Illicit Discharges

What is an Illicit Discharge?

Federal regulations define an illicit discharge as “…any discharge to an municipal storm sewer system 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” and are prohibited because municipalities are not designed to accept, process, or safely discharge this non-stormwater water. In Perinton, the storm sewer system is a separate system of collection basins, pipes, and swales and is not part of the sanitary sewer system that transports sewage from our homes to the water resource recovery facility. This is a very important concept to understand because water that enters the storm sewer system is transported to the nearest waterway, and ultimately to Irondequoit Bay / Lake Ontario, without being treated at a sewage treatment plant. Because of that, illicit discharges can cause a significant environmental impacts to natural waterways, including algae blooms and bacteria, beach closures, fish kills, and water chemistry imbalance.

Sources of Illicit Discharges

Sanitary wastewater
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 7:30am-4:00pm please contact the Stormwater Program Coordinator at (585) 223-5115
Afterhours: e-mail the Stormwater Program Coordinator at ewilliams@perinton.org

Step 3: Provide the following information –

Your Name
Phone Number
Discovery / Incident Time, Date, and Location
Description of Material Observed
Extent of Problem (slow trickle vs significant flow)

Why Report?

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

Common Behaviors that can cause Illicit Discharges

Disposal of Household Chemicals– Never dispose of household cleaners, paint, automotive fluids, fertilizer/pesticides, oil, or gas outside or by dumping them into a storm drain . These hazardous materials can lead to stormwater pollution if not disposed of properly. Monroe County residents can visit Monroe County’s EcoPark to find out how to dispose of household hazardous wastes in an environmental safe and easy manner.
Automotive Maintenance & Car Washing – Cars washed on the street or driveways can contaminate our waterways with grease, motor oil, metals, and detergent. As an alternative, get your car washed at a commercial car wash, or wash your car at home, but on the grass instead of in the driveway. When completing “at-home” car maintenance, never dump antifreeze, transmission fluid, motor oil or other hazardous waste. Used oil from one oil change can pollute up to a million gallons of freshwater. Dispose of these fluids at Monroe County’s ECOpark, or at participating auto repair garages.
Lack of Septic System Maintenance – For homes with septic systems, the septic tank should be pumped out every 2-3 years. Contact a reputable septic system maintenance provider if you feel that the tank or leach field is not functioning properly. Timely and routine septic system maintenance can prevent household sewage from flooding your lawn and ultimately draining into our waterways. For information about maintaining your septic system, go to Monroe County Health Dept. Septic System Care and Maintenance.
Draining/backwashing Pools & Spas – Water treatment chemicals in home pools, and spas can be detrimental to aquatic life. Chlorine, algaecide, acid and other chemicals should be handled, stored and disposed properly. Pool backwashing and pool draining are the two (2) the most common maintenance activites. Backwash and pool drain water can become a pollutant to our stormwater system, and should be done carefully to prevent an impact to natural waterways. Backwash water should drain into the lawn or other landscaped area of your property. Draining slowly will allow chemicals to dissipate and prevent erosion. Never drain backwash into a stream, creek, pond, or other natural waterbody. Do not drain backwash water into the storm sewer system. Do not drain backwash onto driveways, sidewalks, streets, or other impervious surfaces; instead, drain slowly to the lawn or other landscaped area of your property using a low-volume pump or siphon . All wastewater from acid washing should be neutralized to pH between 6.0 and 7.0 and discharged to the lawn or sanitary sewer. Dispose of diatomaceous earth (DE) in the household garbage. Drain your pool, or spa only when a tested sample does not detect chlorine (or other chemicals). Be aware of drainage patterns that may affect neighboring properties, especially steep slopes.