Municipal News
- Last Updated on Wednesday, 04 April 2018 16:34
Rostraver Township is pleased to announce that it is an MS4 community.
What is an MS4 community? MS4 stands for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program. It is a program regulated by the EPA and DEP.
What does this mean for you as a resident of Rostraver Township? Stormwater is the precipitation that flows across the land including anything from the natural ground to the runoff water that goes over hard surfaces such as your roof or driveway. Rain or snowmelt that falls on a roof, driveway, or patio pick up pollutants as it goes. Those pollutants flow into streams or storm drains that empty into our waterways like the Monongahela and Youghiogheny River. You can do your part by being mindful of what you put into the water and reduce the number of pollutants that need to be filtered.
Here are some simple things we can all do to make a difference:
• Wash your car on grass or gravel instead of in the street on in your driveway. All the soap, scum, and oil residue runs along the curb and into a storm drain where it ends up in streams.
• When you fertilize your lawn, avoid fertilizing it the day before a rainstorm to avoid fertilizer chemicals being carried into the local streams and rivers.
• Do not direct grass clippings or raked leaves into a storm drain or stream.
• Make sure your trash is securely tied; shovel snow before salting; and store chemicals in waterproof containers.
These small acts can make a huge impact for the safety and cleanliness of our community’s water as stormwater pollution is the primary source for water pollution. If you would like to more about Rostraver Township’s MS4 program please visit http://www.rostraver.us/government/regulations/storm_sewer_systems.php or attend the March 28, 2018 work session at 5 p.m. where the annual MS4 public education and outreach program will be presented