Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination

Why is Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination important?

Eliminating illicit discharges is a key component to protect water quality, guard public health and reduce negative economic impacts within Cecil County. When water bodies do not meet designated uses for drinking water, fishing, or recreation, tourism and waterfront home values may fall; fishing and shellfish harvesting can be restricted or halted; and illicit discharges can close beaches. In addition to those significant impacts, numerous fish kills and other aquatic life losses have occurred in watersheds as a direct result of illicit discharges.

In addition to the obvious economic, environmental, and health impacts, illicit discharges are regulated under the Clean Water Act. The Clean Water Act was passed in 1972 and has been amended multiple times. The most recent revision pertaining to illicit discharges is the NPDES Phase II Final Rule (1999), which includes a minimum control requirement that measures illicit discharge detection and elimination. In order to satisfy this measure, Cecil County must make a plan to include the following five components for implementation:

1. Develop a storm sewer system map that shows the location of all outfalls and the names and locations of all water of the United States that receive discharges from those outfalls
2. Prohibit, through ordinance, non-stormwater discharges into the storm sewer system and implement appropriate enforcement procedures and actions
3. Develop and implement a plan to detect and address illicit discharges to the MS4
4. Educate public employees, businesses, and the general public of hazards associated with illicit discharges and improper waste disposal
5. identify the appropriate best management practices and measurable goals for this minimum measure

What is an Illicit Discharge?

An illicit discharge is any direct or indirect non-stormwater discharge to the storm drain system (exemptions exist). Illicit discharges carry pollutants such as  paints, varnishes, and solvents; petroleum hydrocarbons and other automotive fluids; cooking grease; detergents (biodegradable or otherwise); non-hazardous liquid and solid wastes; yard wastes; refuse, rubbish, garbage, litter, or other discarded or abandoned objects and accumulations that may cause or contribute to pollution; floatables; pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers; hazardous substances and wastes; sewage, fecal coliform and pathogens; dissolved and particulate metals; animal wastes; wastes and residues that result from constructing a building or structure; and noxious or offensive matter of any kind.(This is not a complete list.)

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