Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination

Protecting Our Waterways Through Responsible Stormwater Management

Under the Utah Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (UPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit, cities are required to actively identify and eliminate illicit discharges into the stormwater system. These discharges can carry harmful pollutants into local rivers, lakes, and streams, threatening public health and the environment.

Washington Terrace City is committed to protecting water quality by implementing a comprehensive Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) program, as required by Minimum Control Measure 3 of the MS4 permit.

 

What Is an Illicit Discharge?

An illicit discharge is any flow into the storm drain system that is not composed entirely of stormwater, except for certain exempted discharges (e.g., emergency firefighting activities, or uncontaminated groundwater flow). Common examples include:

  • Dumping of motor oil, paint, or chemicals
  • Landscaping debris/pollutants (fertilizer, pesticides, grass clippings, etc.) left on pavement in path of stormwater flows
  • Improper connections from sanitary sewer lines (washing machines, sinks, etc.)
  • Runoff from commercial car washes or pressure washing
  • Washing concrete equipment off onto the ground or impervious surfaces that can drain to the stormwater system

 

City Responsibilities Under the UPDES MS4 Permit

To comply with UPDES requirements, the City must:

  • Maintain a Storm Sewer System Map
    Identify all outfalls and receiving waters to track potential sources of pollution.

  • Enforce Local Ordinances
    Prohibit non-stormwater discharges and establish enforcement procedures.

  • Implement a Detection and Response Plan
    Develop procedures to trace, characterize, and eliminate illicit discharges, including coordination with property owners and regulatory agencies.

  • Provide Public Reporting Tools
    Maintain a hotline for residents to report spills, dumping, or suspicious discharges.

  • Conduct Dry Weather Screening and Monitoring
    Inspect outfalls during dry weather to detect non-stormwater flows.

  • Educate the Public and City Staff
    Raise awareness about the impacts of illicit discharges and train municipal employees annually on IDDE protocols.

  • Respond to Spills and Illegal Dumping
    Maintain a written response procedure and flowchart for coordinating cleanup and enforcement.

 

How You Can Help

Residents and businesses play a vital role in protecting water quality. You can help by:

  • Always report suspicious discharges or illegal dumping
  • Always dispose of household hazardous waste at appropriate locations (i.e. the Weber County Solid Waste Transfer Station)
  • Always ensure that any landscaping waste (grass clippings, leaves, etc.) from your site is removed from adjacent roadsides and street gutters
  • Never allow anything that is not uncontaminated water down the storm drains
  • Never pour concrete wash water onto the ground or down a storm drain (always wash concrete out into a water tight container and hold it until it dries completely)
  • Always avoid washing vehicles or equipment where runoff can enter storm drains (use a commercial car wash or wash your vehicle on your lawn)

 

Together, we can keep our waterways clean and safe for future generations.