Overview
An illicit discharge is any discharge to the storm sewer system that is not composed entirely of stormwater. These non-stormwater discharges may occur due to illegal connections to the storm drain system from business or commercial establishments.
These illicit connections may result in contaminated wastewater entering local water bodies via the storm sewer system. Untreated, these discharges contribute to the degradation of our valuable water resources.
Illicit connections may be intentional or may be the result of connections made years ago when water quality issues were not a concern. Often these discharges are due to the connection of floor drains to the storm sewer system.
Other Sources
Other sources of illicit discharges can be failing septic systems (ISTS), illegal dumping practices, and the improper disposal of sewage from recreational practices such as boating or camping.
Illicit discharges may be detected when dry weather flow is observed. If the flow has a noticeable odor, appears discolored, or has an oily sheen, it may be the result of an illicit discharge.
The elimination of illicit discharges is a goal of the City's Surface Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
Examples of Illicit Discharges
- Fertilizer, grass, leaves, pesticides, pet/human waste.
- Gas, oil, paints and cleaners.
- Concrete washout and sediment from construction sites.
- Restaurant cooking oil.
- Carwash wastewater.
- Laundry wastewaters.
- Industrial wastewaters.
- Effluent from septic tanks.
- Spills from roadways.
- Sanitary wastewater illegally connected to the storm drain system.
- Anything that is not rain or snowmelt down the drain is a potential illicit discharge.
City of Roseville Ordinance 803.03, Chapter 8, 803.03 Storm Water Illicit Discharge and Connections, prohibits illicit discharges to the storm sewer system.
How You Can Help
- Report any suspicious discharges. To report an illicit discharge please contact 651-792-7004.
- Clean up hazardous spills immediately.
- Pick up litter and trash near storm drains. You can adopt a storm drain at adopt-a-drain.org.
- Clean up pet waste and dispose in trash.
- Vegetate bare areas to reduce soil erosion.
- Do not blow leaves, grass clippings and mulch into the street. Sweep them up if they do land there.
- Recycle oil, antifreeze and batteries.
- Bring household products, including paint, paint thinners, and solvents to a hazardous waste dump site. More information can be found on Ramsey County’s Household Hazardous Waste webpage.