MCM 3

Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination

Howard County Stormwater District

Overall Strategy

Map the MS4 conveyances

Locate all outfalls

Conduct dry weather screening of outfalls

Develop & enforce an Illicit Discharge Ordinance in the MS4 area

Investigate outfalls with dry weather flow to detect & eliminate illicit discharges in the MS4 area

Provide targeted education about non-stormwater discharges to the storm sewer system

Overall Strategy

Investigate citizen complaints of illicit discharge in the MS4 area & county-wide stormwater district

Provide leadership & support for addressing large-scale illicit discharge problems

Map the MS4 Conveyances

In office: IDEM defines MS4 area Identify receiving waters

for NOI Define HUC-14 watersheds

for each receiving water

Map the MS4 Conveyances

Identify Receiving Waters

Map the MS4 Conveyances

Receiving Water HUCs in MS4

Locate All Outfalls

In field: Outfall

ReconnaissanceInventory• Walk or float all

receiving waters looking for outfalls from any size pipe or open drain

Dry Weather Screening

Document location of all outfalls to designated receiving waters

Conduct dry weather screening of MS4 outfalls

Water Testing at Flowing Outfalls

In field testing:1. YSI ProPlus handheld

meter with 4 sensors• pH• conductivity• dissolved oxygen• ammonia

2. Samples for lab • E. coli• Atrazine

3. Macroinvertebrate survey for edges of MS4

E. Coli Testing

Illicit Discharge Ordinance

Develop and enforce an Illicit Discharge Ordinance in the MS4 area 4 enforcement actions

to date

Prioritize Flowing Outfalls for Investigation

detect and eliminate illicit discharges To be conducted over the

remaining years in the NPDES permit cycle

Targeted Education About Illicit Discharges

Ongoing Schools Homeowners Businesses

Media Handouts Door hangars Radio Presentations Displays

Respond to Citizen Complaints

Anything "discharged" to receiving waters in MS4 or regulated drains in the county

30 complaints submitted to date ongoing

Provide Leadership and Support for Addressing Large-Scale Problems

Failing septics in neighborhood situations• investigation• organization• funding

Questions ?