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1. Is yard waste considered an illicit discharge?

Large amounts of yard waste can actually become harmful to our streams and creeks. Dumping yard waste into the storm drainage system can be considered a violation of the Township's Stormwater Management Ordinance. However, if residents are collecting leaves together along their curb line for the seasonal leaf collection program, this is an exception. Other than the seasonal leaf collection program (which is only for residential neighborhoods), residents can have their yard waste collected in biodegradable paper bags on their regular garbage and recycling collection day.

2. Where can used motor oil be thrown away?

When residents change their motor oil and perform other maintenance on their vehicles, none of that waste should be dumped into a storm drain because that is an illicit discharge and causes water pollution. Used motor oil can be taken to any auto parts store and their staff will take care of the used motor oil for you. The auto parts stores can accept motor oil in containers holding up to five gallons of motor oil.

3. Is water from swimming pools considered an illicit discharge?

Discharges from single residence swimming pools are authorized per the Stormwater Management Ordinance Section 601 provided that the water has been dechlorinated and that the water will not have a harmful impact on the environment. If the swimming pool water has chlorine in it (e.g. if it was recently "shocked" before draining), then that water can be extremely harmful to aquatic life in our streams and this will be considered an illicit discharge. Pool discharges should not be directed to the storm sewer or streams. Violators discharging chlorinated pool water that has a harmful affect on the environment will be held responsible for their actions.

Please consult the Pennsylvania DEP's guidelines in the link below for more information about pool discharges.

Swimming Pool Water Discharge Guidelines

4. Are there some things that aren't illicit discharges?

There are some exceptions to the Illicit Discharge Ordinance. Below are examples of exceptions:

Air conditioning condensate

Fire fighting runoff

Nonprofit car washing, including charity car washes and residential car washing

Groundwater discharges from sump pumps