Only rain water or snow melt should be discharged to storm drains. An illicit discharge occurs when pollutants reach our creeks. Water Quality is dedicated to identifying and eliminating illicit discharges to protect the public, the environment and our local resources.
What are illicit discharges?
An illicit discharge can stem from several sources, including:
- Used motor oil, antifreeze, detergents and other petroleum toxins used for auto care
- Soaps, solvents, paint, concrete and grease that are used in cleaning, maintenance and construction activities
- Solids, such as soil, grass, leaves, mulch, excess fertilizer and other yard wastes
These materials may seem harmless, but they can contaminate our streams. These contaminants can be harmful to people, wildlife and plants.
Illicit discharge detection and elimination program
The goal of the IDDE Program is to protect the public, the environment, and other local resources through enforcement of the U.S. EPA, the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection and local regulations. If you see stormwater pollution, or an illicit discharge, please call LexCall at 311 or (859) 425-2255. Include location and a description of the potential pollutant. If you feel comfortable doing so, please leave a number where you can be reached if the inspector needs additional information.
Dry weather screening
The Dry Weather Screening program is a required element under the IDDE program for the city's KPDES stormwater permit compliance. Stormwater discharge is analyzed for common pollutants found in municipal areas. Positive test results are turned over to IDDE staff for source identification and elimination.
Stream assessment
Stream assessment is a vital tool to help identify watershed resource conditions. Environmental inspectors inspect streams looking for the following information:
- Stormwater outfalls
- Evidence of illicit discharges
- Utility impacts
- Trash and debris
- Stream crossings
- Severe erosion
The data from these assessments is used to provide a better understanding of the conditions of local streams and may be incorporated into other LFUCG activities, including: stormwater permit and Consent Decree requirements, trash and debris removal programs such as the Great American Clean-Up, the sanitary sewer rehabilitation program, water quality capital improvement projects, and watershed assessments and management plans.