Durham Stormwater Ordinance - Report Illicit Discharge

Utilities and Infrastructure North Carolina 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 09, 2026 Flag of North Carolina

In Durham, North Carolina, illicit discharges to storm drains can harm water quality, public health and local infrastructure. This guide explains how city rules address unauthorized discharges, how to report a problem, what enforcement actions the city may use, and the practical steps residents, businesses and contractors should follow to comply with Durham stormwater requirements.

What is an illicit storm drain discharge?

An illicit discharge is any discharge to the municipal storm drain system that is not composed entirely of stormwater, unless expressly permitted by law or a permit. Common examples include vehicle washwater, sanitary waste, industrial process water, concrete washout, and petroleum spills.

How to report an illicit discharge

To report suspected illicit discharges in Durham, use the city reporting channel listed below or call the Stormwater Services contact. When you report, provide the location, time, description of the discharge, and any photos. Reports are triaged for investigation and response by the city.

Official report page: City of Durham Stormwater - Illicit Discharges[1]

Reporting promptly with photos speeds investigation.

Penalties & Enforcement

Durham enforces stormwater and illicit discharge rules through its Stormwater Services program within City of Durham Public Works. The city may inspect sites, issue notices, and require corrective actions. Specific monetary fines and fee schedules are not fully listed on the cited city page; see the city contact below for current amounts or formal citations.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; contact the enforcing office for current civil penalty amounts and daily continuing penalties.
  • Escalation: the city may issue written notices, orders to abate, and escalate to civil penalties or court action for repeat or continuing offences; specific ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: administrative orders to stop discharge, written compliance schedules, required remedial actions, site remediation and monitoring.
  • Enforcer: Stormwater Services (City of Durham Public Works) conducts inspections, investigations and enforcement; complaints submitted via the official report link are routed to this office.
  • Complaint pathway: use the city reporting page or contact Stormwater Services directly for inspections and follow-up.
  • Appeals/review: formal appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited page; ask the enforcing office for appeal procedures and filing deadlines.
If an order is issued, follow it promptly to avoid escalation.

Applications & Forms

The city accepts online reports and may require submittal of remediation documentation or permits for certain discharges; a dedicated online reporting form is provided on the official Stormwater page. Specific form names, numbers, fees, or deadlines are not specified on the cited page.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Illicit sanitary or sewage discharge: investigation, emergency response and orders to remediate; monetary penalties not specified on the cited page.
  • Concrete washout on site: notice and required cleanup; possible civil penalties for noncompliance.
  • Fuel or oil spills to storm drains: immediate containment and remediation; reporting to Stormwater Services and possibly other agencies.

Action steps

  • Document: take photos and note time/location of the discharge.
  • Report: submit the incident via the City of Durham Stormwater reporting page[1] or call Stormwater Services.
  • Preserve evidence: if safe, preserve samples or secure witness contact details for investigators.
  • Comply: follow orders, submit required remediation documentation and apply for permits if requested.
Recordkeeping helps if follow-up enforcement or appeals occur.

FAQ

Who enforces illicit discharge rules in Durham?
Stormwater Services within City of Durham Public Works enforces illicit discharge rules and investigates reports.
How quickly will the city respond to a reported discharge?
Response times depend on severity and reported details; emergency spills receive priority while other reports are triaged for investigation.
Are there permits that allow nonstormwater discharges?
Some discharges may be allowed under specific permits or authorized connections; contact Stormwater Services to confirm permit status for a discharge.

How-To

  1. Photograph the discharge and note exact location and time.
  2. Use the City of Durham Stormwater report page to submit details and upload photos.[1]
  3. If immediate hazard exists (fire, sewage, large fuel spill), call emergency services first and then notify Stormwater Services.
  4. Follow any city inspection or remediation orders and provide requested documentation.
  5. If you disagree with an enforcement action, request appeal instructions from the enforcing office.

Key Takeaways

  • Report any nonstormwater discharge promptly with photos and location details.
  • Durham Stormwater Services enforces rules and may order cleanup or impose civil penalties; specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited page.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Durham Stormwater - Illicit Discharges

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