Illicit discharges are those that are not composed entirely of stormwater and consists of any discharge to the storm sewer system that is harmful to the health or welfare of citizens, to the environment, surface waters, or storm sewer system. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) is an integral component of Eden Prairie’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). SRF worked with the City’s Environmental Coordinator, Engineering, Public Works, Utilities, Fire and Police Departments, and Planning Department to develop an IDDE response plan that identifies how the City will respond to the discovery of illicit discharge. As part of the IDDE response plan, SRF developed brochures related to sustainable stormwater management, proper disposal of pet waste, illicit discharge for staff and public distribution, and an interactive PDF document for field use when City staff are responding to illicit discharge discoveries. SRF also developed training materials in the form of PowerPoint presentations and a short video with live action and animations. Together with the City’s Planning and Engineering Departments, SRF presented multiple sessions during utility, police, and fire training events. SRF and the City’s Environmental Coordinator reviewed existing City ordinances related to stormwater and IDDE and made several recommendations to strengthen City codes. While these efforts are primarily intended to meet the MS4 permit requirements, the City of Eden Prairie has chosen to go the extra mile in both staff training and public education to ensure that a sustainable suite of stormwater practices and policies are put in place for the protection of the environment and citizens of Eden Prairie.
Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) is an integral component of Eden Prairie’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit through the MPCA. As part of the response plan, SRF developed an inspection plan that used GIS capabilities to identify those storm sewer outfalls that were the highest risk for illicit discharges. The prioritization exercise determined a weighted system based on the storm sewer systems age, size, land use, proximity to sensitive areas, septic systems, known violations, and other risk factors. Maps were created to guide inspectors and lists of the most at-risk locations were created. An interactive form was created to navigate information about IDDE and complete reports for inspections and violations.
