News
Illicit Discharge and Illegal Connection Ordinance
Dec 27, 2006 by Natalie White
New ordinance to prevent illegal dumping into storm drains
On October 3, 2006, the Commission voted unanimously to adopt an Illicit Discharge and Illegal Connection (IDIC) Ordinance for Athens-Clarke County. This ordinance is meant to prevent discharges of pollutants to the storm sewer system. Illicit discharges include the dumping of chemicals, oil, sewage, and other materials into storm drains and streams. Such dumping contributes to increased nonpoint source pollution and degradation of rivers and streams in Athens-Clarke County. The impacts of these non-stormwater discharges adversely affect public health and safety, drinking water supplies, recreation, fish and other aquatic life, property values and other water uses.
Under the new ordinance, it is illegal to throw, drain, or otherwise discharge any pollutant or water other than stormwater into the county separate storm sewer system. The ordinance also makes illegal connections a punishable offense. Illegal connections are defined as any pipe, open channel, or drain on the surface or below the ground that allows an illicit discharge to enter the storm drain system. This ordinance also includes any connections made in the past. It also allows for the inspection of any property suspected of releasing contaminated discharges into storm drains.
Violators of the IDIC ordinance can be subject to fines and other penalties for each day they are in violation of the ordinance. Full text of the ordinance can be found here.
If you have questions about this ordinance or suspect an illicit discharge or illegal connection, please contact the Stormwater Management Program at (706) 613-3440. In the case of hazardous or toxic spills or discharges contact Georgia Environmental Protection Division?s Hazardous Waste Branch at (404) 656-4863 or 1-800-241-4113 or Athens Emergency Management at (706) 613-3410.
Tagged: illegal dumping, storm drains, acc stormwater, river degradation
