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Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination
This MCM is to identify and eliminate illicit discharges and illegal connections into the storm sewer system.
The City ordinance for illicit discharge detection and elimination (Chapter 54 of Valparaiso, IN Code of Ordinances) addresses illicit/illegal discharges and/or connections to storm drainage system. When illicit discharges are detected, they are eliminated and recorded as part of the MS4 Program.
The City's MS4 Program has developed an Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Plan. The plan identifies the methods for detecting, addressing and eliminating illicit discharges, including illegal dumping, into the MS4 conveyance system.
The City’s Engineering Department has been conducting GPS mapping of City storm sewer systems, septic systems, MS4 outfalls, food services, industrial facilities, gas stations, car washes, and automotive and truck services in the City. This effort can help with the stormwater management and illicit discharge detection and elimination.
At least annually, each outfall is inspected during dry weather with additional monitoring on the outfalls in those areas of the City that contain significant industrial facilities as well as those areas of the City that rely upon on-site wastewater treatment (septic systems). Conditions, observations, findings and any actions taken are documented. Any problem areas found will be further investigated in effort to determine the source of the discharge.
Since 2004, the City of Valparaiso and Valparaiso University have been conducting annual biological and chemical monitoring of the waterways in Salt Creek Watershed. Beginning from 2011, the City of Valparaiso also started to monitor some waterways in West Branch of Crooked Creek-Flint Lake watershed in and nearby the city limits.
The City's MS4 program has initiated a Report-A-Polluter Program to field complaints from the public on illegal dumping, illicit discharges, poor erosion control practices, and other activities within the City MS4 area that may negatively impact stormwater quality.
If you have an incident to report, please call 219-462-1161, write to our email hotline or visit the Report Pollution page for more contacts.
Ordinance
The City ordinance for illicit discharge detection and elimination (Chapter 54 of Valparaiso, IN Code of Ordinances) addresses illicit/illegal discharges and/or connections to storm drainage system. When illicit discharges are detected, they are eliminated and recorded as part of the MS4 Program.
Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) Plan
The City's MS4 Program has developed an Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Plan. The plan identifies the methods for detecting, addressing and eliminating illicit discharges, including illegal dumping, into the MS4 conveyance system.
Mapping
The City’s Engineering Department has been conducting GPS mapping of City storm sewer systems, septic systems, MS4 outfalls, food services, industrial facilities, gas stations, car washes, and automotive and truck services in the City. This effort can help with the stormwater management and illicit discharge detection and elimination.
Dry Weather Screening & Inspection of Outfalls
At least annually, each outfall is inspected during dry weather with additional monitoring on the outfalls in those areas of the City that contain significant industrial facilities as well as those areas of the City that rely upon on-site wastewater treatment (septic systems). Conditions, observations, findings and any actions taken are documented. Any problem areas found will be further investigated in effort to determine the source of the discharge.
Monitoring of Local Waterways
Since 2004, the City of Valparaiso and Valparaiso University have been conducting annual biological and chemical monitoring of the waterways in Salt Creek Watershed. Beginning from 2011, the City of Valparaiso also started to monitor some waterways in West Branch of Crooked Creek-Flint Lake watershed in and nearby the city limits.
"Report-a-Polluter" Program
The City's MS4 program has initiated a Report-A-Polluter Program to field complaints from the public on illegal dumping, illicit discharges, poor erosion control practices, and other activities within the City MS4 area that may negatively impact stormwater quality.
If you have an incident to report, please call 219-462-1161, write to our email hotline or visit the Report Pollution page for more contacts.