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Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Program

Illicit Discharge as defined by the EPA as measurable flow during dry weather containing pollutants or pathogens. Illicit discharges are frequently caused when the sewage disposal system interacts with the storm drain system.

An illicit discharge is an unlawful act of disposing, dumping, spilling, emitting, or other discharge of any substance other than stormwater into the stormwater drainage system. The stormwater drainage system includes streets, ditches, catch basins, yard inlets, lakes and streams.
 
Examples of Illicit Discharges

  • Paint being poured into or near the storm drainage system
  • Changing oil or antifreeze over or near a storm structure
  • Washing vehicles where the runoff could drain into the storm drainage system
  • Washing dumpster pads and allowing the runoff to drain into the storm drainage system
  • Discharging swimming pool water directly into the storm drain system without dechlorinating the water
  • Discharging swimming pool water backwash (containing bacteria, sediment, chlorine, etc.)
  • Large amounts of yard waste being dumped into storm drainage systems
Please help The City of Bethlehem to prevent water pollution. Call the City at (610) 849-2787 to report an illicit discharge or any type of water pollution in our streams or stormwater drainage system. You can also complete the illicit discharge reporting form below and e-mail it to City of Bethlehem Stormwater Project Engineer, at StormWaterFee@bethlehem-pa.gov or mail the form to 10 E Church St, Bethlehem, PA 18018.

IDD-E-Complaint-Form