Today's topic is quite simply: are Amtrak and SEPTA good neighbors when it comes

to stormwater runoff?Having lived adjacent to the R5 SEPTA/Amtrak tracks that

traverse the small neighborhoods of the Main Line for quite a while, I have seen
the cause and effect of stormwater runoff from the tracks. I have documented it,
and even photographed it at times.

The train tracks as they crisscross our Main Line communities tell the story
clearly. And the old adage that water seeks its own level is quite true,
especially where the tracks are raised above the neighborhoods they cut through.
The water runs naturally downhill, and where not properly directed (mostly
everywhere) the water is a chronic issue. And in the winter, this runoff freezes
and creates additional icing issues on public sidewalks as well as streets.

In Haverford at the Booth Lane Underpass, the water rushes off the tracks, often
giving the appearance of a small waterfall. It floods the sidewalks, streets,
basements of many residents, and the municipal storm drains. The runoff also
carries much debris with it.

I have also seen a variation of this theme in other areas as well. Take for
example, North Wayne on the Pennsylvania Avenue side of the R5 tracks. North Wayne
has issues with railroad stormwater runoff, which is why I took note when I opened
this newspaper to read an article about the updates with the Wayne train station's
"extreme makeover." Towards the end of that article it mentions an issue that I
have been asking SEPTA about since November 2008: the large, ugly concrete pipe
that appears to move the stormwater from both sides of the tracks over some rocks
onto Pennsylvania Avenue. I was concerned specifically when I read:

"An inlet on the south side of the tracks brings stormwater north under the tracks
as it has, but instead of discharging onto a hillside, the pipe was extended and a
stone swale was placed at the bottom... Eventually the driveway will be paved with
porous pavement and small berms that will direct water down Plant Avenue. But if
township inlets are clogged and the Gulph Creek is overtaxed, which seems to be
the case, it is not SEPTA's fault."

Why are small neighborhoods the preferred method of dispersing railroad stormwater
runoff? How is the railroad not culpable with regard to runoff, when the very
history of how the rail lines were developed over a century ago plays an integral
part in the creation of today's issues?

Runoff from the railroad tracks (leased by SEPTA, owned by Amtrak) are most
definitively NOT something which should be merely categorized as a "local drainage
issue." In my opinion, the railroads have at the very least shared responsibility,
and it seems to me that deliberately directing the flow of stormwater in Wayne off
the tracks, across Pennsylvania Avenue and onto Plant Avenue is not a solution for
residents. Can't it be considered that it will only exacerbate existing stormwater
issues in this part of North Wayne over time? Also to be considered: a natural
water source that is already taxed by stormwater, the Gulph Creek. Is it
environmentally friendly for railroad runoff to end up in the Gulph Creek? And
what effect does additional runoff have on other streets close by that are on the
Gulph Creek?

As of the date I write this column, I have not had a reply from SEPTA addressing
my concerns. I have been told that someone will get back to me; they were busy
with President Obama's train visit to Philadelphia and perhaps even the dog ate
their homework. The response by Amtrak as to whose responsibility similar issues
were in Haverford have been along the lines of telling me what they were NOT
responsible for, which is pretty much everything. I did contact the PA DEP about
these runoff issues and was told:
"Unfortunately, these types of drainage issues are not uncommon in this region,
particularly those areas that have undergone development over a century ago...
this specific issue is not within DEP jurisdiction. The drainage issues that you
have described are supposed to be regulated at the local level. All municipalities
in our region should have stormwater-management ordinances, which need to be
adhered to... Pennsylvania is very serious about dealing with stormwater
management but our involvement is limited by our regulations."

Who do the railroads answer to? I love the fact that they are improving historic
train stations like Wayne and rebuilding train stations like Ardmore, but that is
not what being a good neighbor is solely about. I believe they have the ability to
do more proactive, corrective stormwater management. They should want to do more
because after all, we aren't just representative of their rider ship, we are also
their neighbors.

I do not believe that small neighborhoods should be responsible for capturing the
stormwater runoff of the railroads like populated retention basins. The railroads
need to find a real solution, more along the lines of containment and disbursement
on their own property. After all, it is what municipalities expect of regular
property owners, is it not?

Sign me swimming against the tide in search of solutions.

Carla J. Zambelli writes an occasional column for Main Line Suburban Life