pollutants to storm water runoff by visiting: https://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/what-you-can-do-your-yard