An illicit discharge generally is any discharge into a storm drain system that is not composed entirely of stormwater. This includes the discharge of a variety of common items into storm inlets, ditches, and streams, such as:
- Paint
- Soaps and Detergents
- Gasoline
- Oil
- Sewage
- Household Hazardous Waste
- Solvents
- Yard Debris (i.e. leaves, grass clippings)
- Concrete Washwater and Waste
- Chlorinated Swimming Pool Water
- Sediment
Illicit discharges come from a variety of sources including industrial, commercial, and residential activity. Disposal of waste (liquid or solid), such as those items listed above, to sidewalks, curbs, stream banks, and storm sewer inlets are illicit discharges.
Failing septic systems and illegal connections, in which sanitary lines or floor drains are connected to a storm drain, are also sources of illicit discharge. There are few exceptions such as the release of uncontaminated groundwater, foundation drainage, and fire hydrant flushing.
Cedar Rapids Municipal Code Chapter 13 prohibits the discharge of anything other than stormwater, allowable non-stormwater, and pollutants for which an NPDES permit has been issued, to enter the City storm sewer system.
If you see or suspect an illicit discharge, call the City of Cedar Rapids Stormwater Pollution Hotline at (319) 286-5815.
