Non-permitted discharges Ideally, the only thing that should occur either: leave your property and enter a storm drain is rainwater – clean, Non-permitted DIRECTLY, where uncontaminated rainwater. Discharges pipes or hoses either mistakenly or to the Storm deliberately flow into Recognizing potential hazards to the storm drain. surface waters and removing Drain System them is one simple but effective way everyone can help the quality of our waters. Anything that enters a storm drain or directly into a river By reducing the number of that is NOT stormwater is an pollutants entering the storm illicit discharge drain system you will help to (or non permitted discharge) ensure that our waters are safe OR and is against the law. for drinking, wildlife and INDIRECTLY, where recreation. pollutants seep into the storm drain system (e.g., For a more comprehensive list faulty septic systems), and guidance for what you can are dumped into the do to improve stormwater, go to storm drain (e.g., paint, the EPA’s website at used motor oil), or are www.epa.gov and search washed in with a storm (e.g., fertilizers, pet “stormwater.” waste). Non-permitted discharges contribute high levels of pollutants, Wachusett Reservoir Watershed including heavy metals, toxics, oil Department of Conservation and Recreation Division of Water Supply Protection and grease, solvents, nutrients, 180 Beaman Street viruses and bacteria to West Boylston, MA 01583 streams, lakes, and rivers. 508-792-7806 www.mass.gov/dcr/watersupply.htm April 2012 What can You do about What goes in here ... Most communities now have a non-permitted discharges? Stormwater By-Law or Ordinance that protects and Sweep extra fertilizer, grass clippings or dirt back onto your lawn from regulates the storm drain system. Violations could result driveways or roads. Never hose your in fines! driveway down. Keep leaves, grass clippings, trash and fertilizers away from any storm What types of things are drains or road shoulders. non-permitted* discharges? Never dump motor oil, chemicals, dirty or soapy water, or anything else, Sanitary wastewater down a storm drain. Pick up after your pet, even in your … comes out here. Effluent from septic tanks own yard. Store hazardous chemicals properly, Car wash wastewaters and take hazardous waste to a The EPA MS4 Program...at a glance: collection event. The storm drain system in your community Wash your vehicle on a lawn where Improper oil disposal (with the exception of Princeton) is regulated the water can soak into the ground. by the Environmental Protection Agency Radiator flushing disposal MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer If you notice: System) permit program. When this permit Laundry wastewaters Anyone dumping anything into a is issued to your town, the EPA is giving storm drain. approval to your town to discharge Spills from roadway accidents Unusual odors in or near the storm stormwater to surface waters – with the drain. understanding that only clean stormwater Improper disposal of household Dumped wastes in or near the storm will be discharged. Your town then becomes toxics drain. responsible for ensuring that nothing enters Flowing water in the storm drain the system that can pollute our lakes, rivers Chlorinated water from pools or during dry periods. and streams. hot tubs Unusual colors or staining in or around a storm drain. Pet waste Non permitted discharges can Contact your DPW. Please have a good cause your town to be fined by * Industrial facilities and several other description of where the drain is located. the EPA since they are discharges can be permitted by the EPA violations of the town’s permit! to discharge to surface waters. .