Knowing how to identify an illicit discharge is an important part of preventing water pollution! Illicit discharges can appear as suds, unnatural odors, oil sheens, or unnatural turbidity near a storm drain or stormwater outfall. If you notice any of these signs please contact your local municipality, or call the DNR’s 24–hour tip–line at 1-800-TIP-DNR to report any potential illicit discharges. To prevent hazardous substances from entering storm sewers and waterways, they must be disposed of properly. Household hazardous waste and motor fluids should be dropped off at municipal-run hazardous waste drop-off sites or recycling centers. Tell your family, friends, and neighbors about the effects of illicit discharges. Even just a small amount of a hazardous substance can have large effects on the health of the environment as well as people and wildlife that rely on it.
