Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
The third Minimum Control Measure (MCM) requirement of the Blawnox Borough general stormwater permit is Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination. The goal of this MCM is to prevent concentrated pollutants from entering into our stormwater system and eventually polluting our river.
What is an Illicit Discharge?
An illicit discharge is any discharge into the stormwater system that is not comprised entirely of stormwater. Illicit discharge can be either accidental (for example a spill) or deliberate (like illegal dumping). They can also be direct, an example of which would be a pollutant being piped directly into a storm drain, or indirect, which would be a leak or spill on the street that is washed into the storm drain when it rains. Illicit discharges can be continuous and flow most or all of the time, they can be intermittent and only flow part of the day or week, or they can be transitory or a one time event. Types of illicit discharges include illegal dumping, illicit connection, construction related discharges, sanitary sewers, and accidental discharges and spills.
Examples of Illicit Discharges:
- Disposal of vehicle maintenance fluids into a storm drain
- Hosing or washing loading areas in the vicinity of storm drain inlets
- Leaking dumpsters flowing into a storm drain inlet
- Old and damaged sanitary sewer lines and septic systems leaking fluids into a cracked or damaged storm sewer line
- Pouring paints or stains into a storm drain
- Allowing wash water with soaps or detergents into a storm drain inlet
- Washing silt, sediment, concrete or gravel into a storm drain
- Pesticides and herbicides applied too close to a storm drain
- Grass clippings or yard waste being left to wash into a storm drain
- Spills from roadway accidents washed into a storm drain
What are some common indicators of illicit discharges?
- Unusual colors and odors
- Cloudy or murky appearance
- Suds, trash, debris
- Unnatural/ excessive vegetation
- Leaks, spills, dumping
What can you do to prevent stormwater pollution from you household?
- Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on a lawn or other unpaved surface to minimize the amount of dirty, soapy water flowing into the storm drain.
- Keep your car in good repair and watch for possible leaks. Take leftover or used fluids to a household hazardous waste collection. Clean up spilled fluids with an absorbent material like kitty litter or sand, and don't rinse spills into a nearby storm drain. Remember to properly dispose of the absorbent material.
- Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. When use is necessary, use these chemicals in the recommended amounts. Avoid application if there is rain in the forecast.
- Sweep up yard rather, rather than hosing down areas. Compost or recycle yard waste when possible. Don't over water your lawn.
- Cover piles of dirt and mulch being used in landscaping projects to prevent these pollutants from blowing or washing off your yard and into local water bodies. Vegetate bare spots in your yard to prevent soil erosion.
- Pick up pet waste as soon as possible and put it in the trash.
- Before beginning an outdoor home improvement project, locate the nearest storm drains and protect them from debris and other materials.
- Sweep up and properly dispose of construction debris such as concrete and mortar.
- Use hazardous substances like paints, solvents, and cleaners in the smallest amounts possible, and follow the directions on the label. Clean up spills immediately, and dispose of the waste safely. Store substances properly to avoid leaks and spills.
- Clean water-based paints from rollers, pans and brushes in sinks that drain into the sanitary sewer system. Use paint thinner to remove oil-based paints from brushes and rollers but do not rinse down sinks or drains.
- If you have a swimming pool or spa make sure to drain it only when a test kit does not detect chlorine levels. Whenever possible, drain your pool or spa into the sanitary sewer system. Be sure to properly store pool and spa chemicals to prevent leaks and spills, preferably in a covered area to avoid exposure to stormwater.
If you see an illicit discharge, say something!
To report an illicit discharge in Blawnox Borough, call the MS4-Stormwater Coordinator Mallori McDowell or Borough Manager Kathy Ulanowicz at (412) 828-4141 or fill out this form and return it to the Borough Office.
Important References