This overview provides a comprehensive look at the Illicit Discharge Elimination Program (IDEP) and guidelines for Septic System Maintenance in St. Clair County. Below is a structured summary of the key information for quick reference.
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24-HOUR WATER QUALITY TIPLINE |
Report:
Anonymous 24-hour reporting |
The goal of the IDEP is to identify and eliminate sources of E. coli bacteria to keep waterways safe for wildlife and recreation.
What is an "Illicit Discharge"?
It is any release of wastewater or pollution into a storm drain or waterway. Examples include:
- Residential: Laundry/dishwasher water, failing septic, or grass clippings.
- Industrial: Chemical disposal or illegal oil dumping.
- Infrastructure: Sanitary sewers wrongly connected to storm drains.
Why are illicit discharges a problem?
Illicit discharges contaminate water with chemicals, diseases, and bacteria that harm fish, wildlife, and people. Children often play in small creeks and streams where illicit discharges begin, and the public swims at beaches where illicit discharges accumulate. Discharges are most problematic during and after rainstorms, commonly leading to summertime beach closures.
How is St. Clair County finding illicit discharges?
Once a suspicious problem is discovered, Environmental Health Sanitarians take a photograph, record a GPS point, and test for E. coli. Once the source of the problem is pinpointed, the resident receives notification regarding actions required to correct the situation.
Examples of illicit discharges identified by IDEP teams:
- Laundry suds
- Grass clippings
- Motor oil
- Salt
- Fertilizer
- Failing septic systems
- Leaves
Who is responsible for correction of illicit discharges?
Responsibility for fixing illicit discharges may fall upon a city, township, county, or resident. The Health Department has the responsibility and authority to ensure corrections are made through the Environmental Health Code and the Drain Code, which make these discharges illegal.