Spring Garden Township – Spring Garden Township

Spring Garden Township
York County, Pennsylvania

Guide

Select from the tabs above for quick access to information easily accessible from our homepage.

Subdivision and Land Development Application Submission Guidelines – the policy was adopted by resolution February 2023. The application submission policy provides guidance on various ordinances & regulations which govern the preparation and submission and resubmissions of subdivision and/or land development plans.

Stormwater / MS4

What is an MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System)?

An MS4 or Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System is a general permit mandated by the USEPA that authorizes the discharge of stormwater from municipal separate storm sewers to waters of the US. These storm sewers only convey storm water, not combined waste or sewage.

Spring Garden Township is required to develop, implement, and enforce their Stormwater Management Ordinance (SWM) to reduce the discharge of pollutants from the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) to protect water quality, and to satisfy the appropriate water quality requirements of the Clean Water Act and PA Clean Streams Law. The MS4 permit makes up the SWM.

The SWM and MS4 permit consist of six Minimum Control Measures (MCMs) to be met by Spring Garden Township.

Minimum Control Measures (MCMs)

The six MCMs include:

Public Education & Outreach
Public Participation and Involvement
Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
Construction Site Runoff Control Measures
Post-construction Runoff Control Measures
Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping

Each MCM also has Best Management Practices (BMPs) associated with each which outline the practices the Township must incorporate in order to satisfy each MCM.

Illicit Discharge

What is an Illicit Discharge?

An illicit discharge is any discharge to an MS4 that is not composed entirely of stormwater or uncontaminated groundwater. The only things entering an MS4 should be uncontaminated groundwater or stormwater that is free of pollutants, debris, oils, residues, etc.

Why are Illicit Discharges a Problem?

Illicit discharges are a problem because they can pollute waterways without any treatment. Water from the storm sewer system typically is discharged directly from storm pipes to waterways so any pollutants being carried in the stormwater will also enter waterways.

Identifying an Illicit Discharge

An illicit discharge may have occurred if you notice that a storm sewer is discharging water, or if water or other liquids (other than stormwater) are entering the MS4. If the storm sewer is conveying water when there has been no rain, there is a chance it could be a sign of an illicit discharge.

How Can You Help?

You may notice stormwater inlets near your property, along roadways, or near businesses. You can monitor these stormwater inlets and take note if it seems like anything has been dumped into the storm sewer system.

If you do notice any potential pollutants entering the stormwater sewer system, please contact the Township during normal business hours. Outside of regular business hours, call the police non-emergency line, 717-843-0851.

Private Stormwater Conveyance Infrastructure – property owner responsibility

Permits

Stormwater Management Application – Include a site diagram showing the square footage of all existing and proposed impervious surfaces.

Documents

Educational Materials

Refuse / Recycling

For all refuse billing questions please contact Penn Waste Inc.

717-767-4456 or visit the website at www.pennwaste.com.

Link to the Draft Comprehensive Plan

To review the draft Comprehensive Plan please click on the link above.

Please submit all comments to either carolynyagle@epd-pgh.com or epd@epd-pgh.com by Monday, September 29, 2025.

Spring Garden and York Townships are embarking on an exciting journey to shape the future of our community through a joint comprehensive plan. The goal of this planning effort is to analyze both communities as a geographic area to coordinate regulatory, service, and capital improvement decisions, reflecting a collective vision for growth, development, and sustainability.

Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee:

Michael Thomas – Ward 1
Alex Bishop – Ward 2
Brian Ports – Ward 3
John Luciani – Ward 4
Jason Langheine – Ward 5
Mark Sindicich – Community Stakeholder
Jason Wehrle– Community Stakeholder
Amy Mitten – SGT Planning Commission

Use the QR code below to view the most recent draft of the Comprehensive Plan from July 2025.