Report Illicit Storm Drain Discharge - East Chattanooga

Utilities and Infrastructure Tennessee 3 Minutes Read · published February 21, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

In East Chattanooga, Tennessee, illegal discharges to storm drains can harm waterways and public health. This guide explains how residents and businesses can identify suspected illicit storm drain discharges, collect key information, and report incidents to the City of Chattanooga Stormwater Program for investigation and enforcement.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Chattanooga enforces stormwater and illicit discharge rules through its Stormwater Program within Public Works. Specific monetary fines, escalation amounts, and some administrative processes are not specified on the cited page.Report an Illicit Discharge[1]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; see the official reporting page for enforcement contacts and procedures.
  • Escalation: ranges for first, repeat, or continuing offences are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: may include stop-work or abatement orders, remediation requirements, administrative orders, and referral to courts or civil actions as authorized by city code; specific mechanisms are not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: City of Chattanooga Public Works - Stormwater Program handles inspections and complaints; use the city report page to submit reports or find contact numbers.[1]
  • Appeals and review: specific appeal time limits and processes are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences/discretion: permits, approved best management practices, or authorized discharges may be defenses where a permit or variance applies; specific rules are not specified on the cited page.
Report urgent discharges immediately and provide location details.

Applications & Forms

The City’s reporting page provides an online reporting form and contact details for the Stormwater Program; if a specific application number or permit form is required for a defense or variance it is not listed on the cited page.[1]

  • Official reporting form: available via the City of Chattanooga Stormwater reporting page; fees or submission deadlines for appeals or permits are not specified on the cited page.

How to Identify an Illicit Storm Drain Discharge

Illicit discharges are discharges to storm drains that are not composed entirely of stormwater. Common indicators include colored or oily sheens, unusual odors, suds, visible solids, or persistent flow when it has not rained.

  • Common violations: illegal dumping of chemicals, washwater from vehicle cleaning, concrete washout, improper disposal of paints or solvents, and failing construction site controls.
  • Evidence to collect: photos, time and date, nearest address or GPS coordinates, flow description, and any vehicle or business identifiers.
If a discharge is creating an immediate hazard, call emergency services first.

Action Steps to Report an Illicit Discharge

  1. Document: take photos or video, note time and exact location, and describe the substance and flow.
  2. Report: use the City of Chattanooga Stormwater online reporting page or call the Stormwater Program to submit your information.
  3. Preserve evidence: keep originals of photos and any witness contact details; do not attempt to block flows in a way that creates hazards.
  4. Follow up: request a report number or case ID and ask for expected timelines for inspection and remediation.
  5. Appeal or respond: if you receive a compliance order, follow the instructions and note appeal deadlines if provided in the order.
Keep a copy of your report number and any correspondence for possible follow-up or appeals.

FAQ

What counts as an illicit storm drain discharge?
Any non-stormwater substance entering a storm drain system, including chemicals, washwater, sewage, petroleum products, or solid waste.
How do I report a suspected illicit discharge in East Chattanooga?
Document the scene, then use the City of Chattanooga Stormwater reporting page or call the Stormwater Program to file a report; provide photos, location, and description.
Will my report be anonymous?
The City’s reporting form allows you to provide contact details for follow-up; check the form for anonymity options or contact the Stormwater Program directly.

How-To

  1. Observe and document the discharge with photos, time, and precise location.
  2. Check for immediate hazards and call emergency services if needed.
  3. Submit a report through the City of Chattanooga Stormwater online form or by phone.
  4. Request a case number and note any inspection or remediation timelines given by staff.
  5. Follow any remediation instructions and keep records of communications for appeals if necessary.

Key Takeaways

  • Document with photos and precise location to help investigations.
  • Use the City of Chattanooga Stormwater reporting page to file complaints.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Chattanooga - Report an Illicit Discharge

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