Illicit Discharge Elimination - Protecting our Surface Waters
The
Licking County Health Department protects our steams, rivers,
and lakes from pollution resulting from the discharge of inadequately treated
sewage, wash water, or other wastes.
These wastes not only harm the stream and the organisms that live there, but they also endanger public health by exposing our families and pets to bacteria and other disease causing agents.
The illicit discharge elimination program identifies collector tiles and storm drains that carry pollutants to the streams. These tiles are monitored to make sure that no sewage or other pollution is discharging.
If a problem is found, the sanitarian will try to follow the tile to the source of the pollution and get corrective action taken.
If you know of a drainage tile, stream, or ditch that you think we should add to our monitoring list, please call (740) 349-6535.
Washing your Car? Read this first!
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Allowing car wash waste water to enter a storm drain pollutes our lake, river, streams and ponds.
- Most of the storm drains flow into a lake, river or local stream.
- The problem starts with the soap--even biodegradable soaps can harm creatures living in local waters.
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Car wash waste water also contains oil, grease, grim, heavy metals,
and other materials that are toxic to fish and other aquatic life.
- Protect our streams, lake and rivers by not allowing car wash waste water to flow into a storm drain.
- Use a commercial car wash that recycles its water or sends its wash water to a sanitary sewer.
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Drive your car onto your lawn and allow the grass and soil to act as a natural filter, capturing the material from your car.
Resources
Licking County Soil and Water Conservation Service