What is an Illicit Discharge?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency defines an illicit discharge as, “any discharge into a storm drain system that is not composed entirely of stormwater” which can pollute and degrade local water quality.

Examples of Illicit Discharges: 

Smithsburg's IDDE Program
Under the MS4 permit requirements, Smithsburg must develop, implement, and enforce a program to detect and eliminate any potential illicit discharges that may enter into the MS4 system. The main components of this program include:
1. Develop a map of the MS4
2. Adopt an ordinance that prohibits illicit discharges
3. Establish legal means for the municipality to gain access to private property for IDDE inspections
4. Develop an IDDE Program and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and submit to MDE
5. Document and submit IDDE screening results
6. Maintain records of IDDE program

This is done by inspecting outfalls and tracking any illicit discharges using an updated map of the MS4 should flowing water be flowing during a dry weather period (no rain within past 48 hours). In the event that an illicit discharge is found, the Town of Smithsburg will test it for various chemicals to narrow down the source and use a map to track it to its origin. Once a source is found, actions are taken to stop the discharge and ensuring there is proper cleanup. 

How to Spot an Illicit Discharge
If you observe a flowing substance into a storm drain inlet, roadside ditch, or pipe when there has not recently been rainfall, you may have found an illicit discharge. Look for visible signs of pollution such as suds, oil sheen, and sewage waste or any unusual foul odor. Smithburg needs your help identifying any illicit discharges. If you see something that could be an illicit discharge in a dry weather period, please report it!

Pollution Prevention
When it rains, water flows over the land into storm drains and discharges directly to our streams, rivers, and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay. As it travels over land, storm water encounters different chemicals and pollutants which go directly into local waterways. Storm water, unlike sewage, is not treated before it enters a stream, so it’s important to try and reduce the amount of pollutants it comes into contact with before it enters local waterways. We can significantly reduce the amount pollutants that enter storm water by having good housekeeping practices such as cleaning up our pet’s waste, being mindful of the amount of fertilizer being applied to lawns, repairing leaky vehicles or machinery, not dumping directly into storm drains and using safe car washing materials.

All citizens are encouraged to be on the lookout for illegal dumping of pollutants of any kind, i.e. grass clippings, brush, lubricants of any kind, tires, animal waste, etc. into our storm water swales, ponds and drains. Please report any violations by calling Town Hall 301-824-7234.