What is an illicit discharge?
An illicit discharge is any substance that enters a stormwater conveyance system (i.e. storm drain inlets, open grass channels, etc.) or waterway that is not naturally occurring storm water runoff or uncontaminated groundwater. Some examples include but are not limited to: paint, solvents, oil, grease, detergents, gravel, leaves, and wash water.
What can we do?
Preventing and addressing illicit discharges is the motivation behind the City’s Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) Plan. The Plan includes routine system map updates and annual inspections of the City’s storm drain outfalls to find signs and trace sources of illicit discharges. An important key to the success of the Plan relies on citizens reporting suspected illicit discharges so that the source can be stopped and clean-up can begin as soon as possible.
Please use the Report a Problem link or call the City 24-Hour Switchboard at 301-600-1160 to report any suspected illicit discharges.