Illicit Discharge

What Is An Illicit Discharge?

An illicit discharge is the discharge of pollutants or non-stormwater materials into a storm drain system via an illegal pipe connection or other direct tie-in and also via overland flow or direct dumping into a catch basin or storm drain. Municipal storm drains are intended to convey storm water runoff to nearby lakes and streams to prevent flooding, but they are not intended to carry flow from sources such as sanitary sewer systems, carwashes, Laundromats, or other similar sources. Illicit discharges are a problem because stormwater generally flows to a river, pond, or stream without any additional treatment, unlike wastewater or sewer which flows to wastewater treatment plants. Dumping anything other than stormwater into a storm drain is illegal and considered an illegal discharge.

Sources of Illicit Discharge

  • Car Washing, Laundry, and industrial wastewater
  • Construction Site run-off
  • Improper Disposal of auto and household toxins such as motor oil, pesticides, or paint
  • Sanitary Sewer Overflows
  • Spills on roadways and other accidents

Report It

To report an illicit discharge call 615-773-7957.

Construction Site run-off

Construction site

Sanitary Sewer Overflows

Water overflowing out of a drain