Greensboro Illicit Storm Drain Rules - How to Report

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

Greensboro, North Carolina requires residents and businesses to prevent illicit discharges into the storm drain system. This guide explains what counts as an illicit discharge, how the city enforces the rules, and the step-by-step process to report spills, dumping, or nonstormwater flow so the Public Works/Stormwater team can investigate and remediate impacts to streets, creeks, and downstream waters.

What is an illicit storm drain discharge

An illicit discharge is any nonstormwater flow entering the municipal storm drainage system except for authorized discharges (for example, emergency firefighting runoff or permitted discharges). Common examples include motor oil, paint, wash water, construction runoff, sewage, and deliberate dumping.

Report visible spills immediately; they can cause rapid water quality harm.

When and how to report

  • Report immediately for active spills or visible sheens on water or storm drains.
  • Call emergency numbers for hazardous material releases or threats to public safety.
  • Provide location, description, photos, time observed, and any witnesses when filing a report.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of illicit storm drain rules in Greensboro is handled by the City of Greensboro Stormwater/ Public Works division. Specific monetary fines, daily continuing penalties, and escalation scales are not specified on the cited municipal pages; see the resources section for official contact and ordinance text.[1]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation (first, repeat, continuing): not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: injunctions, stop-work orders, required remediation, and court action may be used where the ordinance permits; specific measures are not fully detailed on the cited page.
  • Appeals and review: municipal code typically provides an appeal route to an administrative hearing officer or municipal court; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
If you caused or observed a discharge, document it with photos and timestamps before cleanup when safe to do so.

Common violations and typical consequences

  • Illicit dumping of liquids or solids into catch basins.
  • Construction site runoff without controls.
  • Failure to implement required best management practices (BMPs).

Applications & Forms

The city publishes reporting forms and guidance for stormwater complaints and construction erosion control on official department pages; if a specific permit, application number, or fee applies it is listed on those pages. If no form is required, the department accepts complaints by phone or online report forms as indicated on the Stormwater Utility page.

Check the Stormwater Utility page for the current complaint form link.

Action steps - how to report an illicit discharge

  • Stop what you can safely control to limit spread (e.g., block off drains) without risking safety.
  • Call emergency services if there is an immediate health, fire, or hazardous-material risk.
  • Use the city online report form or call Stormwater/Public Works to submit location, photos, and details.
  • Keep records of your report, name of the person you spoke with, and any reference number provided.

FAQ

Who enforces stormwater rules in Greensboro?
The City of Greensboro Stormwater or Public Works division enforces municipal stormwater and illicit discharge rules.
What should I report?
Report visible spills, sheens, unusual odors, colored discharges, or active dumping into storm drains, creeks, or roadside ditches.
Will my report be anonymous?
The city accepts reports from the public; privacy options vary by report form and are described on the department reporting page.

How-To

  1. Note the exact location (nearest address, landmark, or GPS coordinates).
  2. Take clear photos or short video showing the discharge and any distinguishing marks or containers.
  3. Call the Stormwater/Public Works office during business hours or use the online report form; provide the information from steps 1 and 2.
  4. If the situation is a hazardous-material release, call emergency services immediately and inform responders about the discharge.
  5. Follow up with the department if you receive a report number and monitor for remediation updates.

Key Takeaways

  • Report spills quickly with location and photos to reduce environmental harm.
  • Enforcement may include orders or court action; specific fines or escalation details are not specified on the city page cited below.

Help and Support / Resources

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