Is it illegal to pollute the storm drainage system?

It is illegal to discharge, cause to be discharged, directly or indirectly, or cause any pollutant to enter into the storm drain system unless permitted by a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) permit. Storm water is the only discharge permitted in the storm water system with exception of incidental non-storm water flows which do not negatively impact the quality of the receiving stream including:

  • Air conditioning condensate
  • De-chlorinated swimming pool discharge
  • Discharge from potable water sources
  • Flows from emergency fire and rescue operations other than those resulting from negligence on the part of the person who owned or controlled the pollutant
  • Foundation drains
  • Irrigation water
  • Landscape irrigation
  • Lawn watering
  • Springs
  • Street wash water
  • Uncontaminated groundwater infiltration
  • Uncontaminated, pumped groundwater
  • Water line flushing, except super-chlorinated water line flushing

Show All Answers

1. What is stormwater pollution?
2. How is stormwater pollution a problem?
3. What types of pollutants are in stormwater pollution?
4. What can citizens do to prevent stormwater pollution?
5. Is it illegal to pollute the storm drainage system?