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Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination Program
The Department of Public Works is responsible for three public utilities:
- Water
- Sewer
- Stormwater
These are three individual lines. Sewage cannot enter water or stormwater pipes. Water cannot enter sewer or stormwater pipes. Stormwater cannot enter sewer or water pipes.
If an unidentifiable pipe is found within our stormwater lines, the Department of Public Works must check if it is a non-stormwater connection. Sometimes, sanitary sewers or water lines are connected to stormwater utilities without contacting the Department of Public Works. When this occurs, we call the connection an illicit discharge or an illicit connection. In addition, when illicit connections are discovered by the Department of Public Works, the property owner is required to remove the connection. If they cannot remove the connection in a timely manner, the Department of Public Works has the right to remove it (Section III and V (5.2) of the Stormwater Rules and Regulations (PDF)).
View the Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Program Manual (PDF).
- How are Illicit Discharges Discovered?
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Through regular inspections of drainage infrastructure, DPW personnel are trained to find evidence of illicit connections. Evidence consists of olfactory (smell) and visual senses. For example, suds found in a drainage manhole, or staining at the end of a pipe, which is called an outfall, indicate a possible illicit connection.
- What is the Town Doing About Illicit Discharges?
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To comply with a federal mandate, the Town developed an Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) Program Manual (PDF). Containing 125 pages, the IDDE Program Manual is an operations document for DPW personnel to utilize. This document is also given to any contractors who are responsible for implementing the IDDE Program. The IDDE Program Manual outlines how to:
- Conduct Inspections,
- Fill Out and Submit Documentation
- Determine Data Analysis and Next Steps