§ 18-6. Illicit discharge detection and elimination program.

The NPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Regulated Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) requires that MS4s develop, implement and enforce a program to detect an eliminate illicit discharges as defined in South Carolina Water Pollution Control Permits Regulation 61-9 122.26(b)(2).

The illicit discharge detection and elimination program will be administered by the director of public works or his duly authorized agent. The effective date of implementation of the illicit discharge detection and elimination program will be immediate upon adoption of this chapter.

(1)

Priority areas: The city will evaluate all key outfalls located within the city. Key outfalls refer to any outfall to the Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway from the jurisdictional city limit, any accessible major outfall to the Atlantic Ocean, or any additional outfall determined to be significant by city personnel due to a waterbody or watercourse being placed on the 303(d) Impaired water list. Key outfalls will be inspected semi-annually for evidence of potential illicit discharge activities.

(2)

Field inspections: Illicit discharge field inspections will be scheduled and unscheduled. The Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Manual will serve as guidance when city personnel perform the illicit discharge inspections.

Because of public health duties and under general police power to address public health concerns arising from illicit discharge, city personnel may enter and inspect. Upon request, property owners shall disarm security systems and remove obstructions for safe and easy access to the property.

(3)

Removal or correcting an illicit discharge: Once the source of the discharge is identified the discharge must be removed from the system, or terminated. The city will determine who is responsible for repairs (physical and environmental) to the drainage system. If the responsible party is the city, then a work order will be issued and completed within a timely manner. If the responsible party is a private property owner, then a written notice of correction will be distributed. Non-compliance with the notice of correction will prompt enforcement measures and penalties in accordance with the city stormwater ordinance, section 18-44 "Enforcement" and section 18-45 "Penalties".

(4)

Emergency spill response: Emergency spill responses will be coordinated with the city public works, police, and fire departments. The Standard Operating Guidelines (EMER-7) from the fire department will be the governing procedural document for emergency spills.

(Ord. No. 2007-51, 8-14-07)