What is an Illicit Discharge?

The United States Environmental Protection Agency defines an illicit discharge as, “any discharge into a storm drain system that is not composed entirely of stormwater.”  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. 

Examples of Illicit Discharges:

• Septic Tank Seepage / Illegal Sanitary Connections

• Laundry Wastewater / Detergent

• Improper Waste Oil Disposal / Auto Fluids Flushing

• Home Improvement Waste (e.g. concrete, paint)

• Pesticides and Fertilizers

• Improper Disposal of Commercial and Industrial Hazardous Waste

• Pool / Spa Discharge

• Cooking Grease / Household Waste

Signs of an Illicit Discharge

The point in a storm sewer system where it empties into a body of water is a storm sewer outfall. It may be a pipe or ditch. If the outfall is flowing when there has been no recent rainfall, this may indicate an illicit discharge. Visible sewage waste, foul odor, suds or other evidence of contamination, are indicators that an illicit discharge is contaminating the storm sewer. 

Please be cautious about what washes off of your property and notify your local stormwater hotline if you detect any illicit discharge in your area. They are illegal and can directly affect you!

How does the city monitor for illicit discharges?

The City of White House routinely inspects the sanitary and stormwater systems by closed circuit television, during system cleaning activities and field screening . If an illicit discharge is identified, city staff may use dye testing to determine the source of the pollutants. Once an illicit discharge is confirmed, staff work with all involved parties to correct the problem.

For illicit discharges that result from intentional dumping and accidental spills, public education programs are extremely important. The Cumberland Watershed Compact educates commercial property owners in the county about pollution prevention, illicit connections, and illicit discharges. In addition, public education efforts by the city often focus on pollution prevention.

What can I do to prevent illicit discharges? 

Never dump anything in a storm drain or into a drainage ditch.

Report illegal dumping immediately to (615) 672-3654.