Page 3 - Spring Garden Township - Spring-Summer 2021
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PROTECT OUR WATER FIREWORKS
Stormwater runoff starts on your roof, lawn, and driveway, as Although the state legislature
well as on local roads and business parking lots. From there it changed the PA Fireworks Law in
enters storm drains that ultimately discharge into our streams 2017, it does not permit use in
and creeks. Along the way to the streams, stormwater runoff residential neighborhoods, use by
can pick up pollutants and debris, or debris can clog the those under the age of 18 and
system and cause stormwater runoff to pond up and cause absolutely prohibits fireworks that
flooding problems. The pollutants and debris can affect the are classified as Display Fireworks
quality of the water, including: (Consumer fireworks are labeled as
Class C or Consumer grade). Further
• Increased cost in treating drinking water prohibitions under the current
fireworks law include:
• Algal blooms that can harm aquatic wildlife
They cannot be discharged
• Chemical pollutants that kill plants and animals
within 150 feet of occupied
• Unsightly streams with unpleasant odors structures, whether or not a
person is actually present
• Expensive fines from the DEP and the EPA to fix the problems
They cannot be ignited/
Spring Garden Township was issued a Municipal Separate discharged on a public/private
Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit from DEP that requires us property without express
to implement control measures to protect water quality and permission of the property
reduce the potential for the previously listed problems. An MS4 owner
is made up of a series of inlets/storm drains, storm sewer pipes,
swales, and outfalls that collect and convey stormwater. They cannot be discharged
Stormwater that exits the storm sewer system will most likely from or within a motor vehicle
end up in local streams. or building
It is important to keep our storm inlets, drains, They cannot be discharged
basins, and swales free of debris and with toward a motor vehicle or
stable vegetation to help allow the entire building
system to function appropriately. Dumping or They cannot be discharged
storing landscape debris (grass clippings, while under the influence of
leaves, soil/dirt, etc.) or hazardous materials alcohol, a controlled substance,
(oils, grease, etc.) in and around swales and
inlet structures is not allowed. Pet waste should be cleaned up or another drug
promptly. Intermingling of these materials with stormwater can Discharges in residential
generate polluted discharges or result in an illicit discharge. developments are absolutely
prohibited and punishable by fines.
If you see something suspicious
(soapy suds or unusually colored We also encourage residents to be
water flowing into or within a mindful of potential noise ordinance
local waterway or in a violations associated with the
stormwater structure, someone discharge of consumer fireworks.
dumping material like leaves,
grass clippings, trash, or liquids We understand that fireworks are fun
near or in a stormwater structure and appealing, but we urge all
or into a local waterway, etc.), residents to consider the inherent
please call Spring Garden danger and unintended consequences
Township. Check out this of improper use of fireworks and leave
awesome guide: https://www.lititzborough.org/sites/g/files/ the fireworks to the professionals to
vyhlif801/f/uploads/homeowners_bmp_om_guide_-_ ensure your celebrations are not
draft_10_6_17_reduced.pdf. marred by mishaps or visits from the
authorities. Please visit www.psp.pa.
gov/public-safety/pages/fireworks-
safety.aspx for Fireworks FAQ.
www.springgardentwp.org Spring/Summer 2021 | page 3