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Council enacts illicit-discharge ordinance to strengthen stormwater enforcement
Summary
Wixom adopted an amendment to its code to add Chapter 17.1 establishing an Illicit Discharge Elimination Program to regulate non-stormwater discharges; staff said the change was requested by EGLE as a condition of the city’s NPDES permit.
WIXOM, Mich. — The Wixom City Council enacted an amendment to the city code adding Chapter 17.1, an Illicit Discharge Elimination Program to regulate non-stormwater discharges into the stormwater system.
Public works/engineering staff member Tim Sikma told council the ordinance clarifies the city’s enforcement authority over non‑stormwater discharges and creates specific exemptions for certain uses such as fire suppression runoff and routine residential activities like washing a car on a driveway. Sikma said the ordinance also gives the city enforcement authority over prohibited discharges of hazardous materials to stormwater.
Sikma told council the change was requested by EGLE as a matter or condition of the city’s NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit. Council asked whether educational materials were available for residents; Sikma said the city participates with the Huron River Watershed and agencies in the Rouge watershed and that staff can prepare and post additional guidance on what should not go into storm drains.
Council moved and seconded to enact the amendatory ordinance adding Chapter 17.1 to Title 17 (Environment) to regulate illicit non-stormwater discharges. The motion carried on the second reading.
Sikma and council discussed enforcement and that staff will prepare outreach materials explaining permitted and prohibited discharges for public distribution.
