Stormwater Management

Effective stormwater management is crucial for protecting the environment, reducing flooding, and enhancing water quality. To address these concerns, Stafford Township has implemented several measures, including the development of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SPPP) and a Municipal Stormwater Management Plan (MSMP). These initiatives aim to minimize pollution and manage stormwater runoff effectively.

For more information on the Township's stormwater management efforts, you may refer to the following resources:

These documents provide detailed information on the regulations and practices Stafford Township has adopted to maintain low pollution levels in its stormwater management efforts.


As a resident, business, or other member of the New Jersey community, it is important to know these easy things you can do every day to protect our water.

Limit Your Use of Fertilizers & Pesticides


  • Do a soil test to see if you need a fertilizer.
  • Do not apply fertilizers if heavy rain is predicted.
  • Look into alternatives for pesticides.
  • Maintain a small lawn and keep the rest of your property or yard in a natural state with trees and other native vegetation that requires little or no fertilizer.
  • If you use fertilizers and pesticides, follow the instructions on the label on how to correctly apply it.

Properly Use & Dispose of Hazardous Products


  • Hazardous products include some household or commercial cleaning products, lawn and garden care products, motor oil, antifreeze, and paints.
  • Do not pour any hazardous products down a storm drain because storm drains are usually connected to local water bodies and the water is not treated.
  • If you have hazardous products in your home or workplace, make sure you store or dispose of them properly. Read the label for guidance.
  • Use natural or less toxic alternatives when possible.
  • Recycle used motor oil.
  • Contact your municipality, county or facility management office for the locations of hazardous-waste disposal facilities.

Keep Pollution Out of Storm Drains


  • Municipalities and many other public agencies are required to mark certain storm drain inlets with messages reminding people that storm drains are connected to local water bodies.
  • Do not let sewage or other wastes flow into a stormwater system.

Please see the following ordinances for the disposal for improper waste:
Chapter 185-2: Improper disposal of waste
Chapter 185: Stormwater System

Clean Up After Your Pet


  • Many municipalities and public agencies must enact and enforce local pet-waste rules.
  • An example is requiring pet owners or their keepers to pick up and properly dispose of pet waste dropped on public or other people’s property.
  • When your pet goes on the lawn, remember it doesn't just go on the lawn.
  • Make sure you know your town’s or agency’s requirements and comply with them. It’s the law. And remember to:
    • Use newspaper, bags or pooper-scoopers to pick up wastes.
    • Dispose of the wrapped pet waste in the trash or unwrapped in a toilet.
    • Never discard pet waste in a storm drain.

Please see the Pet Waste Ordinance Here: 
Chapter 60-18: Nuisances Disposal of Pet Waste

Stormwater Management Poster

Don't Feed Wildlife


  • Do not feed wildlife, such as ducks and geese, in public areas.
  • Many municipalities and other public agencies must enact and enforce a rule that prohibits wildlife feeding in these areas.

Please see the Wildlife Ordinance here: Chapter 60-26: Wildlife feeding

Don't Litter


  • Place litter in trash receptacles.
  • Recycle. Recycle. Recycle.
  • Participate in community cleanups.

Please see the Litter Control Ordinance Here: Chapter 136: Litter

Dispose of Yard Waste Properly


  • Keep leaves and grass out of storm drains.
  • If your municipality or agency has yard waste collection rules, follow them.
  • Use leaves and grass clippings as a resource for compost.
  • Use a mulching mower that recycles grass clippings into the lawn.

Please see the Recycling Ordinance Here: Chapter 166: Recycling

Contact information


New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Water
Quality Bureau of Nonpoint Pollution Control
Municipal Stormwater Regulation Program
609-633-7021