MS-4

MS-4 stands for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System – essentially a collection of structures, including retention basis, ditches, roadside inlets, and underground pipes, which are designed to collect stormwater and discharge it into streams without treatment. Smithfield Township’s urban classification via the 2010 U.S. Census requires it to become part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s MS-4 program, managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

The key requirement of the program in Smithfield Township is to reduce the sediment levels in the Brodhead Creek and Reservoir Run. This is done through public education, routine inspections at outlets, illicit discharge detection, and other preventive measures. Progress on and eventual completion of the pollution reduction and stormwater management plans allows Smithfield Township to comply with the terms of the NPDES (National Pollution Discharge Elimination System) permit. If you live or conduct business along the impaired area(s) and wish to help the Township successfully implement the program, call the Township Engineers at Boucher & James at (610) 419-9407.