How to Report Illicit Storm Drain Discharge - Little Rock

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

Little Rock, Arkansas residents must report illicit discharges to protect waterways and comply with the city's stormwater program. This guide explains who enforces stormwater rules, how to report suspected illegal dumping or contaminated flows, what penalties may apply, and how to follow up. Use the official reporting channels listed below to submit location details, photos, and a description so inspectors can respond promptly.

What counts as an illicit storm drain discharge

Illicit discharges include any non-stormwater flow entering the storm sewer system, such as dumping of paints, solvents, wash water, sewage, or industrial process wastewater. Typical examples include construction site runoff with sediment, automatic car wash effluent discharged to a catch basin, and visible oil sheen in a street gutter.

How to report a problem

Report suspected illicit discharges immediately using the City of Little Rock stormwater reporting resources; include the exact address or GPS coordinates, photos, and time observed. For online reporting and complaint submission, use the city's stormwater contact page City Stormwater Reporting[1]. For background on municipal stormwater permit obligations and illicit discharge programs see the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality MS4 guidance ADEQ MS4 Municipal Stormwater[2].

Provide photos and the closest address or a clear landmark when you report.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of stormwater discharges in Little Rock is handled by the City of Little Rock Public Works - Stormwater Division, with regulatory oversight under the state MS4 program administered by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality. The city inspects complaints, issues notices, and can require corrective actions.

  • Fines: specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited city stormwater page; consult the Little Rock Code of Ordinances or contact the Stormwater Division for amounts and schedules.
  • Escalation: the cited sources do not list explicit first/repeat/continuing offence ranges; escalation typically moves from written notices to administrative fines and abatement orders as documented by the enforcing authority.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: corrective orders, required cleanup, stop-work notices for construction activity, and referral to municipal court or state enforcement are potential actions (not all specifics listed on the public pages cited).
  • Enforcer & complaint pathway: City of Little Rock Public Works - Stormwater Division handles inspections and initial enforcement; ADEQ provides permit oversight and may take state enforcement for violations of the MS4 permit.
  • Appeal/review: the cited pages do not specify municipal appeal time limits or procedures; appeals often follow administrative hearing procedures in the municipal code and should be confirmed with the Stormwater Division.
Exact penalty figures and appeal deadlines are not specified on the cited city pages and must be confirmed with the enforcing office.

Applications & Forms

The city provides an online complaint/reporting form and contact method for stormwater issues; no separate universal permit form for illicit-discharge reporting is published on the cited pages. For construction-related permit or erosion control forms, consult the City of Little Rock permit pages or the Building/Engineering divisions.

Common violations and typical responses

  • Illegal disposal of liquids into storm drains — investigation and order to cease and remediate.
  • Poor erosion control at construction sites — notice to implement best management practices and possible fines.
  • Illicit connections discharging process water — inspection, corrective order, and possible referral to permitting authorities.

FAQ

How fast will the city respond to a reported discharge?
Response times vary by complaint severity and staffing; the Stormwater Division prioritizes active releases and threats to public health. Contact the division for estimated timelines.
Can I remain anonymous when I report?
Yes, the city generally accepts reports from the public and can process complaints without releasing reporter information, but providing contact information helps inspectors follow up for details.
Who enforces state stormwater permit requirements?
The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality enforces MS4 permit requirements and may take action where municipal enforcement is insufficient.

How-To

  1. Document the discharge: note date/time, location, visible characteristics (color, odor, sheen), and take photos or video.
  2. Contain immediate hazards: if there is a safety risk, keep people away and call emergency services if needed.
  3. Submit a report using the City of Little Rock stormwater reporting page or by phone to Public Works; include photos and precise location details.[1]
  4. Retain your own records of the report, including any report/confirmation number, and follow up with the Stormwater Division if you do not see corrective action.
  5. If the issue affects water quality broadly or the city response appears insufficient, notify ADEQ via MS4 contact channels for additional oversight.[2]

Key Takeaways

  • Report promptly with clear location and photos to speed inspection and remediation.
  • The City of Little Rock Stormwater Division is the primary enforcer for local complaints.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Little Rock Stormwater reporting and contact page
  2. [2] Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality - Municipal (MS4) stormwater information

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