Illicit Discharges and Public Reporting

What is an Illicit Discharge? 

An illicit discharge is an unlawful act of disposing, dumping, spilling, emitting, or other discharge of any substance other than stormwater into the stormwater drainage system. Illicit discharges are generally any discharge into a stormwater drainage system that is not composed of entirely of stormwater and are defined in Chapter 152 of the City of Hobart Municipal Code as anything that causes or contributes to pollution The stormwater drainage system includes streets, ditches, catch basins, yard inlets, and streams. Illicit discharges are a problem because stormwater generally flows to waterways without any additional treatment. 

Examples of Illicit Discharge include: 

• Spills that may contain containments harmful to the environment 
• Uncontrolled, muddy construction runoff o Paint being poured into or near the stormwater drainage system o Improper disposal of oil, pesticides, dirt, fertilizer, and other materials 
• Changing oil or antifreeze over or near a storm structure 
• Washing vehicles where the runoff could drain into the storm drainage system 
• Washing dumpster pads and allowing the runoff to drain into the storm drainage system 
• Dumping of any kind in to the street or into the storm drain 
• Dumping grass clippings into a stormwater basin or inlet or into the street 
• Floor drain or household grey-water drain (laundry or sink drain) that is connected to a storm drain 
• A septic tank discharge pipe that is connected to a storm drain or drains directly into a waterway or an improper connection between a storm sewer and sanitary sewer 

Report the following items immediately: 

• Oily Sheen or Colored Liquids
• Chemical or Sewage Smell 
• Foam 

Spills happen and we can help clean them up, but intentional discharging is illegal and harmful to our streams and lakes. If you see an activity that threatens the health of the local waterways, report it to the City of Hobart in person at the Hobart Sanitary and Stormwater District office located at City Hall, by calling 219-943-3619, or via email at tkingsland@cityofhobart.org. 

To report a large spill or emergency situation please immediately contact the City of Hobart Fire and Police departments by dialing 911. Citizens can report the illegal dumping of chemicals, heavy erosion from constructions sites, polluted water, or other illegal connections to the storm system (such as septic tank discharges or washing machine wash water). 

TIP! If possible, collect as much information as you can about the spill/incident, including date and time, a description of what you observed, including potential quantity dumped, and a few photos, which will help City Staff identify the problem and determine the most appropriate plan of action. City staff understands the need for confidentiality, so reports can be anonymous.