| What is an Illicit Discharge? An illicit discharge is defined as any discharge into a municipal storm sewer system that is not composed entirely of "stormwater.” In short, any kind of dumping into stormdrains or the stormwater system. Some common pollutants are:  When these pollutants find the way into the storm sewer system, even unintentionally, they cause serious health and water quality problems, such as destruction of the natural habitat.  Some indications of illicit discharges include - Unusual color or cloudiness
- Strong pungent or musty odor
- Floating debris
- Surface scum or foam
- Oil sheen
- Algae
Here are a few simple ways that YOU can keep illicit discharges out of waterways. 1. Used oil, antifreeze and batteries can be recycled at an auto parts store or at the County Hazardous Waste Facility.  2. Do not use a hose to clean up any spills. Use kitty litter or sawdust to absorb the spill, then sweep it up and dispose of it properly. 3. Wash your car on the grass so that the water, detergent, and dirt will be filtered by the soil. Or take your car to a commercial car wash, where the dirty water is sent to a wastewater treatment plant. 4. Household cleansers, pesticides, and weed killer, including the empty bottles, should be disposed of according to label directions. 5. Cooking grease or oil should be put into a disposable container, sealed, then placed in the trash. 6. Many household products, including paints, paint thinner and solvents can be taken County Hazardous Waste facility. 7. Paint brushes used with waterbased paint can be rinsed in the sink. If you have a small amount of leftover paint in a can, stuff it loosely with newspaper, let the paint dry out completely, and put it in the trash. 8. Be sure that washing machines drain into the sanitary sewer system. Laundry wastewater should not be piped into the yard or ditch, where soapy water can pollute waterways. | 
