Pennsylvania Spring 2021 MS4 Forum

Presentation by Madison Smith (Susquehanna Twp.) & Jim Kaiser (PA Turnpike Commission)

Madison will be presenting on MCM 1 and MCM 2. Within MCM 1 she will be presenting on educational topics she found interested residents and target audiences, ways of opening communications, and the avenues of outreach that generate responses. As for MCM 2, she will discuss how the avenues of outreach from MCM 1 can be reused to gather interest on PIPP programs, developing PIPP programs both in group settings and COVID settings, and coordinating PIPP programs with virtual learning to cover both MCM 1 and MCM 2 with only one program.

Mr. Kaiser’s presentation will provide a little bit of background information on the PA Turnpike’s MS4 and then explain what the Turnpike does for MCM 1&2. In this discussion, he will also compare/contrast what they do to what a municipality might typically do for their program.

Presentation by Brian Davis (Lower Swatara Twp.)

This presentation will cover a general overview of illicit discharges; their dangers and how to detect them. The session will focus on methods municipalities can use to better track outfalls and what procedures they can put in place to reduce inspection costs.

Presentation by Eric Mains (Hanover Borough) and Nathan Walker (Gannett Fleming)

A good map of the MS4 is the foundation for your outfall inspection program; it provides awareness of the connection between your MS4 and the receiving waterways. The presenters will also discuss how detailed mapping can also form a critical component of your infrastructure maintenance program and help to guide efforts to address flooding.

Presentation by Tara Hitchens (East Lampeter Twp.)

It all starts at home.  It’s essential that municipal employees understand the need for standard operating procedures to assist in the reductions required under the MS4 permit.  Education and hands on involvement are key to meeting the requirements of this minimum control measure. 

Presentation by Ashley Showers (Berks County MS4 Steering Committee and Cooperative Education Program)

A discussion regarding Berks County MS4 municipalities efforts to address the public education and involvement minimum control measures on a countywide level.

Presentation by Monique Dykman (Londonderry Twp.)

The Conewago Creek Restoration Project will restore nearly a mile of the Conewago Creek, remove legacy sediment, and restore 15 acres of floodplains. This project will count towards two communities PRP, while generating excess credits for future years. Join this session to learn about the in’s and out’s of this restoration project, as well as the lessons we have learned along the way!

Presentation by Jay Snyder (Ephrata Borough)

This session will focus on two projects of the Borough’s MS4 system. After several system wide surveys, dry and wet weather screenings, the worst polluter, Gross Run’s day-lighted-portion, was identified and determined to be the best investment for Sediment & Nutrient Reduction in the Borough’s MS4 System.  The challenges are: 1) its incised location, 2) approximately 83 property owners, 3) cost. A previous and most cost-effective project in our PRP list was done out in Ephrata Township at the Solar Site for a CARA - WWTP #2 Basin Retrofit. 

Presentation by Beth Uhler (CEG) and Jamie Gwynn (New Hanover Twp.)

Planning to meet permit requirements for Pollutant Reduction Plans can be a challenge, both on an individual project basis and in scheduling the implementation of multiple BMPs over the required 5-year period. This presentation will share a project schedule from New Hanover Township’s Pollutant Reduction Plan and identify common potential schedule (and budget) implications and considerations to anticipate during the implementation process. It was also review what may be required if revisions to a Pollutant Reduction Plan become necessary.

Presentation by Jere Northridge (College Twp.)

Six individual permit holders in the State College area have shared community resources and outreach since 2003. This presentation will include how individual permit responsibilities are maintained for each entity while continuing to share resources and reduce redundant efforts. A region-wide joint PRP was developed with cost sharing based on prorated pollutant loads.

Presentation by Pam Shellenberger (York County Planning Commission)

The York County Regional PRP covers 27 municipalities with an MS4 Permit. However, participants also include MS4 waiver and non-MS4 municipalities. In this session, you will learn about Plan development, financing tools, implementation progress, benefits of a Regional Plan, and lessons learned.

Presentation by Allyson Gibson (Lancaster Clean Water Partners)

Being a good neighbor can result in a beneficial partnership you never expected.  But that can be a sticky process because collaboration doesn't mean the same thing as cooperation and they don't mean the same thing as coordination.  But moving through each stage will help us learn how to do more than co-exist with our neighbors.  Join us to learn how Lancaster's municipal community is using partnerships in new and better ways.

Presentation by Jay Snyder (Ephrata Borough)

Ephrata’s MS4 program started in the Phase ll wave in Pennsylvania in 2003 with its first Annual Report to PADEP. The Program has adapted and matured over the years to address requirements preventing pollution to the maximum extent practical. 

Presentation by Dr. Leslie Rieck and Dr. Melvin Zimmerman (Clean Water Institute at Lycoming College)

We summarize common challenges concerning MS4 management and offer real-world examples of effective approaches for satisfying MS4 requirements. For example, with no direct federal funding mechanism, small municipalities are at a particular disadvantage in terms of finding funding sources. Small municipalities can benefit greatly from a realistic, facts-based clarification of MS4 policies and practices that lays out many options available to achieve NPDES requirements.

Presentation by Shane Adams and Jere Northridge (College Twp.)

College Township Engineering Department will share how to integrate GIS technologies into the annual MS4 inspection process for more efficient and accurate reporting. Logical steps, technology requirements, costs and prebuilt forms will be covered

Presentation by Jason Wright (Tetra Tech)

While design and construction of BMPs are critical, it is a small portion of the life cycle of the BMP. Effective and long-term operation and maintenance is fundamental for long term BMP success. This presentation will cover the basics of BMP operation and maintenance including typical maintenance tasks, schedule, and equipment.

Presentation by Mark Harmon (ARRO Consulting) and Tom Mayka (Dallas Area Municipal Authority)

MCM 5, BMP 3, of the MS4 Permit requires permit holders to ensure adequate O&M of all post-construction stormwater management BMPs that were installed to meet requirements in NPDES Permits for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction Activities approved since March 10, 2003. This requirement includes public and private BMPs. This presentation intends to outline standards for meeting the MS4 Permit compliance requirements for adequate O&M and verifying annual compliance.

Presentation by Dr. Lauren McPhillips (PSU)

This session will explore the need to consider climate change and extreme weather events in stormwater management. I'll discuss design standards and climate change considerations as well as what is known about function of green infrastructure and stormwater control measures in more extreme events, and strategies to help better manage extreme events in the future.

Presentation by Carolyn Hildebrand (West Cocalico Twp.)

Are you trying to get started on mapping your MS4 area? Is it an uphill battle due to public works crews that are not the most tech savvy?  Are there any other benefits to spending the money for electronic mapping? Ms. Hildebrand will be sharing lessons learned from the field.

Presentation by Rich Heineman (PennDOT)

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) owns more than 3,000 Stormwater Control Measures (SCM) – a number expected to double in next 10 years.  Tracking and keeping up with the long-term operation and maintenance obligations for these SCMs became increasingly difficult for the various organizational units within the Department. To ensure that PennDOT in meeting these obligations Publication 888 Stormwater Control Measure Maintenance Manual was developed to ensure consistent approach for inventorying, inspection and maintenance which are key aspects of any approach

Presentation by Adam Smith (FWS) and Bob Vierck (Spring Creek Trout Unlimited)

This presentation will start with a history of projects on Spring Creek, Centre County. It will feature three recently completed projects with emphasis on a project in Houserville, College Township. It will include funding sources as well as before/after photos. Also, a short discussion of the MS4 credit process. It will conclude with three significant lessons learned over the years.

Presentation by Laurel Oswalt (Dover Twp.) and Reid Garner (LandStudies)

This presentation will use the Fox Run Restoration to: (1) provide an review of the concepts behind legacy sediments and floodplain restoration; (2) explain the diverse and extensive benefits floodplain restoration offers, including stormwater management, flood mitigation, ecological uplift and cost-effective pollutant load reductions; and (3) offer broader takeaways of how floodplain restoration may benefit your community and steps for how to start planning.

Presentation by Jeff Shue (C.S. Davidson) and Flo Ford (Jackson Twp.)

The Little Creek Stream Restoration Project provided a unique blending of improved environmental health of a stream with a community recreation park. The merging of these two projects created an opportunity to provide environmental benefits, enhanced funding opportunities, community education and outreach, and provided the mechanism for long term monitoring and control of the stream.

Presentation by Renee Carey (Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy)

Geisinger health system worked with local and state partners to stabilize eroding stream banks and improve Sechler Run. Sechler Run is agriculturally impaired from sediment and included in the 2012 TMDL for Mahoning Creek. While Geisinger as the landowner provided some assistance, the project was funded using programs for agricultural BMPs.

Presentation by Kate Ebel (Wildlands Conservancy)

This session will focus on Wildlands Conservancy’s efforts in stream & floodplain restoration, providing case studies of projects completed with municipalities. These studies will focus on dam removal, streambank and habitat restoration, and riparian buffer restoration including information about partnerships, funding, and project implementation.

Presentation by Tara Hitchens and Charlie Thomas (East Lampeter Twp.)

Good projects don’t happen overnight, in some cases they can take years of culminating the right partnerships to get to the beneficial end product. This streambank restoration project is just that, a mutually beneficial project developed through the design build process.

Presentation by Jon Kasitz (RES) and Daryl St. Clair (PennDOT)

PennDOT and RES will provide an overview of the Sinking Springs Pilot Project BMP in York County. This project is an integrated wetland/stream restoration BMP that was designed, permitted, and constructed in under one year (2019), and provided over 200,000 pounds of sediment reduction credit towards PennDOT’s MS4 reduction goal. The speed, quality, and cost-effectiveness of the created thru the innovative ‘design-build-operate-maintain’ procurement approach developed by PennDOT and applied by an experienced restoration project implementer. PennDOT will review the status of its Pollutant Reduction Plan MS4 Credit Projects as well as best practices associated with those projects and opportunities for municipal partnerships. 

Presentation by Brian Winslow (Brandywine Rest Clay Alliance) and John Gaddt (Kennet Area Park Authority)

A significant stream restoration of 4,485 linear ft of Red Clay Creek at Anson B. Nixon Park will reduce sediment pollution by 201,287 pounds.  The project is a partnership with Kennett Area Park Authority and Brandywine Red Clay Alliance with partial funding from the Borough of Kennett Square and Kennett Township, Growing Greener, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF).  The municipalities have included the project in their MS4 plans and are sharing the sediment reductions.

Presentation by Kara Kalupson (RETTEW) and Dennis Groff (Paradise Twp.)

Paradise Township partnered with two private landowners to retrofit an under-performing dry detention basin to a dry extended detention basin. The original detention basin was expanded across the property line to manage stormwater runoff from a new land development project. This project was partially funded through a DEP Urban Stormwater BMP grant.

Presentation by Lindsay Gerner (York County Planning Commission) and Andrew Birmingham (JMT)

The County of York, York County Planning Commission (YCPC), and Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson (JMT) worked closely to perform planning, design, permitting, and construction administration for stormwater basin and grass channel retrofits on the site of the York County Prison. The project’s goal of maximizing stormwater treatment via existing dry basin retrofits on the Prison Campus was achieved by promoting infiltration, temporary storage of low flows, and providing water quality treatment for existing impervious areas. This project, completed in Fall 2019, was funded through an EPA grant administered through Pennsylvania DEP’s Local Stormwater BMP Implementation Grant program.

Presentation by Dr. Jayne Park-Martinez (PSU Berks)

PSU Berks is piloting a stormwater basin revegetation project, which:1) reduces surface-water pollution, 2) supports biodiversity through native habitat creation, 3) sequesters carbon by planting native wet-loving perennials, and 4) promotes sustainable green infrastructure.

Presentation by Shawn Fabian (HRG) and Tyler Erb (Silver Spring Twp.)

This case study will review the planning, funding, design, permitting and bidding of four different basin retrofits in Silver Spring Township that are under contract to be constructed in the spring/summer of 2021. These basin retrofits are part of Silver Spring Township’s Chesapeake Bay Pollutant Reduction Plan. Join us for a discussion on lessons learned and successes realized during their process.

Presentation by John Levitsky (Luzerne County Conservation District)

The Dallas School District was involved in MS4 stormwater upgrades through the planting of existing flood reduction basins. The stormwater basins were a maintenance problem that was resolved by planting the basins, allowing the basins to grow improved water quality, created on-site education labs for students, and reduced summer water temperatures entering streams while reducing the district's carbon footprint.

Presentation by Andy Stern and Dwayne Steager (West Hempfield Twp.)

The Murry Ridge Park is a public park owned by West Hempfield Township with a parking lot, basketball court, walking trail and a large expanse of mowed grass. Township staff recognized the opportunity to upgrade existing stormwater facilities to enhance stormwater treatment through a basin retrofit and to convert the lawn into a natural area that would attract native songbirds, pollinators and small mammals.

Presentation by Kathryn Cloyd (Oxford Borough Council), Ryan Davis (Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay), Meagan Hopkins-Doerr (Penn State Ext Master Watershed Stewards program), Cory Trego (Chester County Water Resources Authority)

In Autumn of 2020, Oxford Borough planted 4.6 acres of forest across multiple sites within the town limits. The entire endeavor, from planning to maintenance, was fully funded by grants held by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, and the projects will receive continued support and engagement from Penn State Master Watershed Stewards. It serves as a model for quick, easy, partnership-driven Urban Tree Canopy work that could and should happen around the watershed.

Presentation by Ryan Davis (Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay) and Jodi Sulpizio (Penn State Extension)

School grounds are excellent locations for stormwater BMPs; they generally have ample land and the educational opportunities are immense. In York County, nearly 20 acres of riparian forest buffer is being established on school grounds by a partnership between the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Stewards and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. This one project will carry a large amount of the CAP's urban riparian forest buffer acreage goals and is an excellent example of how similar projects can be implemented by local partners elsewhere in York County and beyond.

Presentation by Robert Boos (PennVest)

Discover new ways to address small projects, large projects, and replacement of lead lines.

Presentation by Ellen Kohler (EFC)

Many townships and boroughs in Pennsylvania have identified grant funding as a means to pay for their pollution reduction projects. This session will address how to appropriately incorporate grant funding in your stormwater program financing strategy as well as sharing a variety of grant programs that could help municipalities with their project costs.

Presentation by Andy Stottlemyer (Chambersburg/Franklin County)

Andy will be discussing the inception and evolution of a storm sewer utility in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. The utility has been in effect since 2015 and through intergovernmental agreements, we are now working in two additional municipalities to assist with MS4 compliance.

Presentation by Adrienne Vicari (HRG) and Bruce Hulshizer (HRG)

With aging infrastructure, increased MS4 regulatory requirements and more significant flooding events, Camp Hill Borough realized it needed a more holistic way to manage and fund its stormwater program. The Borough spent two years working with a stakeholder committee and the public at large to consider options and implement a new municipal authority to manage stormwater. Implementation of a stormwater fee in mid-2020 enabled the Borough to be revenue neutral, despite loss of property tax revenue due to the pandemic. Join us for a discussion on lessons learned and successes realized during their process of implementing a stormwater utility.

Presentation by Robyn DeYoung and Jamie Pizali (EPA)

This session will give a basic review of EPA's 2012 Integrated Planning Framework, examples of communities who included stormwater in their integrated plan and opportunities for technical assistance. We will also introduce the Municipal Ombudsman role so you know how and when you can engage.