Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination

Illicit Discharge - Illicit Connection

Report an Illicit Discharge or Illicit Connection

Please do not make contact with any material or liquid at a spill location.  If you believe the spill is hazardous and is a threat to health and public safety, please call 911 to report the spill/discharge.

Sources of Illicit Discharges

  • Sanitary wastewater
  • Effluent from septic tanks
  • Car wash wastewaters
  • Improper oil disposal
  • Radiator flushing disposal
  • Laundry wastewaters
  • Spills from roadway accidents
  • Improper disposal of auto and household toxins

When operating as a mobile vendor in the City, it is important for all individuals involved to understand that wastewater generated from associated services is harmful to the environment and that you must properly dispose of generated wastewater.  As a wastewater generator you may be subject to State permitting requirements.  Generally, wastewater can be discharged into the sanitary sewer.

The City recommends coordination with your local utility district to verify if pretreatment is necessary before discharging into the sanitary sewer.  Wastewater generators can also contract with an environmental waste company to dispose of generated wastewater. 

Potential Wastewater Generators

  • Mobile Car Detailing and Maintenance: Soapy water, oils, chemicals, or vehicle fluids.  
  • Mobile Dog Grooming/Washing: Pet shampoo, hair, or waste.  
  • Commercial Pressure Washing: Detergents, grease, or debris.  
  • Mobile Carpet Cleaning: Cleaning chemicals or wastewater.  
  • Food Trucks: Grease, food waste, or cleaning solutions.
  • Landscaping: Yard waste, animal waste, pesticides, herbicides, sediment, or equipment spills/leaks.
  • Painting/Sandblasting: Paint spills, paint chips/dust, solvents, thinners, or paint/sandblasting wash water.

Discharging generated waste or wastewater from these activities into the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) is a violation of Hendersonville Municipal Code 18-208 and constitutes an illicit discharge.  Illicit discharges to the MS4 will be penalized according to the Enforcement Response Plan Penalty Calculator Tool.

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