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		Illicit Discharge and Detection


	Illicit discharges are generally any discharge into a storm drain system this is not composed entirely of stormwater. The exceptions include water from fire fighting activities and discharges from facilities already under an NPDES permit. Illicit discharges are a problem because, unlike wastewater which flows to a wastewater treatment plant, stormwater generally flows to waterways without any additional treatment. Illicit discharges often include pathogens, nutrients, surfactants, and various toxic pollutants.

	Phase II MS4s are required to develop a program to detect and eliminate these illicit discharges. This primarily includes developing: a storm sewer system map, an ordinance prohibiting illicit discharges, a plan to detect and address these illicit discharges, and an education program on the hazards associated with illicit discharges.

	If you see an illicit discharge, please contact the 5-2-1 Drainage Authority at 263-8201.