Stormwater Illicit Discharges

STORMWATER ILLICIT DISCHARGES:

Stormwater is defined as any surface runoff and drainage of water from land surfaces, including the surfaces of buildings and other hardened surfaces on the land.

Pinellas County ordinance Chapter 58, Article VI, strictly prohibits any discharge to the storm sewer system or roads that is not entirely composed of stormwater. Violation of this ordinance can result in fines of up to $500 per day. If extreme damage has resulted, Pinellas County can levy fines up to $10,000 per day under the Environmental Enforcement Act (Chapter 58, Article II).

Authorized exceptions are:

* Flows from firefighting
* Waterline flushing and other contributions from potable water sources
* Landscape irrigation and lawn watering
* Irrigation water
* Diverted stream flows
* Rising groundwaters
* Direct infiltration of groundwater to the separate storm sewer system
* Uncontaminated, non-particulate pumped groundwater
* Foundation and footing drains
* Water from crawl space pumps
* Uncontaminated, non-particulate air conditioning condensation
* Springs
* Individual Residential car washing
* Non-particulate backwash from residential swimming pools (no Diatomaceous earth)
* Flows from riparian habitat and wetlands

If you suspect someone has illicitly discharged contaminants such as chemicals, construction materials, paint, petroleum products or yard waste to the storm sewer or road, please contact our Water Resources Management Section at (727) 464-4425.

You can also leave a message on our Stormwater Watchline at (727) 464-5060.

In case of emergency (such as a large gasoline chemical spill), please contact the Sheriff's Department or your local Fire Department.

If you have any questions regarding stormwater runoff, please call the Water Resources Management Section at (727) 464-4425 or visit our stormwater page.