Report Illicit Storm Sewer Discharges - London Bylaw

Utilities and Infrastructure Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Ontario · By Daniel Roy

In London, Ontario, illicit discharges to the storm sewer can harm local waterways and contravene municipal rules. This guide explains what constitutes an illicit storm drain discharge on private property, who enforces the rules, how to report a suspected discharge, and the practical steps property owners and neighbours should take to comply with city bylaws and protect local creeks and the Thames River. If you see visible runoff, coloured liquid, oil sheen, foam, or unusual odours entering a storm inlet, act promptly to document, contain if safe, and report the incident to the city or the provincial spills line.

Report visible pollution immediately and, if safe, take photos before cleanup.

What is an illicit storm sewer discharge

An illicit discharge is any direct or indirect release of pollutants into the municipal storm drainage system from a property without authorization under applicable municipal controls or permits. Common sources include improper dumping of waste, washwater from vehicle or equipment cleaning, sanitary sewage cross-connections, and accidental spills from storage or outdoor activities.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of London enforces storm sewer and pollution controls through municipal bylaws and by-law enforcement staff, with support from environmental and engineering divisions. Specific monetary fines and escalation schedules are not specified on the cited municipal pages [2], and reporting/response instructions are available on the city report page [1].

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page [2].
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence details are not specified on the cited page [2].
  • Non-monetary orders: the city can issue abatement or remediation orders; specifics and authority appear in municipal bylaws and enforcement notices [2].
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: By-law Enforcement and Environmental/Stormwater staff; report incidents via the city online reporting page or phone as described by the city [1].
  • Appeals & review: appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited municipal page; consult the enforcing department for appeal instructions [2].
If a hazardous spill is suspected, contact the provincial Spills Action Centre immediately.

Applications & Forms

The city provides an online reporting form for pollution and spills; there is no separate publicly posted permit for emergency spill reporting on the cited page [1]. For major environmental emergencies, contact the provincial reporting line [3].

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Outdoor dumping of liquids or solvents into storm inlets — may trigger abatement orders and investigation; monetary fines not specified [2].
  • Improper washwater or vehicle cleaning discharging to storm drains — enforcement often requires cleanup and corrective measures [2].
  • Sanitary cross-connections releasing sewage to storm sewers — treated as high priority for remediation and possible legal action [2].
Keep records and photos of the incident and your communications with city staff.

How to report and respond

Take immediate practical steps: contain the source if safe, document with photos, note the time and location, and report through official channels. For suspected hazardous spills that threaten public safety or waterways, follow provincial emergency reporting procedures as well as city reporting routes.

  • Document the incident: date, time, location, photographs.
  • Report to the City of London via the pollution/spills report page or contact number [1].
  • If hazardous or large-volume spill: report to Ontario Spills Action Centre immediately [3].
  • Follow instructions from city staff and preserve evidence until authorities advise otherwise.

FAQ

Who do I call to report an illicit storm drain discharge?
Report to the City of London online reporting page or contact By-law Enforcement; if the spill is hazardous, also call the Ontario Spills Action Centre.
Will I be fined if I report my own accidental discharge?
Penalty information is not specified on the cited municipal page; contact the enforcing department for guidance and potential remedies.
Are there permits that allow discharges to the storm sewer?
Permits or authorizations are generally handled through city engineering or environmental permits; none are published as a standard discharge permit on the cited reporting page.

How-To

  1. Stop or contain the source if it is safe to do so and avoid further runoff.
  2. Photograph the scene and note time, weather, and any witnesses.
  3. Submit an online report to the City of London or call By-law Enforcement; for hazardous spills, call the Ontario Spills Action Centre.
  4. Follow city instructions for cleanup, remediation, and recordkeeping; keep copies of all communications.
Acting quickly reduces harm and improves enforcement outcomes.

Key Takeaways

  • Report suspected discharges immediately to city channels and to the province if hazardous.
  • Document incidents thoroughly with photos and notes.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of London - Report pollution or spill
  2. [2] City of London - Bylaws and municipal code
  3. [3] Ontario - Report an environmental emergency

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Daniel Roy

Daniel Roy

Municipal Bylaw Analyst

Daniel analyses municipal bylaws across Canadian provinces and territories. He checks every guide against official municipal and provincial sources.