MS4 Program - Plans to Address IDDE

Detecting Illicit Discharge Pollution
Illicit discharges can be detected in many ways.  Franklin utilizes several relative simple processes to detect and investigate illicit discharge pollution.  Methods used include:
  • Dry Weather Outfall Inspection & Testing
  • In-stream Testing
  • Catch Basin Inspection
  • Citizen Call-In Inspection
In all investigations, MS4 inspectors are inspecting for any point source or non-point source pollution in the city's conveyance system or waterbodies. Once an illicit discharge is detected, the next step is to locate the source.  Selection of tracing will depend on the type of illicit discharge detected and information collected.  There are three (3) specific illicit discharges of concern, Transitory or intermittent discharges and continuous.

    • Transitory illicit discharge is a one-time event resulting from an accident, a spill, dumping or leakage. Because it is a one-time event, it is often difficult to identify, trace and clean up or remove this type of discharge.  It can be reduced by public education, tracking of discharge locations and enforcement of an illicit ordinance.
  • Intermittent illicit discharge occurs over a short period of time such as several hours per day, or a few days per year. This type of discharge is as a result of activities such as illegal discharge of waste into water bodies or land, or drum washing of exterior areas. These discharges are more likely to be discovered and traced. Is can cause small to large impacts on water bodies depending on the amount of pollutant discharged and the size of the receiving water body.
  • Continuous illicit discharge occurs as a result of an illegal connection from a commercial or industrial facility, a direct connection from a sanitary sewer, inflow from a nearby subsurface sanitary sewer that is malfunctioning or overflow from a malfunctioning septic system. This type of discharge is the easiest to discover and trace. It can have the greatest pollutant load.
  • Some indications of illicit discharges include..........
      • Unusual color or cloudiness
      • Strong pungent or musty odor
      • Floating debris
      • Surface scum or foam
      • Oil sheen
      • Algae

Tracing an Illicit Discharge

Once discovered tracing or tracking the source of the illicit discharge is a process of traversing up-stream of the storm conveyance system to include the trunk system of catch basins and storm drains.  Inspectors will work to isolate the source, investigate and proceed with appropriate action to stop or remove the discharge. 



Removing Illicit Connections and Discharges

The City has adopted an Illicit Discharge and Connection Stormwater Ordinance that prohibit illicit discharges into its storm drain conveyance system.  The enforcement authority for the ordinance will coordinate discharge removal and financial responsibility.  Actions include:
  • Notice of Violation
  • Emergency Suspensions
  • Discharges from Exempt Parties

What you can do..........

  • Used oil, antifreeze and batteries can be recycled at an auto parts store or at the County Hazardous Waste Facility.
  • Do not use a hose to clean up any spills. Use kitty litter or sawdust to absorb the spill, then sweep it up and dispose of it properly.
  • Wash your car on the grass so that the water, detergent, and dirt will be filtered by the soil. Or take your car to a commercial car wash, where the dirty water is sent to a wastewater treatment plant.
  • Household cleansers, pesticides, and weed killer, including the empty bottles, should be disposed of according to label directions.
  • Cooking grease or oil should be put into a disposable container, sealed, then placed in the trash.
  • Many household products, including paints, paint thinner and solvents can be taken County Hazardous Waste facility.
  • Paint brushes used with waterbased paint can be rinsed in the sink. If you have a small amount of leftover paint in a can, stuff it loosely with newspaper, let the paint dry out completely, and put it in the trash.
  • Be sure that washing machines drain into the sanitary sewer system. Laundry wastewater should not be piped into the yard or ditch, where soapy water can pollute waterways.

Illicit Discharge Reporting

To protect the quality of our Creeks, Rivers and public health, please report sources of pollution you witness along the roadside or in your neighborhood including:

 
    • Dumping waste/oil or other vehicle fluids
    • Improper connections outletting to ditches
 

You can do this anonymously by calling the Public Works Hotline: 317-736-3640 or to fill out our online form Drainage Issue.