Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination

Please do NOT make contact with any material or liquid at a spill location. If you believe the spill is hazardous and is a threat to health and public safety, please call 911 to report the spill/discharge.

CLICK HERE TO REPORT AN ILLICIT DISCHARGE OR ILLICIT CONNECTION  or EMAIL Kourtney.Hopkins@gallatintn.gov 

What is an illicit discharge?

In general, illicit discharges include any discharge into a storm drain system that is not entirely composed of stormwater. The exceptions include water from firefighting activities and discharges from facilities already under an NPDES permit. Illicit discharges are a problem because, unlike wastewater, which flows to a treatment plant, stormwater generally flows to waterways without any additional treatment. Illicit discharges often contain pathogens, nutrients, surfactants, and various toxic pollutants.

What is an illicit connection?

An illicit connection is an illegal and/or unauthorized connection to the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) whether or not such connections result in discharges into that system.

What can you do?

If you see something, say something. Even if you are unsure what the discharge may be, you can report any suspicious spills, leaks, and/or discharges to the City. City of Hendersonville Staff are trained to identify unlawful discharges of pollutants to the storm drain system, but we need help from you.

You can help us by reporting any pollution you observe (Reports can be submitted anonymously). If you see any of the following, please let us know:

water pollution activity

see material spilled or dumped into a waterway

observe conditions near a storm drain or stream that indicate a polluting activity

Sources of Illicit Discharges:

Sanitary wastewater

Effluent from septic tanks

Car wash wastewaters

Improper oil disposal

Radiator flushing disposal

Laundry wastewaters

Spills from roadway accidents

Improper disposal of auto and household toxics