An illicit discharge is defined as any discharge to the storm sewer system that is not composed entirely of stormwater, except for discharges allowed under an NPDES permit or waters used for firefighting operations.  An illicit connection is a physical connection to an MS4 that primarily conveys non-stormwater discharges other than uncontaminated groundwater into the MS4.

Illicit discharges and connections allow contaminated wastewater into our local waterways without receiving any treatment.  Such activities may be intentional, but also may be unknown to the property owner.  For example, a home or business may have a sanitary sewer line connected to the storm system, allowing waste water from toilets and taps to discharge, untreated, into our waterways.  Washing a car or cleaning paintbrushes in the driveway or street can send suds and chemicals into the storm drains that connect to rivers and streams.  Dumping RV waste or household chemicals directly into a drain is another example of illegal activity that can harm our shared waterways.

Please help us protect the Grand River, Looking Glass River, and Red Cedar River watersheds by reporting illicit discharges and dumping to your local municipality.  You may also contact the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy's Pollution Emergency Alerting System (PEAS) at 800-292-4706.