Illicit Discharge Reporting

An illicit discharge is defined as “any discharge into a municipal storm sewer system that is not composed entirely of stormwater”. Some of the pollutants that fall into this category are:

• Car wash wastewater
• Gas and motor oil
• Grass clippings
• Household cleansers
• Paints
• Pesticides
• Pet waste
• Solvents
• Weed killer

Sometimes these pollutants are carried through the storm drainage system by rain, wind, or improper disposal into Wisconsin water ways. This can result in serious health and water quality problems. In addition, wildlife and the overall appearance of water ways are adversely affected by illicit discharges.

There are simple steps that we can take to solve the problems that the Wisconsin water ways face. It is up to YOU, the homeowner and business owners who call Vernon home, to clean it up and to help keep it clean!

• Used oil, antifreeze, and batteries can be recycled. Clean up any spills immediately – kitty litter or sawdust will absorb the spill. Be sure to sweep these up as well.
• Wash your car on the grass so that the water, detergent, and dirt will be filtered by the soil. Better yet, take your car to a commercial car wash, where your dirty water is sent to the wastewater treatment plant.
• Empty bottles of household cleansers, pesticides, and weed killer should be disposed of according to label directions.
• Grass clippings in the street should be swept up after each mowing. Grass clippings left in the street are being washed down into the storm sewers and end up in Wisconsin water ways where they have the potential to cause algae blooms.
• Many household products, including paints, paint thinners, and solvents can be taken to Waukesha County Household Hazardous Waste sites. Paint brushes used with water-based paint can be rinsed in the sink. If you have a small amount of leftover paint in a can, stuff it loosely with newspaper, let the paint dry out completely and put it in the trash.
• When walking your pet use a bag or a scooper to clean up your pet’s waste. In order to keep animal waste from containing our community; anyone who walks a pet should properly dispose of waste by picking it up, wrapping it, and either placing it into the trash or flushing it UNWRAPPED!

Reporting will, in great part, rely on participation from the public. Residents who observe illegal dumping or observe pollutants within waterways or storm sewers should contact the Village of Vernon, Department of Public Works Office. We can be reached at 262-662-7785 / 262-662-2039 or email Report a Concern directly to the Village of Vernon. Please be sure to include "Illicit Discharge Concern" in the subject line. This program cannot succeed without strong public participation.