Detroit Illicit Storm Drain Discharge Rules
Detroit, Michigan requires property owners, contractors, and businesses to prevent illicit discharges to storm drains and the combined sewer system to protect public health and water quality. This guide explains how Detroit enforces illicit storm drain discharge prohibitions, typical compliance steps, where to report suspected discharges, and how to find official forms and contacts in Detroit.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement for illicit connections or discharges to storm drains in Detroit is handled by municipal departments responsible for stormwater and sewer operations. Official sources linked in the Resources section describe enforcement authority and corrective remedies; specific fine amounts and statutory section numbers are not specified on the cited pages.
- Enforcers: Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) and City Department of Public Works (DPW), with building and code support from Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED).
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited pages; consult the municipal code or department orders for precise penalties.
- Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences are typically subject to escalating enforcement and corrective orders, but exact ranges and per-day calculations are not specified on the cited pages.
- Non-monetary sanctions: enforcement can include abatement orders, mandatory corrective work, permit withholding, liening of property for recovery of cleanup costs, and referral to municipal or civil court.
- Inspections and complaints: DPW or DWSD inspectors may investigate reported discharges; members of the public should report suspected illicit discharges through the official complaint/contact pages listed in Resources.
- Appeals and review: appeal routes and exact time limits for review of enforcement actions are not specified on the cited pages; affected parties should follow appeal instructions on enforcement notices or contact the enforcing department promptly.
Common violations and typical outcomes:
- Direct discharge of washwater, solvents, petroleum, or wastewater into a storm catch basin — often results in abatement orders and possible civil penalties.
- Illegal connection of building drains or floor drains to storm sewers — may require reconnection, remediation, and inspection.
- Failure to implement required best management practices at construction sites — typically leads to stop-work directives, permit actions, and corrective measures.
Applications & Forms
Dedicated forms for reporting illicit discharges or requesting variances are not consolidated on a single published form on the cited pages; most reports are accepted through department complaint or service request portals. For permits tied to stormwater controls, consult the relevant department pages listed in Resources for submission instructions and fees.
How-To
- Identify and document: note the location, time, color, odor, and source of the discharge and, if safe, take photos.
- Report: contact the City of Detroit stormwater or DWSD complaint line and submit photos and location details using the official portal or phone number in Resources.
- Contain and stop (if safe): stop the source if you control it and take reasonable measures to limit spread without risking safety.
- Follow-up: keep records of communications and any corrective actions; if issued an order, comply promptly and ask about appeal rights.
FAQ
- What is an illicit storm drain discharge?
- An illicit discharge is any non-stormwater discharge into the storm drainage system or combined sewer that is not allowed by the City, including sewage, industrial waste, and polluted runoff.
- Who enforces Detroit's illicit discharge rules?
- Enforcement is carried out by City departments such as DWSD, DPW, and BSEED depending on the source and location of the discharge.
- How do I report a suspected illicit discharge in Detroit?
- Report via the City of Detroit stormwater or DWSD complaint portals or by phone using the contacts in the Resources section; provide photos and precise location details.
Key Takeaways
- Prevent any non-stormwater from entering storm drains to avoid orders and penalties.
- Report suspected discharges promptly using official channels and preserve evidence.
- Consult department webpages for permit and stormwater best management practice requirements.
Help and Support / Resources
- Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) - official page
- City of Detroit Department of Public Works - Stormwater and sewer services
- Detroit Municipal Code - City of Detroit ordinances (Municode)
- BSEED - Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department