IN Shaler Summer 2016 | Page 41

WHAT IS AN ILLICIT DISCHARGE? An illicit discharge is defined as any discharge to the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System that is not composed entirely of stormwater. These non-stormwater discharges occur due to illegal connections to the storm drain system from business or commercial establishments. As a result of these illicit connections, contaminated wastewater enters into storm drains or directly into streams before receiving treatment from a wastewater treatment plant. Illicit connections may be intentional or may be unknown to the business owner and often are due to the connection of floor drains to the storm sewer system. Additional sources of illicit discharges can be failing septic systems, illegal dumping practices and the improper disposal of sewage from recreational practices such as boating or camping. Illicit discharge detection and elimination programs are designed to prevent contamination of ground and surface water supplies by monitoring, inspection and removal of these illegal nonstormwater discharges. Call 412.486.9700 Ext. 230 or e-mail: msebastian@ shaler.org to report an illicit discharge. Shaler | Summer 2016 | icmags.com 39 TOW N SHI P OF SHAL E R N E WS All municipalities should be committed to improving water quality through better management of stormwater runoff. Shaler Township is committed to this goal. Immediately upon the adoption of the Stormwater Management Act in 1978, Shaler Township embraced the implementation of stormwater management techniques. It started very simply. The Township has been on a quest to put into action pragmatic and constantly up-to-date best management practices in managing stormwater throughout the Township. This quest more recently, under U.S. EPA and PA DEP direction, focuses on water quality along with stormwater management techniques. Every resident can participate in their municipal stormwater program by reducing or preventing pollutant runoff from their own property and by reporting any non-stormwater discharges into the township’s drainage system. There are numerous things we can do on a daily basis to keep pollution out of our waterways. The following are just a few things we all can do to help improve water quality on our streams, rivers and lakes: • Never dump anything into storm drains, swales or streams • Pick up litter from the street before it gets into storm drains • Use limited amounts of fertilizer • If you must use pesticides, search for an environmentally‑friendly brand • Recycle motor oil, paint and other hazardous chemicals. Never dump such materials down the drain or into the storm system • Recycle glass, plastic and aluminum • Always pick up your pet’s waste, or else harmful bacteria can get into our water Shaler Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping — Develop and implement a program that reduces or prevents pollutant runoff from municipal operations.