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Ferguson Township reviews MS4 stormwater program as DEP rewrites pollution-reduction rules
Summary
Township engineer summarized the annual MS4 program, reported permit renewal activity and pending DEP methodology changes, and outlined two priority pollution-reduction projects (Beaver Branch restoration and the Duck Pond inflow channel), with staff expecting to document completion by the annual report in September 2025.
The Ferguson Township Board of Supervisors received its annual Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program review on June 3, as the township prepares to report progress under a permit that expires June 30.
Township Engineer delivered the presentation, saying Ferguson first obtained an MS4 permit in 2003, filed a renewal application Dec. 20, 2024 and expects the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to issue a draft general permit. “We did file for renewal of the permit,” the engineer said. “We expect an extension of the existing permit at this time while DEP finalizes the new permit language.”
The engineer walked supervisors through the program’s six minimum control measures — public education and outreach; public involvement and participation; illicit discharge detection and elimination (IDDE); construction stormwater runoff control; post-construction stormwater management; and pollution prevention and good housekeeping — and the pollution reduction plan (PRP) framework used to meet Chesapeake Bay and impaired-waters targets. He said amendments approved in 2024 split projects by priority and noted DEP is revising its methodology for calculating pollutant reductions, shifting emphasis toward volume-infiltration approaches over streambank-stabilization projects.
On specific projects, the engineer described two priority PRP initiatives. The Beaver Branch stream-restoration project (in Pine Ridge, about 325 feet) has completed design, permitting, title/easement work and bidding; he said the Board has awarded the contract to Aquatic Resource Restoration Company and expects construction to finish by September 2025. The Duck Pond inflow channel stabilization has been constructed by Penn State; staff are finalizing a cost-sharing agreement so the township can document completion for PRP credit.
Supervisors asked whether an anticipated DEP extension would cover projects finishing after June 30. The engineer responded that DEP will review documentation and generally looks favorably on projects completed by the township’s annual report in September 2025. On credits and project types, the engineer said the draft permit appears to prioritize infiltration/volume-reduction projects and that the township will evaluate candidate sites, including township-owned facilities first and private properties if agreements are needed.
Chair Thompson and other supervisors asked staff to continue documenting progress, seek needed easements and report back to the board as DEP finalizes guidance. The board made no formal motion; staff said they will return with updates and cost estimates as projects move into procurement and construction.
