Illicit Discharges

What is an Illicit Discharge?

An Illicit Discharge means any discharge to the storm sewer system, or Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4), that is not composed entirely of stormwater. Essentially any substance that can result in the reduction of water quality can be considered an illicit discharge. These discharges can be solids, liquids, or materials that mix into stormwater. 

Per the City of Apopka’s Code of Ordinances Article III Section 78-140, illicit discharges to the MS4 are prohibited.

Examples of Illicit Discharges:

  • Grass Clippings
  • Sediment
  • Fertilizers
  • Pet Waste
  • Laundry/Bath/Sink Water (also known as Greywater)
  • Chlorinated Swimming Pool discharge
  • Oil 
  • Paints
  • Sewage

Non-stormwater Discharges:

The State of Florida has identified several discharge types to the MS4 that are considered “allowable” provided they do not cause a violation of water quality standards. This includes:

  • Water line flushing
  • Landscape Irrigation
  • Diverted Stream Flows
  • Rising Ground Waters
  • Uncontaminated ground water infiltration to separate storm sewers (defined at 40 CFR 35.2005(20) in the MS4 Phase 1 Permit)
  • Uncontaminated Pumped Ground Water
  • Discharges from potable water sources
  • Foundation Drains
  • Air conditioning Condensate
  • Irrigation Water
  • Springs
  • Water from crawl space pumps
  • Footing Drains
  • Lawn Watering
  • Individual residential car washing
  • Flows from Riparian Habitats and Wetlands
  • Dechlorinated Swimming pool Discharges
  • Street Wash Waters
  • Discharges or flows from emergency firefighting activities
  • Reclaimed water line flushing authorized pursuant to a permit issues under the authority of Rule 62-610, F.A.C.
  • Flows from uncontaminated roof drains
  • Discharges covered by a compliant NPDES permit 

What is an Illicit Connection?

An illicit connection is any unauthorized pipe, ditch, or other manmade structure that is physically connected to a stormwater system. 

Examples:

  • Pipeline connected to residential laundry and discharging into storm inlet
  • Shop floor drain connected to storm drain
  • Sanitary waste pipeline connected to stormwater pond
  • Pool draining through hose into paved street with storm inlets

Illicit connections that drain to stormwater systems can introduce pollutants such as heavy metals, oils, chlorine, sewage, ammonia, and nutrients into surface waters, contaminating them. 

What to look for: 

  • Unidentified piping materials connected to the storm sewer system, such as PVC pipes or hoses
  • Abnormal flows during dry weather periods
  • Odor coming from storm system
  • Discolored water, suds, oil sheen, staining, or residue inside storm system
Stormwater drain with dolphin plaque reading drains rain only

Where can I properly dispose of Household Hazardous Waste?

Often times, household hazardous waste can become illicit discharges as these materials can be difficult to dispose of or are stored outside by residents who would prefer the products not be in their home.  

Hazardous wastes typically have one of the following properties:

  • Ignitable
  • Corrosive
  • Reactive
  • Toxic 

Some examples of Household Hazardous Waste include:

  • Cleaning products
  • Fertilizers
  • Herbicides 
  • Pesticides
  • Petroleum Products
  • Pool chemicals
  • Batteries (except alkaline/non-rechargeable)
  • Wet paint 

You can dispose of your household hazardous waste at the following two Orange County locations. For more information please go to the City of Apopka Hazardous Waste Page. 

Orange County Landfill
 5901 Young Pine Road 
Orlando, FL 32829

 Porter Transfer Station
 1326 Good Homes Road
 Orlando, FL 32818

What should you do if you see an Illicit Discharge?

Report it with SeeClickFix!

SeeClickFix is an online and mobile service request system for the City of Apopka. SeeClickFix allows residents to identify issues and report those service requests to our Apopka staff.