How to Detect and Prevent Illicit Discharge

The term "illicit discharge" is defined in Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Phase II storm water regulations as "any discharge to a municipal separate storm sewer that is not composed entirely of storm water, except discharges pursuant to an NPDES permit and discharges resulting from fire-fighting activities."

How Can You Detect An Illicit Discharge?

Some Things To Look For:

• Suspicious dumping of liquids (motor oil), animal waste, grass clippings, leaves, or any other item into a storm drain
• Makeshift pipes or hoses that lead to a storm drain or directly to a body of water
• Unusual or suspicious discharge in a catch basin or waterway
• Wastewater on the ground surface
• Leaky septic systems

How Can You Reduce Polluted Storm Water Runoff?

• Never dump anything into a storm sewer or storm drain
• Take used oil to your local waste oil recycling site (360 Summit Ave N)
• Dispose of hazardous wastes properly
• Discard pet waste in a garbage can

See Sauk Rapids Ordinance Section 15.04 Prohibited Discharge for more information on City regulations pertaining to Illicit Discharge.  If you notice Illicit Discharges or illegal dumping into the storm sewers, contact the Public Works Department at (320) 258-5329.