Report Illicit Stormwater Discharges - Knoxville Ordinance

In Knoxville, Tennessee, residents and businesses must report illicit stormwater discharges to the City to help protect local waterways and comply with municipal and state stormwater requirements. This guide explains who enforces illicit-discharge rules, how to report a release or illegal connection, what information to collect, and what to expect after you file a complaint with Public Works or Engineering. Use the contacts and steps below to make a timely report and preserve evidence for inspection and enforcement.^[1]

What is an illicit stormwater discharge?

An illicit discharge is any non-stormwater flow to the storm sewer system that is prohibited by local ordinance or state permit conditions, including sewage, industrial waste, paint, oil, or other pollutants entering gutters, storm drains, ditches, or streams. The City enforces discharge restrictions as part of its stormwater program and the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) requirements.

Reporting: what to include

• Date and time of the observation.
• Exact location and nearest cross-streets or storm drain ID.
• Description of the discharge (color, odor, flow rate) and any visible source.
• Photos or video with timestamps, if safe to obtain.
• Any witness names and contact details, if available.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Knoxville enforces illicit-discharge controls through its Public Works/Engineering divisions and by application of applicable municipal code and state permits. Specific fine amounts and daily penalties are not specified on the cited page; see the official City reporting and enforcement pages for details.^[1] State-level MS4 permit obligations and potential state enforcement authority also apply and are administered by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC).^[2]

• Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
• Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences - not specified on the cited page.
• Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, abatement directives, work notices, and referral to legal action or court enforcement are possible per City procedures.
• Enforcer: City of Knoxville Public Works/Engineering (Stormwater Division) and, where applicable, TDEC for state-level enforcement.^[1]
• Inspection and complaint pathway: submit a report to the City Stormwater/Engineering complaint page or contact Public Works (see Help and Support / Resources below).
• Appeals/review: appeal and review routes are governed by City code and administrative procedures; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
• Defences/discretion: permitted discharges, emergency response actions, or authorized variances may apply; see permit conditions or City guidance for details.

Applications & Forms

The City summary pages do not publish a standalone enforcement form number; reporting is generally handled via an online complaint/report form or by phone through Public Works/Engineering. If a specific enforcement or penalty appeal form exists, it is not specified on the cited page.^[1]

How investigations proceed

After a report is submitted, the Stormwater Division or designee will triage the complaint, schedule an inspection if warranted, and document evidence. Inspectors may require immediate cessation of discharges, issue abatement orders, or refer matters for administrative or civil enforcement. Maintain records and photos to help investigators identify sources and responsible parties.

Common violations

• Direct dumping of wash water, solvents, or paint into storm drains.
• Illegal sanitary sewer cross-connections discharging to storm sewers.
• Construction site runoff without controls or failing to install required BMPs.
• Automotive fluids or illicit industrial discharges.

FAQ

How do I report an illicit stormwater discharge?

Report to the City Stormwater/Engineering complaint page or contact Public Works by phone; provide location, description, and photos if safe.

Will I remain anonymous when I report?

The City accepts anonymous reports but providing contact information helps investigators follow up; check City reporting policies for privacy details.

What happens after I report?

The Stormwater Division triages the complaint, inspects when necessary, and may issue orders or refer for enforcement; timelines vary by case complexity.

How-To

1. Identify the location, nearest address or cross-streets, and the storm drain or waterbody affected.
2. Take clear photos or video showing the discharge, source area, and any identifying marks if it is safe to do so.
3. Submit the report using the City Stormwater complaint form or call Public Works; include your contact information if you want follow-up.
4. Preserve evidence and record any subsequent observations until investigators respond.
5. If the situation is an emergency (e.g., strong sewage odor or a large spill), notify emergency responders and Public Works immediately.

Key Takeaways

• Report illicit discharges promptly to help investigators locate sources and limit pollution.
• Document time, place, photos, and witness info to strengthen enforcement actions.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of Knoxville - Stormwater Management
• City of Knoxville - Public Works
• Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation - MS4 Program
• Knoxville Code of Ordinances (municipal code)

1. [1] City of Knoxville - Stormwater Management and reporting information
2. [2] Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation - MS4 program and state responsibilities