Illicit Discharge Identification
Discharges from MS4s often include waste and wastewater from non-storm water sources. A study conducted in 1987 in Sacramento, California, found that almost one-half of the water discharged from a local MS4 was not directly attributable to precipitation runoff. A significant portion of these dry weather flows were from illicit and/or inappropriate discharges and connections to the MS4. Illicit discharges enter the system through either direct connections (e.g., wastewater piping either mistakenly or deliberately connected to the storm drains) or indirect connections (e.g., infiltration into the MS4 from cracked sanitary systems, spills collected by drain outlines, or paint or used oil dumped directly into a drain). The result is untreated discharges that contribute high levels of pollutants, including heavy metals, toxics, oil and grease, solvents, nutrients, viruses, and bateria to recieving waterbodies. Pollutant levels from these illicit discharges have been shown in EPA studies to be high enough to significantly degrade receiving water quality and threaten aquatic, wildlife, and human health.
How do I know if I've seen an illicit discharge
5 Question Checklist for illicit discharge identification
- Does the liquid have a distinct color?
Since water is most often clear, the most obvious sign of an illicit discharge is the coloration of water. These colors can range from milky white, to flouresenct orange. If you see colors like these don't hesitate to call our illicit discharge hotline.
- Does the liquid have a distinct smell?
Chemicals such as gasoline, anti-freeze, detergents, and household cleaners have highly recognizable smells. If you smell any unfamiliar scent being discharged from a storm drain, catch basin, pond, or swale, please do not hesitate to call our illicit discharge hotline.
- Is there any smoke or bubbling?
In most cases, smoking and or bubbling is the result of a chemical ingredient reacting with another source. If you see smoke or bubbling around a stormwater facility (i.e. storm drain, catch bain, pond , or swale) please call our illicit discharge hotline.
- How much is being discharged?
The severity of an illicit discharge depends on the amount of a pollutant present in a stormwater facility (more chemicals, means more damage being done to that particular facility).
- How long have you noticed the discharge?
The more time a hazardous chemical has to infiltrate a stormwater facilty the more widespread it's likely to become. So as soon as think you've spotted an illict discharge, ask yourself these questions and don't hesitate to call.
Click here for information on illegal dumping
Click here to view Elkton Utility Mapping
Illicit Discharge Hotline: 410-392-6636