Northampton Borough Council held the first in a series of public hearings Oct. 1 for the mandated MS4 program.

The program is expected to make several improvements to the Dry Run Creek area to clean up the stream and aid residents living on Banks Street from floods occurring from severe rainstorms.

Michael Schwartz, of Gilmore and Associates, the engineering firm preparing the plans for the restoration and remediation along the stream, outlined a series of projects that will take place to comply with state and federal regulations. The mandate covers all municipalities in Pennsylvania and requires the reduction of sediment and debris from waterways that spill into rivers, such as the Lehigh River.

The borough has been awarded a $200,000 grant from the state waterways agency for the cleanup of Dry Run Creek, which impacts Banks Street and the homes along the stream. Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst said another grant proposal for an additional $200,000 has been sent to the state. There has been no indication when the second state agency will act on the borough’s application for the additional grant.

Councilman Robert McHale indicated, in the event the borough is not awarded the second grant, the Dry Run Creek project will proceed. The borough would pick up the remaining tab for the cost of the work. It was also mentioned the restoration and remediation of Dry Run Creek could cost as much as $500,000.

Several residents expressed concern the additional cost would stop the project from moving forward. That was not to be the case, according to McHale. He noted the work could possibly begin in 2021 but must be completed by 2022.

The MS4 project is geared to streamline cleanup remediation. It will also be a benefit to homes along Banks Street. This past summer, two rainstorms caused damage not only to residents’ yards but also to the interior of some homes.

The project will include construction to address bank erosion. Excavation and other work on the opposite side of the creek will take place as well.

The work further includes cleanup of the Dry Run Creek beds, tree plantings, removal of dead trees on both borough and residents’ properties and placement of riprap (loose stone), which will channel the water in the creek away from the residential properties. It also will have hearty shrubs planted along the side of the creek to prevent erosion and sediment from entering the waterway. Debris presently in the creek, which includes several large items like appliances, will be removed.

Many residents asked if the creek will be dredged, but that is not the case.

McHale said this is a “very preliminary plan,” adding other meetings with residents will be held as the plans are formulated and before they go out for bid. He said he is available at all times, and residents on Banks Street can call him with questions or arrange to meet in person.