View the Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Program Presentation (PDF)

Rainwater + Pollution = Polluted Stormwater.  Urban stormwater runoff has been identified as the primary source of pollution to surface waters in Florida.  Stormwater comes off our house roofs, driveways, footpaths and roads when it rains. Because roads are impervious surfaces, meaning the rain can not pass through them, the rain is washed into drains that are generally located in street gutters. Stormwater is NOT directed to a treatment facility!  It drains directly into area creeks, rivers and eventually the Bay.  Anything carried with the stormwater such as litter, soil, garden waste, car washing chemicals, car oil and grease from roadways, and fertilizer results in pollution of waterways. 

These pollutants can kill fish and other aquatic life like dolphins and manatees, create unsafe swimming conditions for you and your children, and make the waterways in our parks, recreation areas and beaches unsightly.

One of the major causes of stormwater pollution is illegal dumping of toxic materials.  The following information is designed to assist you in recognizing potential illegal/illicit discharges into the storm drain system, and provide a method for reporting observations to the appropriate local authorities.     

An illegal discharge is defined as “any disposal into the storm drain system for which a person or business does not have a permit.”  Federal and State laws currently prohibit the release of pollutants into the storm drain system. The purpose of these regulations is to protect the quality of the nation's water resources by minimizing contamination associated with human activities. 

Some of the materials that are ILLEGAL to dispose of into storm drains include: cleaning products like detergent, chlorinated pool water, fertilizers, chemicals, carpet cleaning water, paint, radiator fluid, oil, gasoline, sediment and soil from construction and gardens, garden waste and lawn clippings, animal droppings, and litter items such as plastic bags, drink containers, food wrappers and cigarette butts.

Materials that are PERMITTED to enter the stormwater system include: landscape irrigation, discharges from roof drains, individual residential car washing, and de-chlorinated swimming pool discharges.

Everyone has a part to play. Reducing the pollution depends on every person in the community preventing harmful natural or chemical substances entering the drains. 

Please contact the City of St. Petersburg if you see someone illegally discharge contaminants such as chemicals, construction materials, chlorinated pool water, paint, or yard waste to our storm drainage system. You can also leave a anonymous message at the Stormwater Hotline/Mayor’s Action Line at 727-893-7111.

In case of an EMERGENCY such as a large gasoline or chemical spill call 911. For less urgent pollution violation problems please contact the Police Department non emergency number at 727-893-7780. Please report specifics including the address of the illegal discharge, name of person, company name on vehicle and vehicle tag number.