Overview

The City of Chanhassen is committed to eliminating illicit discharge into its storm sewer system to protect Chanhassen’s beautiful lakes, streams, and wetlands.

Public waters are drinking water sources and provide recreational opportunities such as swimming, boating, and fishing, which can all be negatively affected by the pollutants stormwater carries.

An illicit discharge is any discharge to the storm sewer system that harms the health or welfare of people, the environment, wildlife, or surface waters. Illicit discharges into the city’s stormwater system are prohibited (see Chapter 19, Article V of the City Code).

Illicit discharges include items such as:

• Sediment washing from construction sites
• Yard waste intentionally dumped into a storm drain
• Oil, grease, or paint that is dumped or flows into a storm drain
• Sewage from broken sewer lines or overflow from private septic systems
• Pesticides, herbicides, wash water from cleaning up paint and household cleaners

Illicit discharges could be intermittent — only occurring a few minutes per day or a few days per year, continuous — occurring almost daily, or transitory — only occurring once.

What Should I Do if I Suspect an Illicit Discharge is Present?

If you notice illegal or suspicious dumping into a storm sewer inlet or curb ditch, or if you notice any discharge that appears unnatural, you should report the problem in one of the following ways:

• Call the city’s Engineering Department at 952-227-1160
• Call 911 if you suspect the issue requires immediate attention

If you are responsible for a spill, contact the State Duty Officer at 651-649-5451.

The city has identified high-priority sites that have the potential for illicit discharge. Those sites can be seen on this map.