Storm Drain Discharge Rules in Tri-Cities, Washington

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

Tri-Cities, Washington residents and businesses must prevent illegal discharges to storm drains and public waterways. This guide explains municipal rules, who enforces them, how to report spills or unauthorized discharges, and the steps for compliance across Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland.

Report visible discharges to your city’s Public Works immediately.

Overview of Rules

Each Tri-Cities municipality regulates stormwater and prohibits non-stormwater discharges into the storm drain system under its municipal code and stormwater utility rules. Typical prohibitions include dumping oil, chemicals, wastewater, paint, construction runoff, and untreated wash water into catch basins, gutters, or storm sewers.

To review controlling ordinances and code language, consult each city’s municipal code or stormwater pages for the precise definitions and prohibited discharges: see the Kennewick municipal code and stormwater resources Kennewick municipal code[1], the Pasco municipal code Pasco municipal code[2], and the Richland municipal code Richland municipal code[3].

Common Prohibitions and Best Practices

  • Do not discharge vehicle fluids, paints, solvents, or concentrated wash solutions to streets or storm drains.
  • Control construction site runoff with silt fences, stabilized entrances, and approved erosion controls.
  • Use designated disposal sites and follow local hazardous waste rules for chemicals and oily wastes.
  • Keep gutters and catch basins free of leaves and debris to reduce clogging and flooding risks.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement authority and remedies are set out in each city's municipal code and enforcement policies. Typical elements addressed by city rules include fines, orders to cease and remediate discharges, abatement, and referral to court when necessary.

  • Monetary fines: specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited municipal code overview pages; see each city code for exact penalties Kennewick municipal code[1].
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence procedures and ranges are not specified on the cited pages; check the ordinance sections for civil penalty schedules.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: enforcement may include stop-work or abatement orders, requirements to remediate contamination, equipment seizure, and referral to municipal or superior court as provided by local code.
  • Enforcers: enforcement is typically handled by the city Public Works or Code Enforcement divisions; reporting/contact routes are available on each city's official pages Pasco municipal code[2].
  • Appeals and review: appeal processes and time limits vary by city and are set in the municipal code or administrative rules; exact time limits are not specified on the cited overview pages and must be checked in the ordinance text.
  • Defences and discretion: municipal codes commonly allow defenses such as authorized discharges under a permit or emergency actions; see each ordinance for permitted exceptions.
If unsure, obtain written authorization before discharging any non-stormwater to a storm system.

Applications & Forms

Permit and form requirements vary by city. No single universal form is published on the cited municipal code overview pages; contact the local Public Works or permitting office for specific permit names, fees, and submission instructions.

Reporting an Illegal Discharge

If you see oil, chemicals, sewage, or other contaminants entering storm drains or waterways: contact your city’s Public Works or Code Enforcement immediately and provide location, description, time, photos, and any responsible party information. Use the official city pages for reporting and follow any incident form instructions listed there Richland municipal code[3].

Document the scene with photos and avoid disturbing evidence unless necessary for safety.

How-To

  1. Identify the location and nature of the discharge (substance, color, smell, flow path).
  2. Take photos and note time, weather, and any identifying information about potential sources.
  3. Report immediately to your city Public Works or online reporting portal; follow any agency instructions to contain hazards.
  4. If there is an immediate hazard to people or health, call 911, then notify Public Works.
Quick reporting increases the chance of rapid containment and reduces environmental harm.

FAQ

Who enforces storm drain discharge rules in the Tri-Cities?
City Public Works or Code Enforcement divisions enforce local stormwater ordinances; refer to each city's municipal code for detailed authority.
What counts as an illegal discharge?
Any non-stormwater release to the storm drain system such as oils, chemicals, wastewater, or uncontrolled construction runoff is generally prohibited unless expressly permitted.
How do I report a spill or illegal discharge?
Contact your city Public Works or Code Enforcement immediately and provide location, photos, and descriptions; use the official city reporting pages listed in Help and Support / Resources below.
Are there permits for some discharges?
Some discharges are allowed under specific stormwater or construction permits; contact your city's permitting office for application requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • Do not dump liquids or wastes to storm drains.
  • Report discharges promptly to your city Public Works.
  • Use approved erosion and sediment controls on construction sites.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Kennewick municipal code
  2. [2] Pasco municipal code
  3. [3] Richland municipal code

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