Report Illicit Storm Drain Discharge in Chattanooga

Utilities and Infrastructure Tennessee 3 Minutes Read · published February 20, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

Residents of Chattanooga, Tennessee who discover oil, wastewater, muddy runoff, sewage, or other illegal discharges entering storm drains should report them promptly to limit environmental harm and protect public health. This guide explains who enforces local stormwater rules, how to gather information and evidence, how to file a complaint with the city, and what penalties or remedies may apply under local and state stormwater controls. Follow the steps below to document location, time, photos, and witness details before contacting the Stormwater Division for official response.

Take a photo of the drain, nearby landmarks, and the discharge before it disperses.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Chattanooga delegates stormwater enforcement to its Public Works / Stormwater Management Division. Remedies and penalties for illicit discharges are established in city stormwater controls and applicable state water quality laws; specific fine amounts and escalation schedules are not specified on the cited municipal program pages below.[1] For state-level enforcement and definitions of illicit discharge, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) provides program guidance and reporting procedures for stormwater violations and spills, including where state enforcement may apply.[2]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited city stormwater pages; consult municipal code or enforcement notices for exact amounts.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences and per-day penalties are not specified on the cited city pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: municipal orders to cease discharge, corrective work orders, restoration requirements, and referral to court are used under local and state enforcement authorities.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: City of Chattanooga Stormwater Management Division via the Public Works Department; see official contact and online reporting options below.
  • Appeals and review: specific appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited city program pages; check notice of violation or municipal code for formal appeal deadlines.
  • Defences and discretion: permits, emergency responses, and authorized dewatering or construction discharges may be allowed where covered by a valid permit; specific defenses depend on permit terms or case facts.
If you believe a discharge is an immediate public health threat, call emergency services before submitting a nonemergency report.

Applications & Forms

The City stormwater program provides online reporting options and contact points but does not publish a multi-page 'illicit discharge application form' on the public program pages cited here; no specific form number is listed on those pages.[1] If you need a formal record, collect photos, GPS coordinates, date/time, witness names, and any vehicle or company identifiers before contacting the Stormwater Division.

How-To

  1. Document the scene: note date/time, GPS or nearest address, describe color/odor/flow, and take multiple photos or video.
  2. Report to the City of Chattanooga Stormwater Division by phone or online; provide your documentation and contact details for follow-up.[1]
  3. If the discharge is large, persistent, or hazardous, also notify TDEC’s spill or stormwater contacts per state guidance.[2]
  4. Preserve evidence: keep copies of photos and notes; if requested, submit them to the city as part of the complaint.
  5. Follow up: ask the city for a case number, timeline for inspection, and outcomes; if unsatisfied, request information on appeal or escalation procedures listed in any enforcement notice.
Keep a written record of every contact and date when reporting an environmental complaint.

FAQ

How do I know if a discharge is illegal?
Discharges that are not authorized by a permit, that visibly pollute water or enter storm drains, or contain unusual color, sheen, smell, or solids are potentially illicit and should be reported.
Who responds to reports of storm drain pollution?
The City of Chattanooga Stormwater Management Division responds to local complaints; TDEC may investigate for broader water quality or permit violations.
Will my name be kept confidential?
The city typically records reporter contact information for follow-up; ask the intake staff about privacy or anonymous reporting options when you call.

Key Takeaways

  • Document location, photos, and time before reporting to improve enforcement response.
  • Report to the City of Chattanooga Stormwater Division; if serious, also notify TDEC.
  • Specific fines and appeal timeframes are not specified on the cited city program pages; check formal notices or municipal code for details.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Chattanooga - Stormwater Management Division
  2. [2] Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation - Stormwater

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