Report Pollution Entering Storm Drains or Waterways

When substances are dumped into our storm drains, it travels untreated into the nearest waterway when it rains. Here are a few examples of why this is a problem:

• Concrete wash water is very alkaline and can change the water chemistry our lakes rivers and streams. This harms aquatic organisms which have adapted to specific water quality conditions. It takes 10,000 gallons of rain water to neutralize just one gallon of concrete waste.
• Nutrients from dumpster leachate (what leaks out of a dumpster) and carpet cleaning wastewater contain nutrients that act just like fertilizer to support algae growth. This can contribute to more toxic, blue-green algae blooms, which are dangerous to people and deadly to dogs and other animals. When these algae blooms decompose, they consume oxygen in the water and can lead to low oxygen levels. This can suffocate fish and other aquatic organisms.   
• Discharges of ammonia, degreasers, and other cleansers can discharge from a storm sewer at concentrations that are high enough to kill some organisms outright.
• Other types of waste can cause long-lasting damage to plant and animal life and their ecosystem.

Some of the most common offenders for illegal discharges are listed below:

• Concrete Waste: Wastewater from concrete truck chutes, water used for tool clean up, or dried residue in the gutter.
• Waste Water: Water that was dumped into the gutter or down a storm drain from things like mopping and carpet cleaning.
• Used Cooking Oil: Spills from tipped over storage drums and containers filled beyond capacity.
• Automotive Fluids: Illegal discharges of motor oil or antifreeze. Vehicles that are leaking fluid.
• Paint: Wet paint or water from tool/brush clean up dumped in the storm sewer.
• Leachate: Rain that ran through a full dumpster, or liquids dumped in the trash leaking onto pavement.
• Sediment: Pit dewatering (pulling water out of construction excavation area) without proper filtration.
• Solid Waste: Mulch, soil, garbage, deposited in the street/gutter, or improperly stored waste.
• Restaurant Hood Cleaning Waste: Discharges of cleansers or grease washed off restaurant ventilation equipment.
• Pressure Washing Wastewater: Discharges from outside washing when the wastewater flows to the storm sewer.???

We work with the local municipality or Public Health Madison & Dane County to investigate discharges and stains that show waste was dumped on streets or in gutters and storm sewers to:

• Find out what was discharged and who discharged it,
• Determine if there is a threat to people or the environment, and
• Make sure the problem is corrected.

If we are able to determine who was involved in the illegal discharge, we will typically follow up with the individual or company involved using the following methods. 

• For an individual: In general, we focus on providing education if a person is acting alone. This means we tell them how to dispose of waste properly and how illegal discharges hurt our environment. If someone has repeated violations or it is a major offense, we refer the complaint to the city or county lawyers for legal action.
• For a business: We handle complaints about businesses differently because there is a greater potential for repeat violations. We send certain types of businesses with a higher probability of violations (carpet cleaners, pressure washers, restaurant vent cleaners, concrete contractors, lawn care businesses) an annual letter describing best management practices for disposing of waste and the consequences of not following these practices. Because we give ample warning and education, we consider these violations deliberate actions and issue a ticket or, in exceptional cases, refer them to city or county lawyers for legal action.