What is an Illicit Discharge?

An illicit discharge is an unlawful act of disposing, dumping, spilling, emitting, or other discharge of any substance other than stormwater into the stormwater drainage system. The stormwater drainage system includes streets, ditches, catch basins, yard inlets, lakes, and streams. 

Illicit discharges cause water pollution by sending pollutants right into creeks, streams, ponds, and lakes. Be sure you know what illicit discharges are so you can help prevent water pollution and keep our streams clean!

Prevent water pollution. Call the Township to report an illicit discharge or any type of water pollution in our streams or stormwater inlets. In case of emergencies, call 911.

Examples of Illicit Discharges

• Paint being poured into or near the storm drainage system
• Changing oil or antifreeze over or near a storm structure
  
• Washing vehicles where the runoff could drain into the storm drainage system
  
• Washing dumpster pads and allowing the runoff to drain into the storm drainage system

What Information Should be Given when
Reporting a Suspected Illicit Discharge? 

• What time did you see the discharge? It is important that illicit discharges are reported immediately so the person(s) responsible can be found and the discharge can be cleaned up and corrected as soon as possible. We want to respond as quickly as possible to prevent pollution to our environment.
• Where did you see the discharge? We'll need an address, intersection, business name, or landmark to help us quickly find the illicit discharge.
• What do you think the discharge is?  Was it a paint spill, oil spill, sewer leak, or some another type of illicit discharge?
• Was there a business involved? Tell us the name of the business involved to help us eliminate the discharge as quickly as possible and provide enforcement action when needed.