Bureau of Watershed Protection

Illegal Discharge

An illegal discharge is defined as any disposal into the storm drain system for which a person or business does not have a permit. Federal and State laws currently prohibit the discharge of certain non-stormwaters to the storm drain system. The purpose of these regulations is to protect the quality of the nation's surface water resources by minimizing contamination associated with urban activities. Prohibited discharges include industrial process water, sanitary sewer flows, dumping of liquid waste, and other non-storm flows. If you observe potential illegal/illicit discharges into the storm drain system, please contact 404-330-6990 immediately.

Some clues to an illegal discharge include:

• Unusual color or cloudiness
• Strong pungent or musty odor
• Floating debris
• Surface scum or foam
• Oil sheen
• Algae
• Dead vegetation or inhibited growth
• Dead animals
• Stains on channel bottom or sides
• Pipe corrosion