In an ongoing attempt to make stormwater cleaner, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is implementing a new permit to meet new federal regulations. As a part of this permit, small communities must implement a storm water management program, track progress towards its goals, and report on its progress.

New federal stormwater management regulations require that the City of Hazleton, and others “urbanized areas” across Pennsylvania, apply for and maintain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit to discharge stormwater from the City’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4).

The federal regulations establish six categories of Best Management Practices (BMP’s) that must be implemented by all permittees. Each municipality subject to the regulation must implement a stormwater management program that contains every one of these elements. The six BMP categories, also called “minimum control measures”, are as follows:

1. Public Education- Distribute stormwater pamphlets to all target audiences, run stormwater ads in the newspaper, distribute educational materials to schools, community organizations, and businesses.

• • DEP “When It Rains, It Drains” Information Pamphlet: http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/watermgt/wc/NPDSMS4/MS4CD/Education/RainDrainBrochure.pdf
• • Homeowner’s Guide to Healthy Habits for Clean Water: http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/cu_solution_to_pollution.pdf

2. Public Involvement- Conduct public meetings to inform the public about the City’s stormwater management ordinance and regulations. Develop volunteer programs for community groups, such as “Adopt a Storm Drain”. Involve local groups such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc. Anyone interested in any of these programs or public participation, please contact Alan Wufsus at 570-453-4918.

3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination- Create map of all outfalls within the community. Conduct field screenings of 25% of the outfalls each year to determine illicit discharges. Remove or correct illicit discharges.

4. Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Management- Attempt to educate developers within the municipality on the stormwater codes that are enforced. Distribute posters and information about Construction Site Run-Off and BMPs.

• • A Construction Site Operator’s Guide to PA’s Stormwater Permit Program: http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/cgp_state_brochure.pdf 
• • Stormwater and the Construction Industry Poster with BMPs: http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/cu_swposter-final-fullsize.pdf
• • The Construction Industry Compliance Assistance Center homepage http://www.CICAcenter.org

5. Post Construction Stormwater Management - This section addresses the codes dealing with stormwater runoff after construction is complete. Inform developers of ordinances and sanctions that must be followed.

6. Good Housekeeping and Pollution Prevention- Comprehensive pollution prevention program for municipal operations; with a focus on vehicle maintenance, fueling and washing, maintenance of stormwater facilities, and employee training. Inform City workers about BMPS and distribute informative materials.  

• • Lawn Fertilizing Poster: http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/watermgt/wc/NPDSMS4/MS4CD/Education/Posters/FERTILIZ%20poster.pdf
• • Car Wash Poster: http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/watermgt/wc/NPDSMS4/MS4CD/Education/Posters/CARWASH%20poster.pdf
• • Oil Slick: http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/watermgt/wc/NPDSMS4/MS4CD/Education/Posters/OILSLICK%20poster.pdf
• • Pet Waste Poster: http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/watermgt/wc/NPDSMS4/MS4CD/Education/Posters/PETWASTE%20poster.pdf

The City of Hazleton is actively participating in this program and is presently adhering to the established permit limits, schedules, and measurable goals.
The following Ordinances pertain to Stormwater Management in the City of Hazleton:
ORD 2007-11
ORD 2007-07
SUB-DIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE
HAZLETON CITY CODE

Please contact City Clerk, Lisa Shema at 570-459-4986 with questions regarding these and other ordinances.
For more information on the City of Hazleton’s Stormwater Program, please contact:
John Ackerman, City Engineer at 570-459-4915
Alan Wufsus, Project Manager at 570-459-4918

The following links contain helpful information and materials on Stormwater Management:
EPA Stormwater website: http://www.epa.gov/ebtpages/watestormwater.html
NPDES Stormwater Program: http://cfpub1.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=6