Report Illicit Storm Drain Discharge - Montgomery

Utilities and Infrastructure Alabama 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Alabama

Montgomery, Alabama residents who see polluted or unauthorized discharges entering storm drains should report them promptly to the city. The City of Montgomery operates a stormwater program that addresses illicit discharges and drainage pollution; use the city contact options below to start a report and preserve evidence such as photos, location, and time.Montgomery Stormwater Program[1] Early reporting helps limit downstream water quality impacts and supports enforcement where needed.

How to identify an illicit storm drain discharge

Illicit discharges commonly include visible oil sheens, colored or cloudy water, sewage, wash water with detergents, chemicals, or continuous flow from a pipe during dry weather. Note the source location, take clear photos or video, and, if safe, record nearby addresses or utility markers.

Do not enter fast-moving or contaminated flows; photograph from a safe location.

Immediate reporting steps

  1. Call Montgomery Public Works or the stormwater hotline if an emergency or public safety risk exists.
  2. Document date, time, and exact location (nearest address or GPS coordinates).
  3. Take photos or video showing the discharge and any identifying marks on pipes or containers.
  4. Submit an online report or email the stormwater program with attachments when possible.Alabama Department of Environmental Management - Stormwater[3]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of illicit storm drain discharges in Montgomery is handled by the City of Montgomery through its Public Works / Stormwater program and by state regulators where applicable. Specific civil fines, daily penalties, or criminal sanctions are not consistently itemized on the city stormwater information pages or the general city code landing page; see cited official sources for details and contact the stormwater office for current penalty schedules.Montgomery Code of Ordinances[2]

Typical enforcement elements

  • Monetary fines - not specified on the cited page.
  • Stop-work or cessation orders against ongoing discharges.
  • Referral to municipal court or civil action for violations - time limits and procedures not specified on the cited page.
  • Remediation orders requiring cleanup and possible recovery of city costs.
  • Inspections and monitoring by stormwater staff and, where applicable, by ADEM.
City pages do not publish a complete fine schedule for illicit discharges; contact the stormwater office for current penalty details.

Appeals, review, and defenses

  • Right to appeal or request administrative review - specific appeal time limits not specified on the cited page.
  • Defenses may include proof of permitted discharge, emergency actions, or inadvertent acts where a permit applies - consult the stormwater program.

Applications & Forms

The city stormwater landing and the municipal code do not list a standard public “illicit discharge” application form; reporting is described via phone, email, or general complaint portals on official pages cited above. For construction or industrial discharges, NPDES permit forms and guidance are published by ADEM. If a specific city form is required it will be posted by the stormwater program or Public Works.Montgomery Stormwater Program[1]

ADEM publishes state-level stormwater permit and guidance documents for industrial and construction discharges.

Common violations and likely responses

  • Discharging untreated wash water to storm drains - may trigger cleanup orders and fines.
  • Dumping oils, paints, or chemicals - likely immediate investigation and remediation orders.
  • Sanitary sewage or septic effluent entering storm drains - treated as high priority public health concern.

How-To

  1. Ensure personal safety; do not touch or enter contaminated water.
  2. Record time, date, and exact location (address, intersection, or GPS coordinates).
  3. Take clear photos or short videos showing the discharge and any identifying marks.
  4. Report to City of Montgomery Public Works / Stormwater via the official contact page or hotline and attach photos when possible.Montgomery Stormwater Program[1]
  5. If the discharge risks human health or is not addressed, consider notifying ADEM using state stormwater contact guidance.ADEM Stormwater[3]
Always keep copies of your report, photos, and any city response correspondence.

FAQ

Who enforces storm drain pollution in Montgomery?
The City of Montgomery Public Works / Stormwater program enforces local illicit discharge rules; state authority may also apply for NPDES permit issues.[1]
What should I include when I report a discharge?
Date, time, exact location, photos or video, description of color/odor/flow, and any nearby business or address details.
Are there published fine amounts for violations?
Monetary fines and specific penalty amounts are not specified on the cited city pages; contact stormwater for current schedules.[2]

Key Takeaways

  • Report suspected illicit discharges quickly with photos and location details.
  • City of Montgomery Public Works / Stormwater is the primary contact for complaints.
  • Specific fines or appeal time limits are not published on the cited city pages; request details from the city.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Montgomery Stormwater Program - City of Montgomery
  2. [2] Montgomery Code of Ordinances - Municode
  3. [3] ADEM Stormwater Program - Alabama Department of Environmental Management

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