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Souderton hears MS4 compliance plan; one stream-restoration project could meet sediment targets
Summary
Engineers from Gilmore & Associates told the borough on Feb. 2 that Souderton must reduce sediment to meet TMDLs for Indian Creek and Skipback Creek. A prioritized stream-restoration at the borough sewage treatment facility could exceed the required ~85,000 lb/year reduction and lower the portfolio cost from about $2.4 million to roughly $315,000; a 30-day public comment period is open on the draft plan.
Souderton — Engineers from Gilmore & Associates outlined the borough’s obligations under the MS4 stormwater permit and presented a portfolio of best-management practices designed to meet state-required pollutant reductions.
At a Feb. 2 council meeting, Jeff of Gilmore & Associates said MS4 (the municipal separate storm sewer system permit) is enforced through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection via the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. "Simply put, this is a federally mandated program with real local environmental and financial implications," he said, stressing that municipalities must plan, implement and document pollutant-reduction activities.
Colleen, the project engineer, said total baseline sediment loads were estimated at about 852,000 pounds per year for Indian Creek and Skipback Creek combined, and that Souderton must reduce sediment by a minimum of 10 percent — roughly 85,000 pounds per year. "A portfolio of 17 potential BMP projects could provide about 123,000 pounds per year of reduction at an estimated $2.4 million," she said. "However, one stream-restoration project at the borough sewage treatment facility provides the majority of the reduction and reduces the estimated cost to about $315,000. It exceeds the entire required reduction on its own."
Presenters said the portfolio mixes structural and nonstructural BMPs — including stream restoration, rain gardens, updated inspection and ordinance enforcement, and public education — and that PA DEP approval is required for BMPs to receive pollutant-reduction credit. Jeff said the team will aggressively pursue grant opportunities to offset capital costs and recommended the borough establish a funding reserve for periodic projects and maintenance.
Councilors asked about annual maintenance costs and how the borough would budget for recurring work. Jeff said maintenance estimates are variable and recommended treating BMP work like a capital program (setting aside funds over time rather than expecting annual projects). Colleen noted the borough is in a 30-day public comment period and that the draft plan and PRP/TMDL materials are posted on the borough website; residents should submit comments to the borough manager.
Timeline and next steps presented by the consultants include planning and funding phases over the permit term, design and construction in later permit years, and completion of documentation needed to demonstrate compliance by the permit deadline. Final crediting for reductions will be determined by PA DEP when the borough submits documentation.
The presentation encouraged public participation during the comment window and emphasized that PA DEP will be the authority to grant pollutant-reduction credit for any implemented projects.
