Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination

Developing and implementing a plan to detect and eliminate illicit discharges to the storm sewer system (includes developing a system map and informing the community about hazards associated with illegal discharges and improper disposal of waste).

What is an Illicit Discharge?

Federal regulations define an illicit discharge as any discharge to the storm sewer system that is not composed entirely of stormwater. There are exceptions to this rule: firefighting activities, landscape irrigation, foundation drains, water from crawl space pumps, etc. Sources of illicit discharges include sanitary wastewater, failing septic systems, car wash wastewater, improper oil disposal, radiator flushing disposal, spills from roadway accidents, improper disposal of household toxins improper use of pesticides and herbicides, etc. Illicit discharges enter the system either through direct connections (deliberate pipe hookups to the storm drain system) or indirect connections (spills collected by drain outlets, or deliberate dumping down the storm drain.) These illicit discharges drain directly to the creeks and streams and may be loaded with large amounts of harmful and toxic substances. These pollutants enter the aquatic system degrade the water quality and threaten wildlife and human health. All streams and creeks in New Garden Township have been designated as unfit for swimming or fishing by the EPA.

New Garden, as well as many other communities in the Southeastern Pennsylvania region, recently was required to obtain a permit from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for its storm drainage system. This permit required the Township to locate and map all stormwater piping and drainage ditch systems owned and maintained by the Township. The permit also requires the Township to inspect these drainage systems periodically to detect any "illicit discharges" from the systems.

What in the world is an illicit discharge? Simply stated, an illicit discharge is something that is exiting a storm drainage pipe or drainage ditch that is not stormwater and potentially could pollute our streams. Examples of illicit discharges that would be typical for a community like ours are septic system overflows, sanitary wastewater, chlorinated pool water, paints, oil, or other vehicle fluids, etc.

While the Township has inspected its drainage system thoroughly once since the permit was issued, our inspectors can not be everywhere all the time. If you happen to see something exiting a storm pipe or ditch that looks, smells, or feels like something other than stormwater, please contact the Township so we can track it to its source and keep our streams as clean and pure as possible. To report an illicit discharge call Robert Weer at Township 610-268-2915 ext. 103 or email Robert Weer.

Download Forms

• Illicit Discharge Complaint (PDF) - complete and deliver it to the township building.
• Construction Site Complaint (PDF) - complete and deliver it to the township building.