Report Illicit Storm Drain Discharges - Tempe Junction

Utilities and Infrastructure Arizona 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 21, 2026 Flag of Arizona

Tempe Junction, Arizona residents and businesses must report illicit storm drain discharges promptly to protect local waterways and comply with municipal stormwater rules. This guide explains where to report a suspected illegal discharge, what the city enforcer may do, typical enforcement pathways, and how to follow up. It pulls from official Tempe resources and the municipal code so you can act quickly and document your report.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of illicit discharges in Tempe Junction is managed by the city unit responsible for stormwater and public works. Specific monetary fines and per-day penalties are not specified on the cited municipal pages; consult the municipal code and the city stormwater guidance for current enforcement practices and procedures. See the City of Tempe municipal code[1]

  • Fines: monetary amounts are not specified on the cited page and must be confirmed in the municipal code or enforcement orders.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence treatment is not specified on the cited page; escalation may include increased fines or court referral.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: the city may issue abatement orders, stop-work directives, or require remediation and monitoring.
  • Enforcer & complaint pathway: Public Works - Stormwater Management receives reports and conducts inspections; report online or by phone via the city stormwater reporting page.Report here[2]
  • Appeals & review: appeal routes and time limits are governed by the municipal code or specific enforcement notices; consult the city code or the enforcement notice for timelines.
Document photos, time, and location when you report a discharge.

Applications & Forms

The city typically accepts illicit discharge reports through an online reporting form or by phone rather than a specific permit application; a dedicated permit for illicit discharges is not published on the referenced pages. For official submission methods and any required forms, contact Public Works or use the stormwater reporting page. Public Works contact[3]

How to Report an Illicit Storm Drain Discharge

Follow these action steps to report a suspected illegal discharge into a storm drain in Tempe Junction. Include precise location, time, description, and any photos or video.

  1. Note the exact address or nearest intersection and any storm drain ID numbers.
  2. Take photos or short video showing the discharge, flow path, and visible pollutants.
  3. Report immediately via the city stormwater online form or call Public Works; use the official reporting page for fastest response.Report here[2]
  4. Record the incident number or staff contact, and ask for expected follow-up timelines.
  5. If requested, submit photos and a written statement by email or the method specified by Public Works.
If a discharge poses an immediate public health risk, call emergency services first.

FAQ

How do I know if a discharge is illicit?
An illicit discharge is any non-stormwater release to the storm drain system, such as wastewater, industrial runoff, or sewage; photos and odor descriptions help investigators.
Will my report be anonymous?
The city accepts anonymous reports in many cases, but providing contact details helps investigators follow up for clarifying information.
How long until the city inspects?
Inspection timelines vary by severity and workload; the stormwater or Public Works report page explains expected response procedures or state that timelines are set by the enforcement unit.

How-To

  1. Prepare incident details: location, time, pollutant description, photos.
  2. Use the city stormwater reporting page or call Public Works to submit the report.[2]
  3. Obtain an incident reference number and ask for the case officer's name.
  4. Follow up with any requested documentation or permit references if enforcement requires remediation.

Key Takeaways

  • Report quickly with photos and exact location to speed enforcement.
  • Public Works - Stormwater is the primary contact for investigations.
  • Municipal code and the stormwater page provide the legal framework; fines and appeals are detailed in the code or specific notices.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Tempe municipal code - stormwater and enforcement
  2. [2] City of Tempe - stormwater reporting and pollution prevention
  3. [3] City of Tempe - Public Works contact and services

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