Illicit Discharges
Illicit discharges are generally any discharge into a storm drain system this is not composed entirely of stormwater. The exceptions include water from fire fighting activities and discharges from facilities already under a Nation Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.
Illicit discharges are a problem because, unlike wastewater which flows to a wastewater treatment plant, stormwater generally flows to waterways without any additional treatment. Illicit discharges often include pathogens, nutrients, surfactants, and various toxic pollutants.
It is unlawful to discharge to any part of the drainage system any pollutants including, but not limited to chemicals, waste material, soil, rocks, glass, garbage, grass clippings, yard waste, and tree limbs. All sites, including construction sites, vacant lots or homes without landscaping shall maintain erosion and sediment control to prevent soil from going offsite.
The City of Rapid City has developed a program to detect and eliminate these illicit discharges. This primarily includes developing:
- A storm sewer system map
- An ordinance prohibiting illicit discharges: Chapters 8.46, 8.48, and 8.50
- pdf A plan to detect and address these illicit discharges (1.15 MB)
- pdf An education program on the hazards associated with illicit discharges. (1.44 MB)
If you notice something that may be considered an illicit discharge, please call:
City of Rapid City – Engineering Services (605) 394-4154
Cit of Rapid City - Code Enforcement (605) 355-3465