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Township outlines MS4 plan to reduce sediment in Laurel Run Creek
Summary
Township staff presented the annual MS4 (stormwater) report and a Pollution Reduction Plan that targets a 10% reduction in sediment in Laurel Run Creek (about 150,000 lb). Staff described recent streambank restoration, vegetated swales and ongoing street sweeping; funding remains a challenge because the mandate is federally required but largely unfunded.
Muhlenberg Township — June 15, 2026 — Township staff presented the municipal separate storm sewer (MS4) annual update, focusing on the Pollution Reduction Plan (PRP) for Laurel Run Creek.
Jeremy, the township's presenter for the annual MS4 update, told the board the PRP goal is to reduce sediment entering Laurel Run Creek by 10 percent over the permit cycle. "Our PRP is to reduce 10% of the sediment that is in the Laurel Run," he said, noting the staff estimate of roughly 1,500,000 pounds of sediment in the creek and a corresponding 10% target of about 150,000 pounds (roughly 75 tons).
Jeremy described structural and nonstructural measures used to earn credits toward the PRP, including a vegetated swale at Laurel Run Park, recent streambank restoration work, and routine street sweeping and basin cleaning. He said permits run on about a five‑year cycle and that the township pursues grants to finance larger restoration projects because the mandate is federally required but not funded locally.
Board members asked clarifying questions; staff said additional streambank restoration and grant applications are planned to meet permit requirements. There was no formal vote; the presentation was informational and placed on the record.
Next steps: continued monitoring, pursuit of grant funding for additional restoration along Laurel Run, and ongoing public education about the MS4 program.
