What is an illicit discharge?

An illicit discharge is any discharge to a stormwater conveyance system (e.g., street, storm drain, ditch, etc.) that is not free of pollutants to the maximum extent practicable.  Maximum extent practicable is a standard that relies on source control as the primary defense to prevent pollution.  Additional treatment control measures may be required to prevent illicit discharges.  Please refer to your local stormwater ordinance for more information on the legal requirements concerning stormwater.

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1. Are sewers and storm drains the same thing?
2. What kind of pollutants are found in the storm drain system?
3. What is an illicit discharge?
4. What are source control and treatment control measures?
5. What are the cities, town and Napa County doing about illegal dumping and illicit discharges into storm drains?
6. Is it illegal to wash my car in my driveway?
7. Yard clippings and leaves are natural, so they don't cause problems if swept into storm drains, right?