Illicit discharges include any discharge into a separate storm sewer system that is not composed entirely of storm water. An illicit discharge can enter the storm sewer system through an illegal direct connection into the storm sewer or indirectly through cracked pipes, spills or dumping. Common examples of illicit discharges include the connection of sanitary laterals to the storm sewer system, the dumping of chemicals, paint and oil into catch basins and spills from roadway accidents. Illicit discharges can cause severe impacts to water quality as these discharges are untreated before they enter local waterways. Pollutants associated with illicit discharges include bacteria, paint, toxins, oil and grease, solvents and nutrients.

Storm Water Best Management Practices

Storm water BMPs are natural and manmade methods and systems utilized to manage the quantity and improve the quality of storm water runoff. Examples of BMPs include rain gardens, vegetated swales, porous pavement and vegetated roofs. Storm water BMPs not only remove pollutants in storm water runoff, but also promote infiltration of storm water into the ground and evaporation of storm water into the atmosphere, which helps restore Beckley’s natural water system. Storm water BMPs are cost-effective practices for managing storm water runoff and provide additional benefits to the community, such as beautifying urban areas and providing habitat for wildlife.

Several types of BMPs can be implemented on residential property to manage storm water runoff from your roof, sidewalk and driveway, including rain gardens, rain barrels.