Knowledge Base

An illicit discharge is any pollutant discharged to a storm sewer system that is harmful to the health or welfare of people, the environment, wildlife or surface waters. Illicit discharges include:

• Sediment washing from construction sites

• Chemical or oil spills

• Sewage from broken sewer lines or overflow from private septic systems

• Pesticides, herbicides or wash water from paint clean up and concrete washout

To report an illicit discharge:

Call 311 or 507-328-2311 Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Evenings and weekends, call Police Dispatch at (507) 328-6800. 

In your report, provide:

• Time, date and location
• Description of material
• Your contact information

The City of Rochester investigates all reports of suspected illicit discharges, i.e., any material other than stormwater entering the storm sewer system and other conveyances that ultimately discharge to public waters such as the South Fork Zumbro River and tributaries thereof because of an accident or intentional dumping. Illicit discharges are regulated under Rochester Code of Ordinances Chapter 6-4. 

For more information, visit: Illicit Discharge