Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination

WHAT IS AN ILLICIT DISCHARGE?

The Environmental Protection Agency defines an illicit discharge as any discharge to a separate storm sewer system that is not composed entirely of storm water runoff.  Exceptions to this include:

✔️  Discharges from NPDES-permitted industrial sources

✔️  Discharges from firefighting, water line flushing, landscape irrigation, lawn watering and the discharge of non-chlorinated swimming pool water.  

Illicit discharges can potentially pollute and degrade our streams, rivers and lakes. Additionally, these adversely affect public health and safety, drinking water supplies, recreation, fish and other aquatic life, property values and other uses of land and water.

Some examples of illicit discharges include discharges from failed septic tanks, materials such as motor oil, radiator fluid, paint thinner, gasoline, paint and pet waste that have been illegally dumped into a storm drain or catch basin or an oil or chemical spill that reaches the storm sewer.  These non-storm water discharges occur due to spills, dumping and improper connections to the municipal storm sewer from residential, industrial, commercial or institutional establishments.

The City of Maumee has a separate storm sewer system.  All of the storm sewers discharge into a stream or river.  Therefore, it is important to protect our storm sewers and waterways from illicit discharges. 

If you suspect an illicit discharge, report it to the Sewer Division at 419-897-7190. Someone will be available during normal business hours, or feel free to leave a message during evening, weekends and holiday hours.  Or contact us at sewers@maumee.org.