Report Illicit Storm Drain Discharge - Corona, CA

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

In Corona, California, preventing pollution in storm drains protects local waterways and public health. This guide explains how residents and businesses can identify and report illicit discharges to the City of Corona stormwater program, what information to collect, and what enforcement actions may follow. Use the official complaint channels to submit observations, photos, or video and to request inspections. The City maintains stormwater controls tied to municipal ordinances and regional permits; where specific penalty amounts or forms are not posted on the cited pages, the text below notes that the detail is "not specified on the cited page" and cites the official source.[1]

Report visible discharges promptly and avoid touching unknown liquids.

How to identify an illicit storm drain discharge

An illicit discharge is any non-stormwater flow into the storm drainage system such as sewage, industrial waste, vehicle wash water, paint, or concentrated sediment. Look for unusual color, sheen, odor, dead fish, or consistent flow during dry weather. Photograph or video the site, note date/time, address or nearest landmark, and any vehicle or facility nearby.

Immediate reporting steps

  1. Call the City of Corona Public Works or use the online stormwater complaint form to report urgent discharges; include photos and the exact location.[1]
  2. If safe, take photos or short video and record the time and direction of flow.
  3. Preserve evidence where possible and avoid disturbing potential sources until inspectors arrive.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Corona enforces stormwater and illicit discharge requirements through municipal ordinances and its stormwater program. Specific monetary fines, fees, and escalation steps are not fully listed on the cited municipal pages, so where amounts or detailed ranges are absent this guide states "not specified on the cited page." The primary enforcer is the City Public Works Department (stormwater program) together with Code Enforcement for local violations; state or regional water boards may have concurrent authority under NPDES permits.[2]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first notices, abatement orders, and possible administrative or civil penalties are used; exact escalation amounts and per-day penalties are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: cleanup and abatement orders, stop-work orders, permit suspensions, equipment seizure, and referral to court are tools noted in enforcement descriptions.
  • Enforcer & inspections: Public Works (Stormwater) coordinates inspections; Code Enforcement investigates local ordinance violations; regional/state agencies may inspect for NPDES permit compliance.
  • Appeals/review: appeal or administrative review routes are handled per the municipal code or departmental procedures; specific time limits for appeal are not specified on the cited page.
If you are a regulated business, maintain records of disposal and permits to support a defense.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes a stormwater complaint/reporting page and guidance for discharges; a dedicated complaint form and submission instructions are available on the official stormwater page. If a specific enforcement or appeal form number is required, that number is not specified on the cited municipal pages.[1]

How-To

  1. Observe and record: note location, time, appearance, and potential source; take photos or video.
  2. Report using official channels: call or submit the online stormwater complaint form on the City of Corona site.[1]
  3. Provide contact info: give your name and phone/email if you want follow-up; you may report anonymously if allowed by the form.
  4. Preserve evidence: do not wash or disperse the material; keep samples safely only if trained and equipped.
  5. Follow up: request an inspection number and check for closure or remedial action.
Keep photographs with timestamps to assist inspectors and potential enforcement actions.

FAQ

What counts as an illicit discharge?
Any non-stormwater flow into the storm drain system such as sewage, oils, chemicals, wash water, or concentrated sediment.
How do I report a spill or illegal discharge in Corona?
Use the City of Corona Public Works stormwater complaint page or phone line to submit location, photos, and a description.[1]
Will I be notified about enforcement actions?
The City may notify complainants of inspection results or closure if contact information is provided; specific notification timelines are not specified on the cited page.

Key Takeaways

  • Report visible discharges promptly with photos and exact location details.
  • Public Works and Code Enforcement handle inspections; penalties and exact fine amounts are not specified on the cited pages.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Corona - Public Works: Stormwater
  2. [2] City of Corona - Municipal Code

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