Stormwater Management
Upper Darby Cares About Clean Stormwater
What is stormwater runoff?
Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation from rain or snowmelt flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and streets prevent stormwater from naturally soaking into the ground.
Why is stormwater runoff a problem?
Stormwater can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants.
Upper Darby Township, in response to the requirements of the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection Agency, and the PA Department of Environmental Protection has developed a Stormwater Management Program, and has been diligently working to reduce the discharge of pollutants from outfalls, and to protect water quality in the receiving waterways.
Upper Darby Township lies within the Darby and Cobbs Creek Watershed, a watershed comprising a 77.2 - square mile drainage basin which encompasses 31 municipalities within Delaware, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. There are five Creeks that border and intersect the Township: Darby Creek, Cobbs Creek, Naylor's Run Creek, Munkinipates Creek and Collenbrook Creek. Therefore, it is essential that the Township be a good steward in maintaining the integrity of these waterways.
Upper Darby Township at a Public Meeting held on March 16, 2005 adopted the Township's "Stormwater Management Ordinance" (Ordinance No 2945). All individuals, especially developers, are encouraged to practice Best Management Practices (BMPs) in dealing with stormwater runoff. More information regarding illegal dumping into storm drains can be found under the Education tab. Illegal dumping materials include yard waste, lawn clippings, pet waste, pool water, and detergent water from washing your car. The Ordinance (and supplemental information) may be downloaded below:
The Township's goals are to:
- Identify major outfalls and pollutant loadings
- Detect and eliminate non-storm water discharges to the system
- Reduce pollutants in runoff and control storm water discharges from areas within the Township
