Illicit Discharge Elimination Program (IDEP)

STOP ILLEGAL DUMPING!

Dumping wastes into storm drains, catch basins, or ditches
carries pollutants directly to our waters.  It is illegal!  Please
report any illegal dumping:

 

What is an Illicit Discharge or Connection?

An illicit discharge is any discharge to the storm sewer system that
is not composed entirely of rain water or groundwater.  Examples
include dumping of motor vehicle fluids, household hazardous
wastes, grass clippings, leaf litter, industrial waste, restaurant
wastes, or other non-storm water materials into a storm sewer
system via a pipe or other direct connection.  Sources of illicit
connections may include sanitary sewer taps, wash water for laundromats
or car washes, and other similar sources.

How Do I Spot an Illicit Discharge or Connection?

• Look for makeshift pipes or hoses that lead to storm drain or
  body of water.
• Watch for stains, unusual odors, structural
  damage to streets or gutters, and abnormal vegetative growth in
  nearby lakes and streams.
• If you see an illicit discharge or connection, REPORT IT to your community. The Illicit Discharge and
  Connection Ordinance, adopted by your community, gives them legal
  authority to inspect and sample discharge, as well as enforce
  sanctions for violations.
  
   

MDOT- How to deal with Illicit Discharge

MDOT- How NOT to deal with Illicit Discharge

 

Catch Basin Decal Program

In an effort to deter illegal dumping into catch basins and
other storm structures, the Washtenaw County Road Commission is
working on a program to retrofit all storm structures with a
decal that reads:

“No Dumping – Drains to Stream”

All newly installed catch basins and storm inlets are required to
have the “No Dumping – Drains to Stream” language embossed into the
casting.

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Stream Crossing Sign Program

As part of an ongoing public education awareness initiative,
the Washtenaw County Road Commission, in association with the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office, continues
its annual program of installing stream crossing signs.

The purpose of the signs is to promote awareness of the
presence of a water body crossing a roadway and that the water
body is an integral part of a watershed.  Hopefully, with increased
awareness of these water bodies, the public will be more cognizant
as to potential negative impacts of such behaviors as throwing
waste or pollutants alongside the roadway.

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