Contractors

As a Contractor performing work in our Borough, you can always make a difference in the condition of our local streams and waterways:

Never allow chemicals, detergents construction materials or anything other than water to enter the Borough's storm water system. For example, if you are doing concrete work, do not pour extra material into the street. These materials eventually enter our streams.

Keep your worksite neat. Loose trash, gravel, or other building materials can find their way into the street and eventually be washed into the storm sewer system.

Don't allow your muddy vehicles to track dirt onto the streets.

Borough Code Officers will be inspecting your job to ensure that you are taking appropriate measures to prevent unwanted materials from entering our storm sewer system. Infractions can result in citations and fines.

The Effects of Storm Water Pollution

The Borough of Yeadon would like to remind Yeadon residents of storm water pollution and how it can have a negative impact on our drinking supplies.

Sediment can cloud the water and make it difficult or impossible for aquatic plants to grow. Sediment also can also destroy aquatic habitats.

Excess nutrients can cause algae blooms. When algae die, they sink to the bottom and decompose in a process that removes oxygen from the water. Fish and other aquatic organisms cant exist in water with low dissolved oxygen levels.

Bacteria and other pathogens can wash into swimming areas and create health hazards, often making beach closures necessary.

Debris- plastic bags, six pack rings, bottles and cigarette butts washed into water bodies can choke, suffocate or disable aquatic life like ducks, fish, turtles and birds.

Household hazardous waste like insecticides. Pesticides, paint, solvents, used motor oil, and other auto fluids can poison aquatic life. Land animals and people can become sick or die from eating diseased fish and shellfish or ingesting polluted waters.

Polluted storm water often affects drinking water sources. This in turn, can affect human health and increase drinking water treatment cost.

Additional Resources

Pennsylvania Environmental Council
Department Of Environmental Protection
Stormwater Program
NPDES Permit Program Basics
Stormwater Outreach Materials and Reference Documents
National Menu of Stormwater Best Management Practices