Reporting
Pollution Problems
An illicit discharge is broadly defined as a non-storm water discharge entering the storm sewer system. Examples include improper cross-connections (sanitary sewers or floor drains that connect to storm sewer lines), leaking sanitary sewer lines or septic systems, and illegal dumping of materials, such as waste oil or paint.
Citizens can help reduce water pollution sources by reporting problems such as sanitary sewers or floor drains that connect to storm sewer lines, leaking sanitary sewer lines or septic systems, and illegal dumping of materials, like waste oil or paint
| Clark County 24-hour Surface Water Quality and Spill Complaint line |
Call 360-397-2446 to report:
- spills and dumping into surface water or storm drains
- illicit sewer and waste water connections to the stormwater drainage system.
Not sure who to call? Refer to our online directory - Who to call with water-related questions
Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Project
The presence of illicit discharges during dry weather can cause water quality violations in storm sewer outfalls and in streams. Illicit discharges also increase pollutant levels in stormwater runoff.
Illicit discharge screening programs generally focus on periods of dry weather. During wet weather, storm sewers carry large amounts of stormwater which can mask or dilute any illicit discharges that may be present.
In 2006, the Water Resources program implemented a new Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) project beginning in the Whipple Creek watershed.
The IDDE project focuses on dry weather periods and utilizes a suite of indicators to test for potential illicit discharges. The project includes follow up and source identification efforts. Water Resources staff attempts to eliminate sources by providing technical assistance to landowners and by working with sewer utilities, the county health department, and other agencies.
2006 Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Screening Project Summary (PDF 747K)
During Summer 2007, the program screened county outfalls in Gibbons, Mill, Curtin, and Gee Creek subwatersheds. The program discovered two sites to watch for potential pollution problems and two sites with significant pollutant sources. The county works with state and local agencies to remove these sources.
During 2008, the program will focus its efforts on urban areas of lower Salmon Creek and Burnt Bridge Creek. The program will also examine outfalls to streams in the East Fork Lewis River where bacteria problems are identified by state and county studies
Map of watersheds scheduled for assessment 2006-2011 (PDF 184K)
Project Contact: Ian Wigger
