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Committee discusses stormwater bump-outs and DEP’s evolving MS4 requirements
Summary
Engineers and a conservation-district representative told the committee that installing bump-outs remains consistent with the borough’s Pollution Reduction Plan, but DEP is moving toward volume-based metrics; the committee discussed site prioritization and uncertainty about future crediting.
The Infrastructure Committee spent substantial time on Jan. 27 reviewing candidate stormwater bump-out locations and the borough’s obligations under the DEP MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) requirements.
Tony (Pennoni) presented candidate locations on the South Side and North Side and described the criteria used—sediment‑reduction credit, separation from existing bump-outs and construction feasibility. "We looked at some more potential, smaller mobile locations for a 2026 project," he said, and identified proposed sites including a bump-out at Melwood and an intersection candidate at Maple and Woodside.
Committee members asked whether installing bump-outs now would still count toward DEP credit if DEP changes its approach. A conservation-district representative responded that DEP continues to require the pollution reduction plan and that municipalities should continue implementing PRP measures: "DEP is still going to be requiring the pollution reduction plan as outlined... The rate reduction... seems to be the direction they're going, is effectively going to be the next step," the representative said, adding that past work will continue to receive credit while DEP phases in volume management.
Engineers said adding underground storage or other volume-management features could future-proof installations but noted uncertainty about whether DEP would allow retroactive credit for volume reductions. Committee members discussed tradeoffs—focusing on activities that currently receive sediment credit versus investing in larger or more expensive basins that manage flow volume.
No formal motion was taken on specific bump-out sites; staff will refine site investigations and return with a finalized plan and recommendations for council consideration.
