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11 <br /> Illicit Discharge Detection and <br /> Elimination <br /> A common problem with Snohomish County's stormwater drainage system is illegal hook-ups to <br /> the system. Many businesses and residences hooked internal building drains, sump overflows, and <br /> even sanitary sewer and septic system pipes to the storm drain in the past, allowing a variety of <br /> pollutants to flow directly to receiving waters instead of the sanitary sewer or septic system. <br /> Frequently, these connections are unknown to the current owner, and do not appear on any plans for <br /> the site. Because of the pollution potential these connections represent, the Environmental <br /> Protection Agency, under the mandate of the NPDES stormwater permits, has made elimination of <br /> illegal connections a top priority. <br /> All businesses and residences in Snohomish County must examine their plumbing systems to determine <br /> if illegal connections exist. We recommend starting with site plans, to better understand what <br /> piping systems were initially installed, making piping that does not appear on the plan a <br /> priority for investigation. Wherever toilets, sinks, appliances, showers and bathtubs, floor drains, or <br /> other indoor activities are connected to the stormwater drainage system, immediately reroute them to <br /> the sanitary or septic system or holding tanks. <br /> All businesses and residences in Snohomish County must <br /> examine their plumbing systems to determine if illegal <br /> connections exist. <br /> If sanitary facilities (such as toilets) are connected to the stormwater drainage system,you must obtain a <br /> permit from your local sewer utility and reroute them to the sanitary sewer. If sanitary service is not <br /> available, contact the Snohomish County Public Health and Social Services Department for septic <br /> permits. <br /> Dye Testing <br /> Dye testing with a non-toxic dye is one way to determine where a pipe or structure drains if not obvious <br /> by observations or on plans. The dye is put into the structure and flushed with some water. Observations <br /> are then made at ends-of-pipes, drainage ditches,catch basins, and manholes to look for the color coming <br /> through. Contact Snohomish County Department of Resource Stewardship, Water Resources <br /> Unit if you need assistance in locating structures adjacent to your property. <br /> Smoke Testing <br /> Smoke testing can also help detect illegal connections and is best done by qualified personnel. To <br /> conduct smoke testing,shut off all indoor discharges,place a smoke bomb or other smoke-generating <br /> device in a storm drain manhole,and force air in after it. Station personnel at each suspect drain location <br /> to observe if smoke is coming out. Identify smoking drains for future rerouting. <br /> • 25 <br />