Report Illicit Storm Drain Discharge - Little Rock Ordinance
Little Rock, Arkansas has rules and operational procedures to prevent and address illicit discharges to the storm drain system. This guide explains how residents and businesses can report suspected illegal dumping or non-stormwater discharges, which offices enforce city stormwater requirements, and the typical steps the city and state take after a report. It covers reporting channels, likely enforcement actions, and practical steps to preserve evidence and comply while the case is investigated.
What is an illicit storm drain discharge
An illicit discharge is any discharge to the storm drain system that is not composed entirely of stormwater, including sewage, vehicle wash water with detergents, industrial process wastewater, and concentrated pollutants. Report suspected discharges promptly to the City of Little Rock Stormwater Division so they can inspect and stop ongoing pollution.
How to report
- Contact the City of Little Rock Stormwater Division via the official report page or contact form on the city website[1].
- Provide a clear location, time, description of the discharge, photos or video if safe to obtain, and any vehicle or company identifiers.
- Report immediately for ongoing releases; preserve evidence by noting arrival and departure times and securing witness names.
Penalties & Enforcement
The City of Little Rock enforces stormwater and illicit discharge rules through its Stormwater Division and related municipal enforcement procedures. Specific monetary fine amounts and escalation steps are not specified on the cited municipal pages; see the city code and stormwater program for enforcement policies and procedures[2][1].
- Enforcer: City of Little Rock Stormwater Division and applicable municipal code enforcement officers; inspections and compliance actions originate with the city[1].
- Fines: specific dollar amounts per offense or per day are not specified on the cited municipal code page; refer to the official code for any published schedules[2].
- Escalation: information on first, repeat, or continuing offence ranges is not specified on the cited pages; the city typically reserves progressive remedies and civil penalties as allowed under local code[2].
- Non-monetary sanctions: inspection orders, stop-work or abatement orders, corrective action plans, and referral to municipal or circuit court are common practices; exact remedies and procedures are described in city enforcement materials or the municipal code[2].
- Appeals and review: the city code or administrative rules specify appeal paths and time limits when published; if not listed on a cited page, the appeal process is not specified on the cited page[2].
- Defences and discretion: permitted discharges under an NPDES permit or other authorized variance are typically exempt; consult state NPDES rules and city guidance for permit applicability[3].Keep records of permits and communications to support lawful discharge defenses.
Applications & Forms
The state-administered NPDES permit program and associated forms are published by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality; specific city forms for reporting a complaint are available on the City of Little Rock stormwater pages. If a specific application or permit number is required for a defense or authorized discharge, refer to the ADEQ permit pages for forms and instructions[3][1]. If no city form is required for an initial complaint, use the online complaint/report tool on the city site.
Action steps
- Document the incident with photos or video and note times and witnesses.
- Submit a report through the City of Little Rock stormwater report page and follow any requested steps from staff[1].
- If you represent a business, retain copies of permits, discharge authorizations, and communications.
- Comply promptly with any corrective action orders to avoid escalation.
FAQ
- How do I know if a discharge is illicit?
- Any non-rainwater flow into a storm drain, such as colored liquids, oily sheens, sewage, or soapy wash water, is potentially illicit and should be reported.
- Who enforces stormwater rules in Little Rock?
- The City of Little Rock Stormwater Division and municipal code enforcement officers enforce local stormwater requirements; state permits are overseen by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality.
- Will my report remain confidential?
- The city handles complaints according to its public records and privacy policies; specific confidentiality protections are not specified on the cited pages and depend on applicable public records law.
How-To
- Note the exact location, time, and nature of the discharge and collect photos or video if safe.
- Submit a report using the City of Little Rock stormwater online report form or contact method[1].
- Follow up with any case number or inspector instructions and preserve evidence.
- If directed, cooperate with corrective action orders or submit required permit documentation.
Key Takeaways
- Report non-stormwater discharges immediately using the city report channels.
- Enforcement is handled by the City of Little Rock with support from state NPDES permit rules when applicable.
- Preserve photos and witness information to help investigators and support any defenses.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Little Rock Stormwater Division - reporting & contact
- Little Rock Code of Ordinances - Municode
- Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality - NPDES permits