MS4

Stormwater Management & The MS4

Program in Pleasant Hills Borough

What Is Stormwater and Why Does It Matter?

When it rains or snow melts, water flows over streets, sidewalks, driveways, and lawns.

This water, called stormwater runoff, often picks up pollutants like oil, grass clippings, pet

waste, salt, fertilizers, pesticides, and litter. Unlike the water from your home, stormwater

does not get treated at a wastewater plant — it flows directly into local streams, creeks, and

rivers through storm drains.

Protecting water quality is critical for public health, wildlife, recreation, and our drinking

water supply.

The MS4 Program

Pleasant Hills Borough operates a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4). The

Borough is required by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA

DEP) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to manage stormwater under the

MS4 Permit Program.

The MS4 program has six “Minimum Control Measures” that help reduce pollution:

1. Public Education & Outreach – Teaching residents about stormwater and how they can

help.

2. Public Involvement & Participation – Encouraging community cleanups, reporting, and

stewardship.

3. Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination – Finding and fixing illegal discharges into storm

drains.

4. Construction Site Runoff Control – Ensuring proper erosion and sediment controls at

building sites.

5. Post-Construction Stormwater Management – Reducing runoff after development is

completed.

6. Pollution Prevention & Good Housekeeping – Keeping Borough facilities and operations

clean.

How Residents Can Help Protect Our Water

Everyone plays a role in keeping local waterways clean. Here’s how you can help:

• Never dump anything into storm drains – they flow directly to creeks and rivers.

• Properly dispose of household hazardous waste like paint, motor oil, and chemicals.

• Pick up pet waste and dispose of it in the trash.

• Use fertilizers and pesticides sparingly – and avoid applying them before rain.

• Compost or bag yard waste instead of blowing leaves or grass into the street.

• Wash your car at a commercial car wash where water is treated, instead of in your

driveway.

• Report suspected illegal discharges (such as soap, oil, or sewage entering a storm drain) to

the Borough.

Report a Concern

If you see a spill, illegal dumping, or anything suspicious entering a storm drain, please

contact:

�� Pleasant Hills Borough Office: [412-653-5035]

Learn More

- PA DEP Stormwater Management Information: https://www.dep.pa.gov

municipal-sources