The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) defines an illicit (or illegal) discharge as any discharge in to a storm drain system that is not comprised entirely of storm water. Illicit discharges can happen when pollutants are poured directly into a storm drain, ditch or stream, as well as when pollutants are left out on the ground and picked up by runoff.
Examples of Illicit Discharges
- Septic, sewage, or dumping or disposal of liquids or materials other than storm water into the Municipal Storm Sewer System;
- Discharges of washwater resulting from the hosing or cleaning of gas stations, auto repair garages, or other types of automotive services facilities;
- Discharges resulting from cleaning, repair, or maintenance of any type of equipment, machinery, or facility, including motor vehicles, cement-related equipment, and port-a-potty servicing, etc.;
- Discharges of washwater from mobile operations, such as mobile automobile or truck washing, steam cleaning, power washing, and carpet cleaning, etc.;
- Discharges of washwater from the cleaning or hosing of impervious surfaces in municipal, industrial, commercial, or residential areas (including parking lots, streets, sidewalks, driveways, patios, plazas, work yards and outdoor eating or drinking areas, etc.) where detergents are used and spills or leaks of toxic or hazardous materials have occurred (unless all spilled material has been removed);
- Discharges of runoff from material storage areas, which contain chemicals, fuels, grease, oil, or other hazardous materials from material storage areas;
- Discharges of pool or fountain water containing chlorine, biocides, or other chemicals; discharges of pool or fountain filter backwash water;
- Discharges of sediment, unhardened concrete, pet waste, vegetation clippings, or other landscape or construction-related wastes;
- Discharges of trash, paints, stains, resins, or other household hazardous wastes; and
- Discharges of food-related wastes (grease, restaurant kitchen mat and trash bin washwater, etc.).
PLEASE REPORT ENCOUNTER OF ILLICIT DISCHARGES
WHETHER ACCIDENTAL OR INTENTIONAL
You may contact the City of Scio by phone at 503-394-3342, during business hours, 8am to 5pm Monday through Thursday, 8am to 12pm Fridays.
For additional information about illicit discharge(s) view their form.