B12_hotline_brochure

How do report you re City of Durham
y p Public Works Department
c illiit discharges?,...
.._. -.-. � Stormwater & GIS Services
-Call 919-560-SWIM to report
illicit discharges.
-Staff will investigate and
determine whether or not a
violation occurred.
-If a violation did occur, the City
will take actions to try and stop
the the violation from happening
again.
-All calls can be anonymous if
you wish.
tprt'.,
Call 919-560-SWIM
1. What happened
2. Where it happened; nearest
street intersection or address
(and business name, if a
business was involved)
3. Date and time of event
4. Your name and phone number
(optional)
DURHAM
16,
:::
s,NOW
r
CITY OF DURHAM
1 8 b 9
Stormwater
rnv OF MEDIONE
Services
_:tt
Pr__' -- - - - - — -- __- - --- -- -- - f - - i. -.,n

What is an
illicit discharge?
Illicit means illegal. An illicit discharge is
any disposal of any substance other than
stormwater into the stormwater system.
An illicit connection is any connection of
wastewater into the stormwater system.
An example of this might be a connection
from a bathroom or a washing machine.
The accidental spill or leak of an unsafe
substance is also an illicit discharge.
How does this cause water pollution?
The stormwater system collects all the rainwater that runs off hard surfaces, like pavement
and rooftops. This stormwater runoff flows along the curb and gutter and then drains into a
basin or an inlet. The stormwater and any pollutants is has picked up go to the nearest body
of water. Anything that enters the stormwater system besides rainfall is considered an illicit
discharge. This violates the City of Durham stormwater ordinance.
Water pollution can damage fish and wildlife. It can also make
activities such as swimming and fishing unsafe. Keeping
pollution out of stormwater protects public health
and the environment.
Illicit discharges include
the following examples:
-Paint spills
-Soapy wash water
-Gasoline or motor oil spills
-Sewage
-Grease
Exceptions to the rule
These discharges do not significantly impact water quality so are not
considered illicit discharges.
-Flows from fire fighting
-Residential and charity car washing
-Dechlorinated pool water
What happens to violators?
irst time offenders and repeat offenders can receive large fines.
Illicit Discharges
1. First time offenders can be served a civil penalty for violating the
City Ordinance depending on the amount of the discharge. If the
discharge is equal to or less than 5 gallons, the violator can be
fined up to $1,000.00. This fine can continue for each day the
discharge continues.
2. If the discharge is greater than 5 gallons, the violator can be
fined up to $5,000.00; this fine can also continue for each day the
discharge continues.
3. For repeat offenders, the penalty will double the amount that
was previously fined up to $25,000.00 each day.
Illicit Connections
First time offenders can be fined up to $5,000.00 for each day the City
Ordinance is being violated. Repeat offenders can be fined up to
$25,000.00 per day.
I