National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System - Illicit Discharge / Elimination

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) - Illicit Discharge/Elimination

An illicit (illegal) discharge is any discharge to a municipal storm sewer system - storm drains, pipes, and ditches - that is not composed entirely of stormwater. Pollutants end up in storm sewer systems in a number of ways, many of which are easily preventable. In some instances, companies or residences have waste pipes tapped into stormwater pipes. In other cases, individuals use storm drain inlets to dispose of various types of waste. Disposal of anything other than stormwater in storm sewers is illegal!

This Web Page describes the most frequent actions by neighbors that will help to avoid acts of Illicit Discharges and how citizens can report these discharges to the City for investigation and correction.

Actions to Help Prevent Illicit Discharge

1. Don't use pesticides - learn about Integrated Pest Management (IPM), or pull the weed!
2. Irrigate properly to avoid runoff into the streets and storm drains or into canals.
3. Don't apply more fertilizer than your soil needs. Have your soil analyzed at the County Extension Service.
4. Run all swimming pool water through a filter before discharge.
5. Keep grass clippings off the pavement and out of curbs. Blow clippings back onto the lawn and rake up if desired.
6. Wash cars on your lawn. Keep water off paved areas.
7. Create shallow retention areas in your yard and pert driveway runoff to them.
8. Route roof gutter downspouts to grassy areas.
9. Keep your car's pollution potential low by checking and repairing fluid leaks that will end up on the road and eventually into a waterway.
10. Carry a small shovel and plastic bag when walking on the city right-of-way to pick up after your pet.
11. Vegetate bare spots in your yard.
12.  Compost your yard waste.

The City of Indian Harbour Beach is also taking the following actions to reduce the discharge of pollutants to the MS4 (stormwater system):

1. Contracts with pesticide and herbicide applicators will ensure that all staff working on City projects be State-licensed and certified.
2. The City will provide specific stormwater pollution prevention literature to auto maintenance facilities under contract for City vehicle maintenance or to all such facilities in the City.
3. The City will require contractors conducting street sweeping to demonstrate that they dispose of collected material appropriately.
4. Any staff members conducting lawn maintenance will be required to properly dispose of clippings, rather than blowing them into the street or storm drain inlets.
5. Pollution Prevention and Erosion and Sedimentation control procedures are included as a contract requirement for any City construction project.
6. City Staff have been trained in spill prevention and contaminants and illicit discharge identification and investigation.
7. The City adopted Ordinance 2006-3 prohibiting illicit discharge or dumping into the MS4.
8. Dispose of hazardous waste at the Brevard County Land Fill located at: 
   3379 Sarno Road
   Melbourne Fl
   Phone: 321-255-4365, for questions on hazardous waste call 321-635-7954.

If you see your neighbor performing any act that will result in an illicit discharge to the stormwater system, explain to him/her how this action will result in increased water pollution. If your neighbor persists in the deliberate discharge of pollution into the storm drains, notify Code Enforcement at City Hall at 321-773-3181. Citizens are also encouraged to report any stormwater runoff or building construction debris that they observe leaving a construction site.

Water belongs to everybody and protecting it is the responsibility of each of us. If everyone would fight pollution on their own turf, in their own backyard, and on their own property, a lot could be accomplished. As the saying goes, if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. Let's all be a part of the solution!

Our City is pleased to make available to our citizens the following brochures and pamphlets:

• City Storm-water Pollution Prevention Public Education and Outreach
• A Green Blanket on the Water: ALGAE
• An Owner’s Guide The Indian River It’s Your Lagoon
• Clean Boating Habits – Clean Boater
• Clean Water: Everybody’s Business
• Flood Protection & Assistance
• Guardians of Florida’s Water: An Overview of the Agency
• In-ground Irrigation Systems: Design, Use & Maintenance
• Lawn and Landscape Watering Restrictions
• Mold & Mildew: Cleaning Up Your Flood-Damaged Home
• Pointless Personal Pollution
• Water Conservation Guide: How To Do Your Part
• Waterfront Property Owners Guide
• Please stop by City Hall to pick up your copy of these educational brochures.