Who should I call to report a suspicious discharge?

Contact the City of Mississauga environmental response or by-law enforcement through the city reporting page or phone route; provide location, photos and description.

Do I need to provide my name when reporting?

You can report anonymously, but providing contact details helps investigators follow up and request more information.

Will the city clean up the pollutant?

The city or responsible agency will assess and may order the responsible party to remediate; immediate emergency clean-up may be arranged for public health hazards.

Report Illicit Storm Drain Discharge - Mississauga Bylaw

Utilities and Infrastructure Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026

In Mississauga, Ontario, illicit discharges to storm drains can harm lakes, rivers and local neighbourhoods. This guide explains how residents can identify a suspected illegal stormwater discharge, who enforces local rules, the typical enforcement steps, and how to report incidents so the city or responsible agency can respond quickly. Follow the action steps below to report, preserve evidence, and track enforcement outcomes.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for illicit storm drain discharges in Mississauga is handled through municipal enforcement teams and environmental response units; specific monetary fines and escalation schedules are not specified on the cited page.^[1] Where the city or regional authority identifies illegitimate pollutants entering storm systems, enforcement can include orders to stop discharges, remediation orders, and referral to provincial authorities or courts.

Fines: not specified on the cited page; see the city contact for details and current penalty schedules.
Escalation: enforcement may escalate from warnings to orders and prosecutions for repeat or continuing offences; exact ranges not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work or remediation orders, site cleanup requirements, seizure of materials, and court action are possible responses.
Enforcer and reporting route: contact the City of Mississauga environmental response or by-law department to report discharges and request inspection.^[1]
Appeal/review: appeal routes and time limits depend on the specific order or ticket issued; the cited page does not list time limits or appeal procedures.

Applications & Forms

The city maintains online reporting forms and emergency reporting instructions; if a formal permit, variance or written remediation plan is required it will be specified by the enforcing office after inspection. The cited page provides the reporting pathway but does not publish a numbered permit or fee schedule for illicit storm drain discharge cases.^[1]

How to Report an Illicit Storm Drain Discharge

If you see liquid entering a storm grate, unusual coloured runoff, odours, suds, or fish kills, report immediately and preserve evidence where safe to do so. Collect photos, note time and weather, and mark location details for investigators.

Stop and observe: record the exact location, time, and visible characteristics (colour, smell, volume).
Document evidence: take clear photos or video from a safe distance and note nearby addresses or landmarks.
Report to the city using the official reporting pathway so the incident is logged and dispatched to response teams.^[1]
Follow instructions: if inspectors or by-law officers request samples, statements, or actions, comply to support enforcement.
Track the incident: ask for a reference number and follow up if the problem continues or if initial response is delayed.

Report spills immediately and avoid contact with unknown liquids.

Common Violations

Unauthorized dumping of oils, solvents, or washwater into storm drains.
Construction site runoff without erosion and sediment controls.
Industrial discharges or floor drains connected improperly to storm systems.
Vehicle fluid leaks washed into gutters and drains.

FAQ

Who should I call to report a suspicious discharge?: Contact the City of Mississauga environmental response or by-law enforcement through the city reporting page or phone route; provide location, photos and description.^[1]
Do I need to provide my name when reporting?: You can report anonymously, but providing contact details helps investigators follow up and request more information.
Will the city clean up the pollutant?: The city or responsible agency will assess and may order the responsible party to remediate; immediate emergency clean-up may be arranged for public health hazards.

How-To

Observe and note the location and time of the suspected discharge.
Document with photos or video without entering contaminated areas.
Submit a report through the City of Mississauga reporting page or by calling the city's non-emergency number to log the incident.^[1]
Keep the incident reference and follow up if no response or if the discharge continues.

Key Takeaways

Report suspected discharges promptly with photos and location details.
Use the official city reporting pathway so incidents are tracked and investigated.