Illicit Discharges

Illicit discharges are considered "illicit" because anything that goes through the separate sewer system is sent directly to a stream or lake and is not treated for pollutants.

Illicit discharges can result from:

A direct connection from the sanitary sewer to the storm sewer
Cracked wastewater pipes that infiltrate into the storm sewer
Chemical spills that drain into storm sewer inlets
Illegal disposal of paint, oil or other substances into storm drains

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations require communities to develop and administer plans to detect and eliminate illicit discharges. About 30 local Co-Permittee cities and counties have delegated that responsibility to SD1, which implements and programs and practices to control pollution in storm water runoff.

Common Sources of Illicit Discharges

Sanitary wastewater (sewage)
Failing septic tanks
Commercial car wash discharges
Improper oil and household chemical disposal
Swimming pool discharges
Laundry wastewater
Illegal dumping
Chemical spills

Signs of an Illicit Discharge

Water flowing from storm pipes during dry weather
Color in waterways during both wet and dry weather
Distinct odors that can be caused by sewage, chemicals, organic breakdown and more
Water cloudiness during both wet and dry weather
Floatables in waterways, such as sewage, oil sheen and suds

Reporting an Illicit Discharge

If you discover an illicit discharge, report it to SD1 by calling 859-578-7450. Include the following information:

Where the discharge is located
What the discharge looks like
Who caused the discharge, if known
When the discharge occurred or when you noticed it

Contaminated storm water runoff is considered one of the most significant sources of water pollution in the nation. Illicit discharges pollute the waterways we use for drinking water and recreation, threatening public health and harming the environment.