Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination

Introduction
An Illicit discharge occurs any time something other than stormwater enters a storm drain, except water from fire fighting equipment or a facility under an NPDES permit. Examples of illicit discharge include toxic pollutants, pest control chemicals, lawn care chemicals, and pet waste.

Why is this bad?
Illicit discharges are a problem because stormwater does not go to a treatment facility, unlike wastewater processed at a wastewater treatment facility before moving back into the normal waterways. So instead, it will move back into the waterways filled with unwanted additives.

How to help
Follow directions on all products you use; whether you are using chemicals to control pests, kill weeds, or fertilize your lawn, always follow the directions on the package. It will not only help you to save money by not overusing the chemical, but it will also prevent excess from entering into the Stormwater system.

Town Plan
The Town of Cedar Lake’s strategy to detect and eliminate illicit discharges to the MS4 conveyance system following the Town’s Stormwater Quality Management Plan (SWQMP) is presented below:

Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) Plan
Report an Illegal Discharge
lf you discover an illegal discharge, please complete the following form and forward it to the Town of Cedar Lake:

Public Complaint Form
Additional Resources
Please visit the Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination section on the EPA website to better understand and participate in eliminating illegal discharges into our waterways.