What is an Illicit Discharge

Federal regulations define an illicit discharge as “...any discharge to an municipal sewer that is not composed entirely of stormwater...” with some exceptions. These exceptions include discharges from permitted industrial sources and discharges from fire-fighting activities. Illicit discharges are considered “illicit” because municipalities are not designed to accept, process, or discharge such non-stormwater wastes.

Sources of Illicit Discharges

  • Sanitary wastewater

  • Effluent from septic tanks

  • Car wash wastewaters

  • Improper oil disposal

  • Radiator flushing disposal

  • Laundry wastewaters

  • Spills from roadway accidents

  • Improper disposal of auto and

  • Household toxins

How to report an Illicit Discharge

Step 1: Observe from a safe distance.  DO NOT touch or smell the substance.

Step 2: Notify

Weekdays between 8am-5pm please call the your municipal Public Works Department

In case of emergency call 911

Step 3: Provide information the following information

  • your name

  • phone number

  • discovery/incident time, date, and location

  • description of material, source if known

  • estimate extent of problem (slow trickle vs significant flow)

The sooner we learn about these incidents, the better our chance of finding the source and correcting the problem!