Stormwater Illicit Discharge Program
Leave the Storm Drains for Storms
James City County has recently included Illicit Discharge provisions within the Stormwater Management Ordinance (Chapter 18A) that make it illegal to release pollutants into a stormwater drainage system or waterway. An illicit discharge is any discharge to a storm drainage system or waterway that is not composed entirely of stormwater. Our stormwater facilities and waterways are not designed to accept or treat anything but stormwater and non-stormwater materials such as residential wastewater or motor oil will damage the facilities and ultimately, damage our rivers and streams. The purpose of the program is to minimize the discharge of pollutants into our waterways and protect the quality of our streams, lakes, and rivers.
The Stormwater Division administers the ordinance and has authority to pursue violations as a Class 1 misdemeanor. Instances such as firefighting, irrigation, and residential car washing are not considered illicit discharges.
If you have a question about whether an activity is an illicit discharge or if you would like to report a possible illicit discharge, contact the Stormwater Division at 757-259-1460. You will not be asked to provide your name or address.