The PA DEP has issued administrative orders to nine municipalities in Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties that failed to comply with federally mandated Phase II Stormwater Permitting Regulations. 

Owners of municipal separate storm sewer systems, commonly called MS4s, are required to implement and enforce stormwater management programs. Since the MS4 program was implemented four years ago, system owners have been required to submit an annual report to DEP by June 9 of each year. These nine regional municipalities were late in submitting their 2005 report and have yet to submit a report for 2006. DEP’s administrative order gives these municipalities until December 22 to submit the year-three annual report. The violation not only subjects these townships and boroughs to legal action, it can also bring the possibility for fines. 

“Residents of these nine municipalities deserve the benefits that will come from looking after their stormwater discharges more carefully,” DEP Southeast Regional Director Joseph Feola said.