Stormwater News
Illicit Discharges
Birmingham Township is developing a program to detect and eliminate illicit discharges, which is part of the overall Stormwater program.
Center for Watershed Protection Illicit Discharge and Detection Manual 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 waste water, improper oil disposal, radiator flushing disposal, spills from roadway accidents, improper disposal of household toxics or 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 amount of harmful and toxic substances. These pollutants enter the aquatic system and degrade the water quality and threaten wildlife and human health.
To learn more about the stormwater program call the township office.
610-793-2600