Illicit Discharge / Construction Site Pollution Reporting

What is an Illicit Discharge?

Federal regulations define an illicit discharge as “...any discharge to a municipal sewer that is not composed entirely of stormwater...” with some exceptions. These exceptions include discharges from permitted industrial sources and discharges from fire-fighting activities. Illicit discharges are considered “illicit” because municipalities are not designed to accept, process, or discharge such non-stormwater wastes.

Sources of Illicit Discharge Construction Site Pollution

  • Sanitary Wastewater 
  • Effluent from septic tanks 
  • Carwash wastewaters
  • Improper oil disposal 
  • Radiator flushing disposal 
  • Laundry wastewaters
  • Spills from roadway accidents 
Illicit Discharge

How to Report an Illicit Discharge ( Construction Site Pollution)

1. Observe from a safe distance. DO NOT touch or smell the substance.

2. Notify: Contact the Town of Brighton Highway Department at (585) 784-5280 or in case of emergency call 911

3. Provide the following information:

     - Your Name

     - Phone Number

     - Discovery/ Incident time, date, location

     - Description of material, source if known

     - Estimate the extent of the problem ( slow trickle vs significant flow)

The sooner we learn about these incidents, the better our chance of finding the source and correcting the problem!