The weight of water

Flooding, property loss, diminishing wildlife, and public health issues – all words no municipality wants to hear. The runoff from heavy rains and melting snow enters storm sewers, pipes, and drainage swales. The water discharges into local streams, creeks, and rivers, bringing with it fertilizer, chemicals, petroleum products, and trash.

Stormwater drain

Clean water is critical to our health and safety, and so in 2003, strict Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) regulations were put in place and enforced. Undaunted, RETTEW was prepared, and we became MS4 experts. We not only understand all the program requirements, but we have helped numerous municipalities apply for and receive grant funding to reduce stormwater pollution and protect and improve water quality.

Bottom line: We help keep you in compliance with state and federal stormwater regulations.

Stormwater in practice

Stormwater infrastructure collects and conveys stormwater runoff. This includes curbs, gutters, ditches, pipes, swales, detention basins, rain gardens, and many other facilities. While all water has to go somewhere, unfortunately for several cities and towns, that “somewhere” means the streams, rivers, and lakes that supply our drinking water, provide recreation, and support our livelihoods. As the municipal engineer for more than 30 townships and boroughs, RETTEW is a sought-after provider for helping design new, cost-saving mitigation structures. We are here to help educate and inform residents, leadership, and decision-makers so municipalities can better plan and budget for government regulations.

Smaller municipalities don’t have much wiggle room in their budgets to implement new regulations. So, our team of experts partnered with a group of town leaders to apply for local, state, and federal grant funding. In southcentral PA, 11 municipalities received significant cost savings in construction and implementation.

Working with Manor Township public works officials, RETTEW designed stormwater retrofit projects that were implemented by Township staff. Together, we created bioretention basins, planted vegetated swales, and constructed wetlands. In the past, the large detention ponds were merely created to reduce flooding. Today, the basins are ecological and environmental successes – soaking up stormwater and filtering sediment while also providing native plants for local species. In addition to environmental benefits, retrofitting existing areas also provided significant cost savings for the municipality.

Raising fees is the last thing a municipality wants to do – especially with competing public service priorities. But as environmental regulations grow, new permits come with additional requirements, and municipalities need to find a way to pay for new or retrofitted infrastructure. The leadership of Highspire Borough, West Hempfield, and Upper Leacock Townships knew they needed RETTEW’s help in establishing the public’s understanding and support. RETTEW’s team of experts went to work developing materials and presentations for residents and business owners to educate and prepare them for new stormwater fees. A better-informed community meant more advocacy and buy-in for what the municipalities were trying to accomplish – a true win-win.

Connections and common sense

We care about our communities and want to see them not only meet government requirements but also allow residents to enjoy the waterways and a healthy environment in each location. From city hall to rural farms, stormwater impacts everyone. Getting it right is crucial – especially when the cost of non-compliance means massive fines and impacts to public health and safety.

Applying a common-sense approach, RETTEW’s experts are easy to work with and have connections at the local and state level – providing cost-savings ideas and resources every step of the way.

Learn more about MS4 programs: Find free community educational materials for your use here.

RETTEW is an approved National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Technical Assistance Provider, helping preserve and protect our nation’s wildlife habitats, species, and ecosystems.

The changing landscape of compliance

Stormwater management processes and regulations are ever evolving, and we know you need to be flexible while trying to budget and plan for the future. Starting early and maintaining steady progress with stormwater management program implementation spurs long-term planning goals for water quality projects and improvements.

Not only does RETTEW’s team of experts have more than 45 years of experience in landscape design, stormwater mitigation, and runoff management – they are also passionate educators and in touch with new and emerging policy and science.

We are industry leaders in every sense. Our staff works with you to develop projects that align with your goals, preferences, and budget. We provide cost-effective solutions for any challenge – existing and new. Bring your challenge; RETTEW is your solution.

Stormwater affects us all — find out more about it in this video!

Stormwater Specialties: