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Illicit Connection Occurrences

Where do illicit connections occur most often?

Studies done by the USEPA (1991) demonstrated that approximately 60 percent of the businesses known to use or store petroleum products were improperly connected to the storm sewer system. The highest percentage of illicit storm drain connections were detected at automobile-related facilities (garage/repair, tire stores, service stations, muffler/transmission shops, car washes, and auto dealerships).

The Wayne County Illicit Connection Control Program discovered 419 illicit connections between 1991 - 1994. Of the 1,297 facilities inspected during this time, 102 (8 percent) had inappropriate connections to the storm sewer system, or had the potential for illicit discharge to this system. Improper connections discovered during Wayne County s investigation program were primarily related to floor drains and catch basins. In addition, many local high school swimming pools were draining pool water and pool filter backwash to the storm sewer system. Refer to Table 2 listing violations for more detailed data.

Approximately 60 percent of the businesses known to use or store petroleum products were improperly connected to the storm sewers systems (USEPA, 1991).

Table 2: Wayne County Illicit Connection Control Program

Type of Violations Found, 1992 - 1994

Types of Violations % of Total Violations

  • Horse Wash/Washing Machine 43
  • Catch Basins w/Oil Separators 14
  • Downspout to Sanitary System 13
  • Trench Drains 5
  • Toilets 3.5
  • Swimming Pools 3.5
  • Floor Drains 3
  • Other 2
  • Total 100

Source: Wayne County Department of Public Health Illicit Connection Investigation Program Quarterly Reports
Last Updated: 1/2/02

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The Rouge River National Wet Weather Demonstration Project is funded, in part, by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Grants #XP995743-01, -02, -03, -04, -05, -06, -08 and C-264000-01.