About Illicit Discharging
An illicit discharge is defined as any discharge to the municipal separate storm sewer system that is not composed entirely of storm water, except for discharges allowed under a NPDES permit or waters used for firefighting operations. These non-stormwater discharges occur due to illegal connections to the storm drain system from business or commercial establishments.
As a result of these illicit discharges, contaminated wastewater enters into the storm drains or directly into local waters before receiving treatment from a wastewater treatment plant. Illicit connections may be intentional or may be unknown to the business or home owner. Because of this reason the City of Morro Bay is proactively trying to educate our residents on the problems with illicit discharges.
Resources
The City of Morro Bay is required by the State Water Resources Control Board to adopt an ordinance to prohibit illicit discharges. Please view the following resources for more information about illicit charges: