Spokane Illicit Discharge Rules for Storm Drains

Utilities and Infrastructure Washington 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Washington

Spokane, Washington regulates discharges to the municipal storm drain system to protect local waterways, public health, and infrastructure. This guide explains what the city considers an illicit discharge, who enforces the rules, how to report spills or illegal connections, and practical compliance steps for residents, contractors, and businesses. It summarizes the City of Spokane stormwater program, relevant municipal code references, and official reporting channels so you can act quickly if you see pollution entering gutters, catch basins, ditches, or creeks.

What the rules cover

Illicit discharges include any non-stormwater release to the storm drain system, such as motor oil, detergents, washwater, paint, concrete wash, sewage, or unauthorized connections from buildings and equipment. The City of Spokane Public Works Stormwater Program publishes guidance and program information on stormwater management and illicit discharge control: City Stormwater Program[1]. The Spokane Municipal Code contains the local ordinance language controlling discharges to public storm facilities: Spokane Municipal Code[2].

Penalties & Enforcement

The City enforces illicit discharge rules through its Public Works / Stormwater Utility and may investigate complaints, inspect sites, and require corrective actions. To report a spill, illegal connection, or suspected illicit discharge use the city's report-a-concern page: Report a Concern[3].

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page[2].
  • Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page[2].
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to abate, requirements to restore or remediate, stop-work actions, and referral to municipal or superior court are authorized by local enforcement provisions (see municipal code)[2].
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: City of Spokane Public Works / Stormwater Utility; file complaints or reports through the city report page[3].
  • Appeal/review routes and time limits: specific appeal procedures and deadlines are not specified on the cited municipal code page; consult the municipal code or Public Works for appeal timelines[2].
  • Defences or discretionary relief: permits, variances, or demonstrations of corrected conditions may affect enforcement; specific defences are not detailed on the cited page[2].
If you observe a spill, contain it if safe and report it immediately to reduce harm and potential penalties.

Applications & Forms

The city does not publish a separate ‘‘illicit discharge permit’’ form on the stormwater program pages; routine reports and complaints are submitted via the city's online Report a Concern form or by contacting Public Works. For regulatory permits affecting construction-related discharges, see state and city permitting guidance or contact Public Works for current form names and submission methods[1][3].

Common violations

  • Dumping of vehicle fluids, paint, or chemicals into gutters or storm drains.
  • Concrete, mortar, or washwater from construction sites discharged to streets or storm systems.
  • Illicit connections where sanitary or industrial wastewater is tied to storm sewers.
  • Poor erosion control allowing sediment to enter watercourses during rain events.
Contractors should use BMPs and keep washout and equipment areas away from storm drains.

FAQ

What is an illicit discharge?
An illicit discharge is any non-stormwater release into the storm drain system, including chemicals, washwater, sewage, or unauthorized connections.
How do I report a spill or illegal connection?
Report spills and suspected illicit discharges through the City of Spokane Report a Concern page or contact Public Works immediately; emergency spills may also require calling 911 for immediate hazards.
Report a Concern[3]
Will I be fined for accidental discharges?
Potential fines or enforcement actions depend on the facts and are determined by the city; exact fine amounts and escalation rules are not specified on the cited municipal code page and should be confirmed with Public Works or the municipal code[2].

How-To

  1. Stop the source: if safe, stop the discharge (turn off equipment, block flow) and move materials away from the drain.
  2. Contain and protect: prevent the pollutant from spreading using absorbents or berms; keep people away from hazards.
  3. Report: submit details and photos via the City of Spokane Report a Concern page or contact Public Works immediately[3].
  4. Follow instructions: comply with city inspection requirements, cleanup orders, or remediation plans issued by Public Works.

Key Takeaways

  • Do not allow non-stormwater to enter gutters or storm drains.
  • Report spills immediately via the city report page to limit damage and liability.
  • Contractors must use BMPs and maintain erosion controls during work.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Spokane Public Works - Stormwater Program
  2. [2] Spokane Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances
  3. [3] City of Spokane Report a Concern

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