Illicit Discharges and Connections
What is an illicit discharge?
An illicit discharge is defined as any discharge to an MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) that is not composed entirely of storm water (with some exceptions). Illicit discharges are considered “illicit” because MS4s are not designed to accept, process, or discharge such non-stormwater wastes. Sources of illicit discharges can include sanitary wastewater, effluent from septic tanks, improper oil disposal, laundry wastewater, spills from roadway accidents or improper disposal of auto and household toxics.
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 outlets, 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 bacteria to receiving 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.
Do all illicit discharges need to be addressed?
No. The following is a list of discharges that the Township may allow based on the findings that they do not significantly contribute to pollution to surface waters of the Commonwealth.
- Individual residential car washing
- Water line flushing
- Landscape irrigation
- Diverted stream flows
- Rising ground waters
- Uncontamminated ground water infiltration
- Uncomtaminated pumped ground water
- Pavement wash waters where spills or leaks of toxic or hazardous materials have not occurred (unless all spill material has been removed) and where detergents are not used
- Discharges from potable water sources
- Foundation drains
- Air conditioning condensation
- Springs
- Water from crawl space pumps
- Footing drains
- Routine external building wash down (which does not use detergents or other compounds)
- Dechlorinated swimming pool discharges
- Flows from riparian habitats and wetlands
How to report an illicit discharge
To report an illicit discharge or connection please download and complete the illicit discharge report form below or call the Township office at 859-3201 or email datadept@westearltwp.org. All reports will be kept confidential.
Illicit Discharge Report Form