Whenever precipitation falls from the sky, there are three options to what happens to that water. It either soaks up into the soil or roots of trees and vegetation, evaporates into the atmosphere, or runs off into drainage basins which flow into creeks and streams. Stormwater is any water from rainfall or snowfall that runs off into bodies of water. Most of the Township's stormwater eventually flows into the White Clay Creek or the Christina River. It is crucial that stormwater is monitored, so that pollutants are not introduced into the Watershed. Proper management of stormwater directly relates to the quality of our water. This is especially important in London Britain Township because all of the residents obtain their water from private wells. Water quality is not just important for wildlife but directly affects our own health. 

This page contains useful stormwater management information for residents, businesses, and developers in London Britain Township. General information about stormwater management can be found via the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental protection HERE. 

• Important Note: If you are planning a project that creates new impervious coverage a Stormwater Management plan may be required. Please contact the Township for more information.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

 (DEP) provides a comprehensive Homeowners Guide to

 BMPs, which includes:

• Definition of BMPs: BMP stands for Best Management Practices, which include both engineered and non-engineered approaches to manage stormwater runoff.

• Maintenance Responsibilities: Homeowners are responsible for maintaining BMPs on their properties to protect local waterways and manage stormwater effectively.

• Types of BMPs: The guide covers various BMPs such as detention basins, rain gardens, and infiltration trenches, detailing their functions and maintenance requirements.

• Community Responsibility: Homeowners play a crucial role in stormwater management, and the guide emphasizes the importance of community involvement in maintaining these facilities.
  For more detailed information, you can access the full guide here

The mission of the Chester County Water Resources Authority is to provide flood protection, reservoir water supplies, and water science, information and planning to the citizens of Chester County so that they may live in safe, healthy and prosperous communities that sustain the natural quality, quantity and biodiversity of the County's water resources.

In Pennsylvania, Stormwater Management is overseen by the

Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which 

administers the NPDES permitting and compliance 

monitoring programs for stormwater. Key aspects include:

Act 167 Plans: Each county must prepare and adopt a

 stormwater management plan (Act 167 Plan) to manage

 stormwater runoff effectively. 

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Best Management Practices (BMPs): These include 

techniques like detention basins and vegetation to 

manage stormwater volume and quality. 

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Funding for Plans: The state budget includes funding for 

counties to develop or revise stormwater management

 plans. 

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Municipal Regulations: Municipalities must implement 

stormwater management programs to meet state water 

quality requirements and prevent erosion and 

sedimentation. 

What is an Illicit Discharge?

An illicit discharge is an unlawful act of disposing, dumping, spilling, emitting, or other discharge of any substance other than stormwater into the stormwater drainage system. The stormwater drainage system includes streets, ditches, catch basins, yard inlets, lakes, and streams. Illicit discharges cause water pollution by sending pollutants right into creeks, streams, ponds, and lakes. Be sure you know what illicit discharges are so you can help prevent water pollution and keep our streams clean! Prevent water pollution. Call the Township to report an illicit discharge or any type of water pollution in our streams or stormwater inlets. In case of emergencies, call 911.

Examples of Illicit Discharges:

• Paint being poured into or near the storm drainage system

• Changing oil or antifreeze over or near a storm structure

• Washing vehicles where the runoff could drain into the storm drainage system

• Washing dumpster pads and allowing the runoff to drain into the storm drainage system

EMERGENCY ILLICIT DISCHARGE PHONE NUMBERS:

In the event that you witness an illicit discharge, please contact someone immediately. Do your best to obtain a video of the violation, including license plate numbers, faces and/or names of persons involved, and be sure to get as much detail as possible of what is taking place. 

• DEP Emergency Illicit Discharge Number: 1-800-841-2050

• PA State Police: 911

• Chester County Hazmat Response: 911

• London Britain Township: 610-255-0388 or email carolyn.londonbritaintwp@comcast.net

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Questions and/or Concerns about Illicit Discharges?

Please contact the below resources:

• London Britain Township 610-255-0388 or email carolyn.londonbritaintwp@comcast.net

• PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Southeast Regional Office

• Programs Overseen/Information Provided: DEP's mission is to protect Pennsylvania's air, land, and water from pollution and to provide for the health and safety of its citizens through a cleaner environment.

       Website: http://www.dep.pa.gov  
       Phone Number: 484-250-5900

• Emergency Spill Response Number: 1-800-841-2050

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

       Programs Overseen/Information Provided: Conduct

       broad work to reduce environmental risk and human                 health. Website: http://www.epa.gov/