NCS000482_Illicit Discharge brochure_20220526

Report to our Stormwater
Hotline
704-282-4515
If you suspect an illicit discharge or
stormwater pollution, call our hotline.
Reporting issues immediately can prevent
further contamination.
What do I say when I call?
1. Location of the incident.
2. Date and time you witnessed the
incident.
3. General description of the incident and
materials involved (if known). Do not
touch or move any materials.
4. Pictures if possible.
5. Your name and contact information if
you would like staff to follow up with you.
Various methods are used to locate the sources of
the discharge including visual inspections, video,
smoke, dye testing and water sampling.
To protect water quality and stay in compliance
with our NPDES permit, the City of Monroe has an
Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Program
that not only responds to reported issues, but
routinely inspects for signs of pollution. The City has
the authority to enforce violations of the
Stormwater Management Ordinance including
illicit discharges.
Engineering
employees water
testing
To report a suspected illicit
discharge or stormwater
pollution please call the
Stormwater Hotline at
704-282-4515
City of
onroe
Engineering
For more information on stormwater
runoff and pollution prevention
visit out website at
www.monroenc.org
For information on permitted
discharges please call
704-282-4535
Illicit Discharge
What is an illicit
discharge?
An illicit discharge is the release of
pollutants or non-stormwater materials
to the stormwater system. Illicit
discharges contribute high levels of
pollutants including heavy metals,
toxins, oil and grease, solvents,
nutrients, viruses, and bacteria that
flow directly into receiving creeks,
streams, rivers and lakes.

What is Stormwater Runoff?
When it rains, water can either soak into the
ground, in grass and landscaped areas or run off
impervious surfaces such as our streets, parking lots,
sidewalks and roofs. Stormwater runoff is the water
that flows over ground surface areas picking up
any pollutants in its path as the runoff flows into our
stormwater drainage system.
What makes up the Storm Drain
System?
This system is referred to as a municipal separate
storm sewer system (MS4). By definition, an MS4 is a
system of conveyances that includes;
• Catch basins • Headwalls
• Drop inlets • Pipes
• Curb inlets • Outfalls
• Drainage ditches
The MS4 discharges directly into creeks, streams,
rivers and lakes without treatment. Stormwater
conveyances reduce localized flooding.
Illillillllillll
y�
Illicit discharges can enter the system through
either direct connections or indirect inputs.
Wastewater connections, whether intentional or
inadvertent, should never be plumbed to the
stormwater drainage system, but sent to the
wastewater treatment plant where it can be
treated before the water is released into the
environment.
Examples of Illicit Discharges
• Trash & litter • Paint & paint remover
• Motor oil & auto fluids
• Cooking oil & grease
• Cleaners & soaps
• Wash water; mop
buckets, car washing
& power washing
• Pool chemicals &
pool discharges
that are not fully
de -chlorinated
• Yard waste; grass
clippings & leaves
• Pesticides
• Fertilizers
• Pet waste
• Dumpster leakage
• Construction
materials; cement
dust & concrete
washout
BLEACU
Sources
• Illegal dumping of any of the examples listed
above anywhere outside where the material can
be picked up by runoff during storms
• Spills of any of the examples listed above
• Cracked sanitary systems or septic systems
• Mobile car washes and pressure washing services
that do not collect and treat wash water before
proper disposal.
What to look for!
• Suds, odors, or
discolorations in surface
waters.
• Deliberate dumping of
substances such as paint,
used oil or concrete. It's rare
to see someone actively
dumping, but residue or
staining on top or around a
stormwater conveyance is a
good indicator.
• Staining near unsecured
containers stored outside,
especially those without
protection from weather and
precipitation.
How can you help?
• Prevent spills when working outdoors by placing
drip pans, or drop cloths before you start.
• Clean up spills by dry methods, such as
sweeping, or apply absorbents and then sweep
them up. Avoid washing spills with water.
• Store chemicals, cleaners, auto fluids, paint
supplies and other similar materials indoors or
under cover in leak -proof containers.
• Properly dispose of unused chemicals, cleaners
and other household hazardous wastes (HHWs).
Check the label for care directions.
• If you use fertilizers and pesticides, always follow
the directions for proper application.
• Never blow or rake yard waste into drainage
structures including ditches or directly into
waterways. Properly prepare it for collection or
start a compost pile.
• Don't dump your mop bucket or other wash
water outside and wash equipment indoors
when possible.
• Volunteer with us! You can mark storm drains
with "no dumping" to educate others.