Report Illicit Storm Drain Discharges - Paterson
Paterson, New Jersey residents and businesses must report illicit discharges to protect local waterways and comply with municipal stormwater controls. This guide explains what counts as an illicit storm drain discharge, how to document and report suspected spills or illegal connections in Paterson, and which city and state agencies handle investigation and enforcement.[1] Follow the steps below to preserve evidence, notify the right office, and understand potential enforcement outcomes under local and state stormwater programs.
What is an illicit storm drain discharge?
An illicit discharge is any non-stormwater flow entering the storm drain system, including sanitary sewage, industrial waste, washwater, fuels, or other pollutants. In Paterson these discharges threaten rivers and combined sewer systems and are subject to investigation by city public works and state regulators.[2]
How to identify and document a discharge
- Note time, date, and exact location (nearest address or intersection).
- Take clear photos or video of the flow, color, sheen, foam, odor, and any nearby pipes or outfalls.
- Collect witness names and contact info if possible.
- Record weather conditions and recent activities (construction, spills, washing).
Reporting steps
- Call Paterson Public Works or the dedicated stormwater complaint line and provide location and evidence.[1]
- If available, submit digital photos and a written description via the city online complaint form or email to the stormwater unit.
- If the discharge poses immediate danger (strong odor, fire risk, visible fuel), call 911 and then notify the city environmental/stormwater contact.
- If unresolved, file a complaint with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) using their hotline or online reporting tools.[2]
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement for illicit discharges in Paterson is generally handled by the Department of Public Works or the municipal office designated for stormwater compliance, with state support from NJDEP where applicable.[1]
- Fines: specific dollar amounts for local penalties are not specified on the cited page and must be confirmed with the enforcing office.[1]
- State fines under NJDEP authority may apply for violations of state stormwater rules; specific amounts are not specified on the cited page and depend on the statute or permit condition cited.[2]
- Escalation: typical practice includes warnings, notices to comply, civil penalties, and injunctive relief; exact escalation steps and timeframes are not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: orders to cease discharge, remediation requirements, cleanup orders, and possible seizure of materials. Courts may order corrective measures.
- Enforcer and complaint pathway: Paterson Department of Public Works (stormwater unit) investigates initial complaints; NJDEP may assume enforcement for state violations or larger incidents.[1]
- Appeals and review: appeal procedures and time limits are handled per municipal ordinance or administrative procedures; exact appeal periods are not specified on the cited page and should be requested from the enforcing office.
- Defences/discretion: permits, authorized discharges, or emergency response actions may be recognized as defenses where documented; availability of specific discretionary defenses is not specified on the cited page.
Applications & Forms
The city does not publish a single universal form for reporting illicit discharges on the cited page; complaints are accepted via the Public Works complaint line, online service portals, or email. For state-level reports, NJDEP provides online complaint/reporting tools. Specific form names or numbers are not specified on the cited page.[1]
Common violations
- Sanitary sewage entering storm drains from illegal connections.
- Construction site runoff without controls.
- Improper disposal of washwater from garages or commercial activities.
- Spills of oil, fuel, or chemicals reaching storm drains.
FAQ
- Who should I call to report an illicit discharge in Paterson?
- Contact Paterson Department of Public Works (stormwater unit) by phone or the city online complaint portal; if immediate danger exists, call 911. [1]
- What information should I provide when reporting?
- Provide time, location, photos/videos, description of the pollutant, nearby landmarks, and any witness information.
- Will my report remain anonymous?
- Paterson accepts anonymous reports in many cases, but providing contact information helps investigators follow up; check with the city complaint intake for details.
How-To
- Observe and document: record time, location, and take photos or video.
- Report to Paterson Public Works via phone or online complaint form; include all documentation.[1]
- Preserve evidence: do not disturb the scene; keep samples only if advised by responders.
- Follow up: request a complaint number and expected timeline, and escalate to NJDEP if unresolved.[2]
Key Takeaways
- Document quickly with photos and exact locations.
- Report first to Paterson Public Works, then to NJDEP if needed.
- City and state can enforce cleanup and penalties; verify specifics with the enforcing office.
Help and Support / Resources
- Paterson Department of Public Works - official contact and complaint information
- City of Paterson official website
- New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)
- U.S. EPA NPDES Stormwater Program