Illicit Discharge

Reporting Spills

Reporting Spills and Illegal Dumping (Illicit Discharge)

When reporting a spill or potential environmental code violation, please provide the following:

Your name, address, phone number, and email address
Location of the spill such as property address, intersection, waterway
Material that has been spilled, if known
Date and time of the spill
Person/entity responsible for the spill

Non-Emergency Spill Reporting

Stormwater Enterprise: 719-385-5980
Spill Hotline: 719-491-6096
Report an issue online or on the mobile app

Examples of Non-Emergency Spills

Residential spills and illegal dumping of yard waste, etc.
Spills less than 5 gallons that do not reach inlets
Stormwater discharges from construction sites
Non-hazardous wastes deposited in streets
Concrete wash water

Emergency Spill Reporting

911 for life threatening emergency, Dispatch for all other: 719-444-7000

Examples of Emergency Spills:

Involves a vehicle accident
Unknown liquids reach inlet/creek
Involves a fire
Any spill that has or may impact Waters of the State*
Releases from storage tanks
Sewage
Illicit connections
Grease interceptor overflows
Chemical spills

Other Spill Reporting

Spills that reach Waters of the State*

*Waters of the State include: surface water, ground water, dry gullies, storm sewers leading directly to surface water.

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE): 1-877-518-5608

Accidental Discharges to Sanitary Sewer

Colorado Springs Utilities: 719-448-4800

Petroleum Releases from Storage Tanks

Colorado Springs Fire Department Dispatch: 719-444-7000
State Oil Inspector:1-303-318-8525
After hours contact CDPHE: 1-877-518-5608

Releases from Oil Pipeline

911 for life threatening emergency, Dispatch for all other: 719-444-7000
US Department of Transportation Office of Pipeline Safety: 1-202-366-4595
National Response Center (NRC): 1-800-424-8802
If spill reaches Waters of the State contact CDPHE: 1-877-518-5608

Radiological Accidents, Incidents and Events

Business hours contact Laboratory and Radiation Services Division: 1-303-692-3300
After hours contact CDPHE: 1-877-518-5608

For additional guidance for industrial facilities based on spill type, visit CDPHE's website.

What is Illicit Discharge?

An illicit discharge is defined as any discharge to the city’s stormwater system that is not composed entirely of stormwater. Common illicit discharges include:

Improper disposal of vehicle fluids including radiator fluid, motor oil, and gasoline
Improper disposal of household chemicals including paint and detergents
Cross connections: Sanitary sewer lines that are tied to the storm sewer system
Illegal dumping into the storm drain system including residential waste and industrial facility discharges
Wash out from concrete trucks
Leaking grease traps at restaurant facilities
Grease from household cooking

Allowable Discharge

The following sources of non stormwater discharges are excluded from the definition illicit discharge:

Landscape irrigation water & lawn watering
Diverted stream flows
Uncontaminated ground water
Foundation drains, footing drains, and underdrain systems
Air conditioning condensation
Springs
Water from crawl space pumps
Individual residential car washing
Individual residential swimming pool and hot tub discharges
Water-line flushing
Water incidental to street sweeping that is not associated with construction

Proper Use and Disposal

Use and Dispose of Chemicals Properly

Recycle! The county's Household Hazardous Waste Facility accepts numerous materials for FREE! Call 719-520-7878
Dispose Properly: Keep paint and chemicals out of street or storm drain.
Check Your Car: Leaking oil and car fluids pollute our water
Use a Commercial Car Wash: Keep soap and wax out of our waterways

Learn How to Properly Dispose of Waste

Other Resources

More Information

Colorado Springs Utilities, Xeriscape Office (pesticide/plant alternatives): 719-448-4555
Colorado Springs Utilities, Industrial Pretreatment: 719-448-4360
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension (pesticide alternatives): 719-636-8921