The goal of SEMSWA’s Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) Program is to reduce the frequency and environmental impact of illegal discharges that are accidentally or intentionally put into the storm sewer system.

With few exceptions listed below, an illicit discharge is any discharge to the storm sewer system not composed entirely of stormwater. Since only stormwater is allowed in the storm sewer system, all fluids that are not stormwater can be considered harmful when discharged to the storm sewer system.

Allowable Discharges to the Stormsewer System:

• Irrigation return flow / lawn watering
• Diverted stream flows
• Rising groundwater or uncontaminated pumped groundwater

• Discharges from foundation drains, air conditioning condensation, water from crawl space pumps, footing drains

• Flows from riparian habitats and wetlands

Regulatory Mechanism

SEMSWA utilizes regulatory mechanisms that include enforcement actions, procedures for tracing and removing the source, and training staff to detect illicit discharges. SEMSWA also relies on citizens to report unauthorized discharges.

Household Hazardous Waste Pick-up

In an effort to keep hazardous materials out of the storm sewer system, SEMSWA offers door-to-door waste pick-up for citizens within our service area. The program accepts most household hazardous materials including motor oil, paint, pesticides/herbicides, and household chemicals.