| Illicit discharges enter the system through either direct connections (e.g. wastewater piping either mistakenly or deliberately connected to the storm drains) or indirect connections (e.g. infiltration into the MS4 from cracked sanitary systems, spills collected by drain outlets, or paint or used oil dumped directly into a drain). The result is untreated discharges that contribute high levels of pollutants, including metals, toxics, oil and grease, solvents, nutrients, viruses, and bacteria to receiving waterbodies. Pollutant levels from these illicit discharges have been shown in EPA studies to be high enough to significantly degrade receiving water quality and threaten aquatic, wildlife, and human health. The University is required to develop and implement an Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Program that includes procedures for routine inspections, sampling and maintenance of outfalls; detection and elimination of illicit discharges, spills and illegal dumping; reporting and recordkeeping; employee training; and development and implementation of best management practices. For more detailed information regarding the University’s requirements under its NPDES Permit to Discharge Stormwater A Guidance Manual for Program Development and Technical Assessments US EPA – NPDES: IDDE
Center for Watershed Protection
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