New South Memphis Stormwater Bylaws & Reporting Guide

Utilities and Infrastructure Tennessee 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

New South Memphis, Tennessee property owners must understand how local stormwater bylaws address illicit discharges to protect waterways and avoid enforcement. This guide explains who enforces stormwater rules, how to report suspected illegal discharges, typical enforcement actions, and practical steps property owners should take to comply. Where the municipal code or program details are not explicit on the cited pages, the guide notes that those specifics are "not specified on the cited page." For operational questions, contact the City of Memphis Public Works - Stormwater Program website[1].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement responsibility for stormwater illicit discharges in New South Memphis is handled through the City of Memphis Public Works Stormwater Program and the city's code enforcement/legal offices. The municipal code provides the legal basis for prohibiting illicit discharges and authorising enforcement actions; specific penalty figures or schedules are not specified on the cited code page below. [2]

  • Fines: amounts not specified on the cited page; consult the municipal code or enforcement notices for current figures.
  • Escalation: the code and program describe enforcement that can escalate from notices to civil penalties and injunctive relief; specific first/repeat/continuing ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, abatement notices, injunctive court actions, and repair or remediation orders may be issued.
  • Enforcer & complaints: primary enforcing department is City of Memphis Public Works - Stormwater Program; report suspected discharges via the program's contact channels Stormwater Program page[1].
  • Appeals & review: appeal routes or time limits for administrative decisions are governed by municipal procedures; specific appeal time limits are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences & discretion: permissible discharges (e.g., authorized discharges under a permit) and reasonable excuse defenses may be recognized; details are case-specific or not specified on the cited page.
Report visible or odorous discharges immediately to the stormwater hotline to protect public health and evidence.

Applications & Forms

  • Illicit discharge complaint/report form: check the City of Memphis Stormwater Program page for an online complaint form or contact details; if no form is published, use the program contact channels listed on the official page.
  • Fees: any permit or variance fees are set by the municipal code or program fee schedule and are not specified on the cited page.
  • Submission: complaints and permit applications are normally submitted to Public Works or an online portal as specified by the Stormwater Program.

Common Violations

  • Illegal dumping of washwater, concrete slurry, paint, or chemicals to streets or storm drains.
  • Construction site sediment leaving sites without proper controls.
  • Improper disposal of vehicle fluids or unauthorized industrial discharges.
Common enforcement starts with notice and direction to remediate followed by escalating penalties if unaddressed.

Action Steps for Property Owners

  • Immediately document the discharge: photos, time, location, and suspected source.
  • Report to City of Memphis Public Works - Stormwater Program using the official page contact details here[1] or by phone as listed.
  • Preserve evidence and avoid disturbing cleanup until directed by inspectors when safe to do so.
  • If served with an order, follow remediation steps promptly and document compliance to reduce penalties.

FAQ

Who enforces stormwater illicit discharge rules in New South Memphis?
The City of Memphis Public Works - Stormwater Program enforces local stormwater rules and coordinates inspections and remediation.
How do I report an illicit discharge?
Document the incident, then report it using the Stormwater Program contact page or hotline listed on the City of Memphis website.
What penalties can I face?
Penalties may include compliance orders, civil fines, and court action; specific fine amounts or schedules are not specified on the cited municipal code page.

How-To

  1. Stop any ongoing discharge if it is safe to do so.
  2. Record date, time, photos, and possible source of the discharge.
  3. Report the incident to the City of Memphis Public Works - Stormwater Program via the official contact page Stormwater Program[1].
  4. Follow any temporary containment or cleanup instructions from inspectors.
  5. If issued a compliance order, file any required appeals within the municipal appeal period specified in the notice.

Key Takeaways

  • Report suspected illicit discharges quickly and document evidence.
  • City of Memphis Public Works - Stormwater Program is the primary enforcer; consult official pages for forms and contacts.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Memphis Public Works - Stormwater Program
  2. [2] City of Memphis Code of Ordinances (Municode)

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