Report Illicit Stormwater Discharge in Tallahassee
Tallahassee, Florida residents play a key role in preventing pollution of local creeks, lakes, and the St. Marks River by reporting illicit stormwater discharges. This guide explains how to identify an illicit discharge, what to document, how to report it to the City of Tallahassee, and what enforcement steps the city may take. Use the official City stormwater reporting resources to submit evidence quickly and to request inspection; official contact points are linked below with steps you can take immediately.
What is an illicit stormwater discharge?
An illicit discharge is any flow to the stormwater system that is not entirely composed of stormwater and is not allowed by permit or city policy, such as sanitary sewage, industrial waste, vehicle fluids, paint, or concentrated pollutants entering ditches, storm drains, or waterways.
How to identify and document a suspected discharge
- Observe: note color, odor, sheen, foam, dead fish, or unusual solids at the source or downstream.
- Time and place: record date, time, street address or nearest intersection, and GPS if available.
- Photograph and video: capture clear images of the source, flow path, and any identifying features.
- Witnesses: collect names and contact details of anyone who saw the discharge.
When safe, avoid touching contaminated material and keep others away from the discharge until responders arrive. Use the City of Tallahassee online report form or phone reporting options to submit documentation and request inspection.[1]
Where and how to report
- Online report: submit photos and location through the City stormwater report page and upload evidence for inspection.[1]
- Phone: call the Stormwater Utility or City customer service to report urgent releases; use the emergency numbers listed on official pages.
- Code Enforcement referral: the Stormwater Utility or Code Enforcement will typically investigate illicit discharges and coordinate cleanup.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement is carried out by the City of Tallahassee Stormwater Utility together with Code Enforcement and other city departments as needed. Specific monetary fines, daily penalties, or statutory civil penalties for illicit stormwater discharges are not specified on the cited City stormwater pages; see the official municipal ordinance and Stormwater Utility pages for the controlling enforcement authority and procedures.[2]
- Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: city orders to stop the discharge, corrective actions, abatement, and referral to county or state agencies or to court are described as enforcement options.
- Inspections and evidence: inspectors may document the release, take samples, and require remediation.
- Appeal/review: the cited city pages do not list specific appeal time limits or review procedures; check the municipal code or contact the Stormwater Utility for appeal steps.
- Defenses/discretion: the city may consider permits, emergency actions, or proof of legitimate authorized discharges; details are not specified on the cited page.
Applications & Forms
The City accepts illicit discharge reports via an online form and by phone; no separate permit application for reporting is required. If specific enforcement forms or penalty schedules are required, they are not published on the cited stormwater information pages and must be requested from the Stormwater Utility or Code Enforcement.[2]
Action steps you can take
- Document immediately: photograph, note time and place, and secure witness information.
- Report to the City using the official online report or phone numbers listed on the Stormwater Utility page.[1]
- Follow any city instructions for interim containment or isolation if provided by responders.
FAQ
- Who enforces illicit stormwater discharges in Tallahassee?
- The City of Tallahassee Stormwater Utility with support from Code Enforcement and other departments handles investigations and enforcement actions.
- How do I report a suspected illicit discharge?
- Use the City stormwater online report form or call the Stormwater Utility or City customer service; provide photos, time, and precise location.[1]
- Will the city notify me of the outcome?
- Investigations vary; contact the Stormwater Utility or Code Enforcement for updates—specific notification timelines are not specified on the cited pages.
- Are there fines for reporting false claims?
- The cited city pages do not specify penalties for false reports; contact the Stormwater Utility for policy details.
How-To
- Identify the discharge source and confirm it is not stormwater (look for color, sheen, or unusual odors).
- Document with photos, video, time, and exact location; do not put yourself at risk.
- Submit the report via the City stormwater online form or call the phone numbers provided on official pages.[1]
- Keep records of your submission and any city case number; follow up with the Stormwater Utility if you do not receive updates.
Key Takeaways
- Report promptly with photos and precise location to speed inspection.
- The City Stormwater Utility is the primary contact for investigation and enforcement.
- Specific fine amounts and detailed penalty schedules are not published on the cited stormwater information pages; contact the city for official schedules.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Tallahassee Stormwater report page
- City of Tallahassee Stormwater Utility
- City of Tallahassee Code of Ordinances (Municode)
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection - Water