Federal regulations define an illicit discharge as “…any discharge to a municipal sewer that is not composed entirely of stormwater…” with some exceptions. These exceptions include discharges from permitted industrial sources and discharges from fire-fighting activities. Illicit discharges are considered “illicit” because municipalities are not designed to accept, process, or discharge such non-stormwater wastes. These discharges can harm Individuals, Wildlife, and plant life.

 

Sources of Illicit Discharges

 

• Sanitary wastewater
• Concrete provider clean outs
• Restaurant grease traps
• Effluent from septic tanks
• Car wash wastewaters
• Improper oil disposal
• Radiator flushing disposal
• Pool backwash water
• Laundry wastewaters
• Spills from roadway accidents
• Improper disposal of automotive fluids (mostly oils & coolants)
• Household liquid wastes (cleaners, carpet cleaning wastewater)

 

How to report an Illicit Discharge?

 

Step 1: Observe from a safe distance.  DO NOT touch or smell the substance.

Step 2: Notify –

• Weekdays: Monday – Friday, between 7:30 am-4:00 pm. Please get in touch with the Stormwater Program Coordinator at (585) 383-5604
• Afterhours: e-mail the Stormwater Program Coordinator at buildinginspector@villageofpittsford.com

Step 3: Provide the following information –

• Your Name
• Phone Number
• Location of Incident
• Discovery / Incident Time, Date
• Description of Material Observed
• Extent of Problem (slow trickle vs significant flow)
• If possible, a photograph of the incident

Why Report?

The sooner we learn about these incidents, the better our chances of finding the source and correcting the problem.