Why is stormwater an issue?
Stormwater runoff is a serious concern in Stockton because it causes serious erosion and flooding. Managing stormwater keeps us and our properties safer, but that is not the end of the story. Drainage from our borough disperses directly into streams and wetlands and eventually into the Delaware and Raritan Canal and the Delaware River. These waterways are used for swimming, fishing, and as drinking water. Any contaminants in the stormwater directly affect the health of plants, animals, and people.
What is the Stockton Borough Council doing to address stormwater issues?
- Stockton applied for and received $75,000 in grants from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to upgrade and maintain our stormwater infrastructure.
- We used the grant funding to clean catch basins and install new storm drain grates, and we will soon hire a company to clean underground piping.
- We are now required to sweep our streets three times a year, and we have entered a shared service agreement with Lambertville for them to do the sweeping for us.
- We applied for and received a grant from the USDA to map our stormwater, drinking water, and wastewater systems at little cost to the Borough.
- In 2023, we applied for assistance from the Natural Resources Conservation Service to have a study completed to reduce stormwater flooding like that experienced during Tropical Storm Ida.
- In the summer of 2026, we applied for a NJ DEP Resilience grant in partnership with Lambertville and several other local communities. If received, this grant will allow us to complete a hazard vulnerability assessment and look for additional ways to improve our stormwater resilience.
How do new NJDEP regulations impact Stockton?
Stockton and all municipalities have had to create a series of new ordinances (laws) listed below.
Tree Removal and Replacement: Property owners must apply for permits from the Borough before removing trees. Removing healthy trees requires new plantings or contributions to a tree fund.
Yard Waste: May not be blown or dumped onto any public lands.
Litter Control: Littering is prohibited.
Pet Waste: Pet waste must be picked up from public property.
Wildlife Feeding Control: Wild animals may not be fed on public property.
Prohibiting Illicit Connections & Private Storm Drain Inlet Retrofitting: Sewage, wastewater, and other hazardous liquids or solids may not be drained onto or into municipal property or inlets.
Private Salt Storage: Salt and deicing materials must be covered and kept dry.
Proper Waste Control & Refuse Containers: Waste must be contained and may not enter public property. Containers must be covered, and garbage may not be discharged into water. Residents may order new 95-gallon garbage/recycling containers for $65 each from Republic Services by calling 908-730-7800. If you have difficulties with delivery, contact the Mayor.
What can you do to help?
Protect the waterways by collecting debris and pet waste and disposing of it properly. Avoid using pesticides, chemicals, fertilizers, and other pollutants. Use a non-phosphate detergent to wash cars. Remember that our stormwater runoff is processed into drinking water in other towns/cities. Stop erosion. Create rain gardens, or use trees and plants to avoid erosion. Reduce pavement areas, sidewalks, and other impervious surfaces. Protect Stockton’s drainage system by keeping leaves and other debris from storm drains and streets.
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