Define illicit discharge in the context of stormwater management.

Define illicit discharge in the context of stormwater management.

• A. A discharge that includes non-stormwater and is not exempt.
• B. Discharge that is allowed by permit.
• C. Any discharge to a storm sewer system that is not comprised solely of stormwater, and is not exempt or allowed by permit.
• D. Discharge that occurs only during rainfall.

Answer: (C)

Illicit discharge means any discharge to the storm sewer system that is not comprised solely of stormwater and is not exempt or authorized by a permit. This definition matters because the storm drain network is intended to carry only rainwater runoff; when non-stormwater (or pollutants) enter that system, it can carry pollutants to streams, lakes, or other waters. The element about being “to a storm sewer system” is essential, as is the distinction that the discharge isn’t exempt and isn’t allowed by a permit. If a discharge is permitted by a valid permit, or if it’s an exempt flow, it is not considered illicit. Also, illicit discharges can occur during dry weather, not just during rain, so a discharge that happens only when it’s raining isn’t automatically illicit.

Illicit discharge means any discharge to the storm sewer system that is not comprised solely of stormwater and is not exempt or authorized by a permit. This definition matters because the storm drain network is intended to carry only rainwater runoff; when non-stormwater (or pollutants) enter that system, it can carry pollutants to streams, lakes, or other waters. The element about being “to a storm sewer system” is essential, as is the distinction that the discharge isn’t exempt and isn’t allowed by a permit. If a discharge is permitted by a valid permit, or if it’s an exempt flow, it is not considered illicit. Also, illicit discharges can occur during dry weather, not just during rain, so a discharge that happens only when it’s raining isn’t automatically illicit.