Bristol, PA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Stormwater management in Bucks County operates under a three-tier framework: state law (PA Stormwater Management Act, Act 167 of 1978, 32 P.S. §680.1-680.17 and PA Clean Streams Law, 35 P.S. §691.1), county Act 167 watershed plans, and municipal ordinances implementing those plans. Bucks County Planning Commission has adopted Act 167 plans for all major watersheds covering the county: Neshaminy Creek Watershed, Tohickon Creek Watershed, Pennypack Creek Watershed, Pidcock Creek, Mill Creek, and Delaware River tributaries. Each municipality must adopt and implement a stormwater ordinance consistent with the county plan. Typical Bucks stormwater requirements: peak rate control for 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100-year storm events; volume reduction through infiltration and evapotranspiration; water quality treatment (typically 80% TSS removal); post-construction stormwater management with maintenance agreements. Projects disturbing 1 or more acres trigger PA DEP NPDES Construction General Permit requirements administered through the Bucks County Conservation District. Post-construction stormwater facilities (retention basins, bioretention, rain gardens, infiltration beds, permeable pavers) require permanent maintenance by property owners with covenants recorded on deeds. Bucks County municipalities with Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) designations (most densely populated townships and boroughs) hold NPDES MS4 permits under PA DEP requiring six minimum control measures: public education, public participation, illicit discharge elimination, construction runoff control, post-construction stormwater management, and pollution prevention. Low-impact development (LID) is encouraged. Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) provides additional interstate oversight for development affecting the river. Bucks County Conservation District provides technical assistance and E&S plan review.