Aurora Storm Drain Illicit Discharge Reporting
In Aurora, Colorado, report any suspected illicit discharge to the City Public Works Stormwater program immediately. Illicit discharges are any non-stormwater releases to the storm drain system, including oils, paints, sewage, or industrial wastes. Prompt reporting helps protect local waterways, public health, and compliance with municipal stormwater rules. Use the official reporting channels below to give location, description, and photos when possible; the Stormwater Division or Public Works will investigate and respond according to city procedures.[1]
What to report
Report visible liquids, unexpected colored flows, sewage odors, oily sheens, or washwater discharges entering gutters, drains, ditches, or channels. Also report illicit connections, illegal dumping, or suspicious construction runoff.
- Visible oil sheen, fuel, or chemical film on water or in a drain.
- Raw sewage or strong sewage odors coming from a storm drain.
- Uncontained construction sediment or muddy flows during rain.
- Illegal dumping of liquids or solids into streets or drainage channels.
Reporting steps
- Call Aurora Public Works or the Stormwater hotline immediately; use the online report form if available.[1]
- Provide date, time, precise location (nearest address or intersection), description of discharge, and photos or video if possible.
- If the discharge poses an immediate public-safety or health risk, call 911 in addition to reporting to Public Works.
Penalties & Enforcement
The Stormwater Division within Aurora Public Works enforces illicit discharge rules, investigates complaints, and issues orders to stop discharges and require cleanup; enforcement is handled by the City’s Public Works/Stormwater program and related code enforcement staff.[1]
- Fines: not specified on the cited page.[2]
- Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.[2]
- Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work or abatement orders, cleanup directives, recovery of cleanup costs, and referral to court are listed as enforcement actions but specific penalties are not specified on the cited page.[2]
- Inspection and complaint pathway: the Stormwater program receives complaints, inspects the site, documents violations, and issues orders or referrals.[1]
- Appeals/review: the code or enforcement notice should state appeal routes and time limits; those specific time limits and procedures are not specified on the cited page.[2]
- Defences/discretion: permitted discharges, approved permits, or emergency responses may be considered; specific defenses are not specified on the cited page.[2]
Applications & Forms
The City provides an online stormwater reporting form and Public Works contact options for complaints and spills; no specific enforcement forms or penalty schedules are shown on the cited informational pages. Use the Stormwater report/contact page to submit location, photos, and incident details.[1]
How-To
- Note exact location, date, and time of the discharge.
- Take clear photos or video showing the discharge and any identifying marks.
- Report immediately to Aurora Public Works Stormwater via the online report or phone.[1]
- If public safety is threatened, call 911 and then notify Public Works.
- Keep records of your report confirmation, photos, and any follow-up correspondence.
FAQ
- Who enforces storm drain discharges in Aurora?
- The City of Aurora Public Works Stormwater Division enforces stormwater rules and investigates complaints.[1]
- How do I report an illicit discharge?
- Use the City’s stormwater report page or call the Public Works contact number to submit location, description, and photos.[1]
- What penalties apply if someone pollutes a storm drain?
- Specific fine amounts and escalation are not specified on the cited municipal informational pages; enforcement actions include orders, cleanup directives, and possible court referral.[2]
Key Takeaways
- Report illicit discharges promptly to Aurora Public Works with location and photos.
- Public Works Stormwater investigates and can order cleanup or other enforcement actions.