REPORT AN ILLICIT DISCHARGE

What is an Illicit Discharge?

When a pollutant is discharged into our storm sewer system or waterways, it is referred to as an ILLICIT or illegal DISCHARGE.

Illicit discharges can include nearly anything that is not stormwater.  Industrial, commercial or animal wastes, sewage, sump pump discharge, pesticides, motor oil, antifreeze, paint, etc. can all become illicit discharges when they are directly discarded into a storm drain, ditch, stream, river or even Long Island Sound. 

Why should I report an Illicit Discharge?  

Storm sewer systems cannot treat polluted water, because stormwater runoff is not piped to a wastewater treatment facility.  It is conveyed directly into nearby storm drains, ditches and watercourses, and is discharged untreated into our waterways where these concentrated pollutants can significantly degrade water quality and threaten aquatic life, wildlife, and even human health. 
That is why it is so vitally important to ensure that no pollutants are knowingly or unknowingly discharged into our storm sewer system.

How do I report a suspected Illicit Discharge?

To help protect our water quality, Westport residents are now able to report suspected illicit discharges by filling out the interactive Citizen Reporting Form and emailing it to illicitdischarge@westportct.gov, or by calling our Citizen Reporting Center at 203-341-1120.

For more information about illicit discharges, go to the Clemson Cooperative Extension Service for more information.