Urban Streams and Storm Water Access in Lycoming County MS4 Region

Elaine Langone Center, Terrace Room

Lycoming College Clean Water Institute assessed streams and stormwater out falls within the Lycoming County MS4 region between 2015-2018.There are 205 outfalls in the Lycoming County MS4. The County MS4 area also includes seven urban streams with five on the North side of the West Branch Susquehanna River that were sampled as part of this study (Grafius Run, McClure Run, Millers Run, Bull Run and Tules Run). Water monitoring included dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, nitrates, nitrites, phosphorous, conductivity, TDS, alkalinity and aluminum. A 2014-2015 PADEP evaluation of Millers Run lists aluminum and agricultural as impairments. Current velocity during low and high flow events were also attempted. Coliform and Macroinvertebrate collections assisted in water quality interpretations. Biotic Index scores for the urban streams indicate fair to significant organic pollution. Water quality interpretation was evaluated with reference to number of stormwater outfalls previously recorded by the Clean Water Institute within the MS4. Results offer insight to community and governing bodies to better establish future administrative plans on decreasing the amount of urban and suburban pollutants from entering local waterways.