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1. What is an illicit discharge?

An illicit discharge is defined as any discharge to the municipal separate storm sewer system that is not composed entirely of storm water, except for discharges allowed under a NPDES permit or waters used for firefighting operations.

2. How does the County monitor illicit discharges?

We have in stream monitoring stations that send us readings every fifteen minutes on several rivers throughout the county. These station detect both source and non-point source pollutants that are discharged into our watersheds. We also do dry weather screenings to detect illicit discharges. These are performed at least three days after a rain event. If a dry ditch still has water flowing in it we check it for an illicit discharge.

3. What is the cause for most illicit discharges?

Failing septic systems

4. What are the signs of a failing septic system?

To make everything very clear we have broken down the signs of septic system failure into three separate groupings.

1. Issues in the Home:
-Backup of sewage in your drains or toilets; this can often be a black type liquid with a disagreeable odor.
-Decreased flushing of your toilets
-Decreased drain flow from showers and sinks
-Unpleasant odors in your home

2. Issues with your Tank
-Over-flowing or near over-flowing septic tank
-High solids accumulation in the septic tank

3. Issues with the Leach-Field and Surrounding Environment
-Water accumulating / wet patches in the leach field
-Lush green grass through-out the year, especially if the surrounding garden is significantly different.
-Presence of contamination (e.g. nitrates, bacteria) in your well water is potentially a major health hazard and is a very clear indication that your septic system is not performing adequately.
-Accumulation of algae and aquatic weeds in adjacent lakes, ponds, streams is a clear indication that your septic system is under performing and contaminants / nutrients are migrating from your septic system.