What is an illicit discharge?
An illicit discharge is any discharge into the City’s storm sewer system that is not composed entirely of stormwater or uncontaminated groundwater. Such discharges are considered “illicit” because the storm system is not designed to accept, process, or discharge such non-stormwater wastes of contaminants. Illicit discharges include dumping of motor vehicle fluids, hazardous waste (industrial or household), paint, grass clippings, leaf litter, or animal waste. The illicit discharge may be a deliberate discharge, or runoff from a construction site. It must be stopped in order to ensure that our stormwater discharges do not pollute waters of the state.
To prevent illicit discharges to the stormwater system and to protect water quality, keep in mind the following rules:
1. Never dump anything in a storm drain or into a drainage ditch.
2. Clean up after your pet. Pet waste is a significant source of pathogens.
3. Throw litter in its proper place. If you see garbage near a storm drain, pick it up.
4. Properly dispose of household hazardous waste at designated locations.
5. Regularly check your vehicles for leaks (and repair them).
6. Compost yard waste
7. Recycle motor oil and other automotive fluids
8. Use fertilizers and pesticides only when needed and always follow the label instructions.
9. Wash vehicles in the yard, not on pavement. Better yet, take your car to a carwash, where all wastewater flows into the sanitary sewer system for treatment.
10. Report illegal dumping immediately
