Markham Storm Sewer Illicit Discharge Bylaw
Markham, Ontario regulates discharges to storm sewers to protect local waterways, public health and infrastructure. This guide explains what constitutes an illicit discharge to a storm sewer in Markham, which departments enforce the rules, how complaints and inspections work, and practical steps residents and businesses should follow if they discover or cause a spill. The City of Markham publishes guidance on stormwater management and reporting suspected pollution; consult the city for site-specific directions and official reporting contacts.[1]
What is an illicit discharge?
An illicit discharge is any disposal or release of pollutants or non-stormwater into the municipal storm sewer system, including direct connections, dumping of liquids or washwater, and runoff that contains hazardous substances. Typical examples are improperly disposed automotive fluids, paint, cleaning chemicals, and construction site washwater.
Penalties & Enforcement
Markham enforces stormwater protections through municipal bylaw powers, inspections and orders. Specific fine amounts and schedules are not specified on the cited City pages; where penalties or court actions apply the City may pursue municipal fines or prosecutions under applicable bylaws or provincial statutes.[2]
- Enforcer: By-law Enforcement and the City of Markham Engineering/Stormwater team may investigate and issue orders.
- Reporting: Complaints are submitted to By-law Enforcement or the Stormwater hotline; urgent spills may require provincial Spill Action Centre notification.
- Fines: Exact monetary penalties are not specified on the cited City pages.
- Court actions: The City may seek court proceedings for serious or repeated offences; specific escalation rules are not specified on the cited pages.
- Non-monetary orders: Expect directives such as cease-and-desist, remediation orders, site cleanup, and repair of infrastructure.
Applications & Forms
There is no specific "illicit discharge" permit; reporting and remediation use standard complaint and service request processes published by the City. If a technical permit or environmental remediation approval is needed, the City will direct applicants to the correct engineering or planning form. The City pages do not publish a dedicated form number for illicit-discharge permits.
Common violations
- Improper disposal of vehicle fluids or solvents into storm drains.
- Construction site washout or sediment leaving a site and entering storm sewers.
- Unauthorized connections of floor drains or process lines to storm sewers.
How inspections, complaints and appeals work
Inspectors may visit the site to investigate complaints, collect evidence and issue compliance orders. The City’s enforcement notices describe the required remediation; appeal pathways and time limits for review are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed with By-law Enforcement.[2]
- Inspections: Visual assessment, sampling and documentation by City staff.
- Orders: Written orders requiring cleanup or infrastructure repair.
- Payment: If fines are imposed, payment instructions will be provided on the order or ticket.
FAQ
- What counts as an illicit discharge?
- Any non-stormwater or pollutant entering the storm sewer system, such as oils, paints, chemicals, sanitary sewage or concentrated washwater.
- How do I report a suspected discharge?
- Contact City of Markham By-law Enforcement or the Stormwater/Engineering reporting line; for immediate hazards notify emergency services and provincial spill responders as directed by the City.[2]
- Can businesses be fined?
- Yes, businesses can be subject to enforcement, orders and fines; specific fine amounts and escalation for first or repeat offences are not specified on the cited City pages.
How-To
How to report and respond to an illicit discharge in Markham:
- Stop the source of discharge if it is safe to do so and prevent further runoff.
- Contain the spill using absorbents, berms or barriers to limit entry to the storm system.
- Record details: time, location, description of substance, photos and witness names.
- Report to City of Markham By-law Enforcement or Stormwater/Engineering and follow their instructions.[2]
- If the spill poses immediate danger, call 911 and notify the Ontario Spills Action Centre as advised by City staff.
Key Takeaways
- Illicit discharges harm waterways and are subject to municipal enforcement.
- Report suspected discharges promptly to By-law Enforcement and Stormwater staff.
- Keep records and photos to support investigations and remediation.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Markham - Stormwater information
- City of Markham - By-law Enforcement
- Ontario Spills Action Centre
- York Region - Stormwater management resources
