How Do I Report an Illicit Discharge or Connection?

To report a suspected illicit discharge, please contact the Engineering Programs Coordinator directly at 616-791-6327 or Email Meghan Sulka. You can also use the Reporting Brochure.

Emergency Spill Response:

Fire Department – 616-791-6840

Police Department – 616-453-5441
Engineering Department – 616-791-6327
Department of Public Works – 616-791-6854
Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) – 800-292-4706

In the event of an emergency, call 911

To Report Illegal Dumping:

Zoning Code Enforcement, Community Development Department

To Report Illicit Discharge or Sewer Connection:

Engineering Department – 616-791-6296

Department of Public Works – 616-791-6854

 For sanitary sewer concerns, contact the City of Grand Rapids

To Report a Drainage Problem:

Engineering Department - 616-791-6296

Department of Public Works - 616-791-6854

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Program

The Clean Water Act of 1972 set up the NPDES. The NPDES program required communities around the country with urbanized areas to begin tackling the issue of stormwater pollution. In recent years, several communities in Kent and Ottawa Counties were required to develop an illicit discharge elimination program (IDEP). The IDEP was required to include an investigation of the waters of the state to identify, and eventually eliminate, illicit discharges and connections to the storm sewer.