Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) Program

Spill Reporting

Storm drains are for rain only! Pollution in our storm drains will flow straight into the Salish Sea. With over 4,000 storm drains in Anacortes, we need your help to watch for harmful illicit discharges to the storm system. An illicit discharge is any non-rainwater substance going into the storm drain.

Examples of illicit discharges include:

  • Spills
  • Uncontrolled, muddy construction runoff
  • Power washing with soapy water
  • Improper disposal of oil, pesticides, dirt, fertilizer, and other materials
  • Dumping of any kind in to the street or into the storm drain

Report the following items immediately:

  • Oily sheen or colored liquids
  • Chemical or sewage smell
  • Foam
  • Garbage accumulation
idde

Spills happen and we can help clean them up, but intentional dumping is illegal and harmful to our streams, lakes and the Salish Sea. If you see activities that threaten the health of the local waterways, report it to the City of Anacortes via our Water Quality Hotline, online spill report form, or in person at City Hall. City staff understands the need for confidentiality, so reports can be anonymous.

Water Quality Hotline:

           Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.: call (360) 293-1921

           After hours and weekends: call 911 and dispatchers will contact the appropriate agency

To file a report online, use our Spill Report form.

TIP! If possible, collect as much information as you can about the spill/incident, including date and time, a description of what you observed, including potential quantity dumped, and a few photos, which will help City staff identify the problem and determine the most appropriate plan of action.

Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) Program

An illicit discharge is any discharge to the storm drainage system that is not composed entirely of stormwater or of non-stormwater discharges allowed as specified in the City’s Municipal Stormwater Permit. Illicit discharges may originate from a variety of sources, including illegal dumping, sanitary sewer overflow, and incidental spills such as oil or gas. An example of an illicit connection could be a sanitary sewer connection or floor drain connected to the City storm drainage system. Illicit discharges may negatively affect human health and the environment, water quality, and aquatic life and habitat.

Never pour anything into a gutter, street or storm drain. Should you notice a storm drain requiring maintenance or anything that might negatively impact the storm drain system, please contact the City using the Water Quality Hotline, online Spill Report form, or in person at City Hall.

The Anacortes Municipal Code does not allow illicit discharges, either directly or indirectly to a public storm system.

The IDDE Program Manual can be found here.