Saint Paul Storm Drain Illicit Discharge Ordinance
Saint Paul, Minnesota requires prompt reporting and investigation of illicit discharges to the storm drain system. This guide explains what to report, how to contact city authorities, and what enforcement tools and penalties may apply. Use the official city stormwater pages and the state stormwater permit rules for authoritative procedures and responsibilities. If you observe suspicious flows, sediments, oil sheens, industrial waste, or unusual color/odour entering a street inlet or creek, document location and time and report immediately so Public Works can investigate.
What is an illicit discharge?
An illicit discharge is any non-stormwater discharge into the municipal storm sewer system, including sanitary sewer cross-connections, industrial process water, vehicle wash water, concrete washout, sewage, or chemical spills. Typical public health and water-quality risks include contamination of creeks, the Mississippi River, and downstream drinking-water intakes.
How to report
Gather location details, photos, time observed, and any identifiable vehicle or facility information. Report to the City of Saint Paul Public Works Stormwater division online or by telephone; the city provides dedicated stormwater reporting and response information on its website Public Works - Stormwater & Drainage[1]. For immediate hazards or spills that threaten safety or navigation, contact emergency services first.
Penalties & Enforcement
The City of Saint Paul enforces stormwater and illicit discharge controls through its municipal code and Public Works compliance programs. Specific fines, escalation, and non-monetary sanctions are set out in the controlling ordinance or code sections cited by the city.
Available enforcement actions typically include written notices, abatement orders, administrative fines, civil penalties, referral to municipal court, and recovery of cleanup costs; exact amounts and escalation steps are available in the municipal code and related enforcement rules. The state Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit and MPCA rules also guide local enforcement expectations MPCA - Municipal Stormwater Permits[2].
Enforcer, inspections, and appeals
- Enforcer: Saint Paul Public Works, Stormwater & Drainage division is the primary enforcing office; see the city stormwater page for official contacts.[1]
- Inspections: City staff may inspect sites, take samples, and document violations during investigations.
- Appeals/Review: Appeal routes and time limits are defined in the municipal code or enforcement notice; where not stated on the enforcement notice page, the municipal code provides the formal appeal process Saint Paul Code of Ordinances[3].
Fines, escalation, and defences
- Fine amounts: specific dollar amounts per offence or per day are not specified on the cited city stormwater summary page; consult the code for exact figures.[3]
- Escalation: first offences, repeat offences, and continuing violations are typically handled with warnings, escalating to fines and abatement; exact escalation schedules are not specified on the cited summary pages.
- Defences: permitted discharges, emergency measures, or permits/variances recognized by the city or the MPCA may be valid defences; check permit terms under the MPCA MS4 and construction stormwater rules.[2]
Applications & Forms
The City posts stormwater program information and any application forms (for example, right-of-way permits, construction stormwater controls) on its Public Works pages; specific form names, numbers, fees, and submission methods are available where the city lists permits and the MPCA lists state permits. If a particular form is not published on the city page, it is not specified on the cited page.[1]
Action steps for residents and businesses
- Document: take photos, note the time and exact location, and record vehicle or facility details if safe to do so.
- Report: use the City of Saint Paul stormwater reporting contact on the Public Works page Public Works - Stormwater & Drainage[1].
- Preserve evidence: avoid disturbing the scene; retain photos and notes for follow-up.
- Correct: if you are an owner responsible for a discharge, stop the source, implement temporary controls, and follow city instructions for remediation.
FAQ
- How do I report an illicit discharge?
- Collect location, time, photos, and any identifying details; report via the City of Saint Paul Public Works stormwater reporting contact or online form on the official city page.[1]
- What happens after I report?
- Public Works will triage the report, may dispatch inspectors, document the discharge, and take enforcement or cleanup actions as needed; follow-up depends on investigation findings and permit requirements.
- Can I face penalties for reporting?
- No; reporters acting in good faith are not penalized for making a report. Responsible parties for discharges may face fines, abatement orders, or cost recovery.
How-To
- Ensure personal safety and, for hazardous spills, call emergency services immediately.
- Record the exact location (nearest address or inlet ID), time, and observable characteristics of the discharge.
- Take clear photographs or short videos from a safe distance showing the flow and any identifiers.
- Report to Saint Paul Public Works via the official stormwater reporting contact on the city website; provide your notes and media.
- Retain copies of your report and follow up with the city if you do not receive a response within the timeframe the city provides.
Key Takeaways
- Report visible illicit discharges promptly with photos and precise location information.
- Saint Paul Public Works enforces stormwater rules and coordinates cleanup and penalties.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Saint Paul 311 and Customer Service
- Saint Paul Public Works
- MPCA - Municipal Stormwater Permits