Stormwater Complaints

What is Illicit Discharge

An illicit discharge is defined as any discharge to the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) that is not composed entirely of storm water. These non-stormwater discharges occur due to illegal connections to the storm drain system from business or commercial establishments. As a result of these illicit connections, contaminated wastewater enter into storm drains or directly into streams before receiving treatment from a wastewater treatment plant. Illicit connections may be intentional or may be unknown to the business owner and often are due to the connection of floor drains to the storm sewer system. Additional sources of illicit discharges can be failing septic system, illegal dumping practices, and the improper disposal of sewage from recreational practices such as boating or camping. 

Illicit discharge detection and elimination programs are designed to prevent contamination of ground and surface water supplies by monitoring, inspection and removal of these illegal non-stormwater discharges.

Reporting Illicit Discharge
To report an illegal illicit discharge in Findlay Township, call 724-695-0500 ext. 249 or send email to Tim Cook at:  tcook@findlaytwp.org

Reporting Issues at Construction Sites
Construction site runoff and post-construction runoff control are two of the minimum control measures (MCMs) required as part of the MS4 program. The goal of the Construction Site Runoff Control MCM is to protect our waterways from stormwater-related pollution that can result from construction activities. Pollutants commonly associated with construction sites include sediment, trash, sanitary waste, phosphorus, nitrogen, pesticides, oil and grease, concrete truck washouts, and construction chemicals.

Sediment is the most common pollutant associated with construction sites. Impacts of uncontrolled sediment runoff include but are not limited to: ecosystem damage, storm system infrastructure damage, and increased costs of producing drinking water.

To report a potential stormwater runoff problem at a construction site in Findlay Township, contact Tim Cook at 724-695-0500 ext. 249 or email to:  tcook@findlaytwp.org