Bloomington, IN Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited
- Any non-stormwater discharge to MS4
- Enforcing agency
- City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU)
- First-offense fine
- Up to $2,500 civil fine
- Repeat-offense fine
- Up to $7,500 civil fine
- Spill report deadline
- Written report within 5 days
- Authority
- IC § 36-9-23; federal NPDES Phase II
Summary
In the City of Bloomington, dumping anything other than stormwater into a storm drain, ditch, or waterbody is illegal under Bloomington Municipal Code § 13.03.040, and so is building or keeping any illicit connection to the storm drain system. City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) administers the Stormwater Management Ordinance and can require dischargers to install pollution-control best management practices at their own expense.
(a)Prohibited Discharges. No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged to a MS4 conveyance, watercourse, or waterbody, directly or indirectly, knowingly or unknowingly, any substance other than stormwater or an exempted discharge. Any person discharging stormwater shall effectively minimize pollutants from also being discharged with the stormwater through the use of best management practices (BMPs). ... (b)Prohibited Connections.(1)The construction, use, maintenance or continued existence of illicit connections to the storm drain system is prohibited.(2)This prohibition expressly includes, without limitation, illicit connections made in the past, regardless of whether the connection was permissible under law or practices applicable or prevailing at the time of connection.(3)A person is considered to be in violation of this chapter if the person connects a line conveying sewage to the MS4, or allows such connection to continue.
Full Breakdown
040(a), whether the discharge is direct or indirect, knowing or unknowing. Anyone who does discharge stormwater has to use best management practices to keep pollutants out of it, and CBU can order a discharger to install structural or nonstructural BMPs at the discharger's own expense. 040(b) separately bans illicit connections to the storm system, including old connections that were legal when made, and specifically makes connecting a sewage line to the MS4 a violation on its own. 060 keeps a hard line on hazardous or toxic material storage near any watercourse or floodway.
070, covering the discharge's cause, composition, volume, and cleanup steps; a properly reported spill is a defense to a civil infraction, though not to an injunction or cost-recovery action. 090 without prior notice if a discharge poses an imminent danger to health, welfare, or the environment.
Violations & Fines
Under § 13.08.050's schedule of fines, a Stormwater Management Ordinance violation carries a civil fine of up to $2,500 for a first offense and up to $7,500 for a second or later violation, on top of any other CBU remedy. CBU can also revoke or withhold permits, draw on a performance or maintenance surety, or issue a stop work order, and the city legal department can sue to collect fines and other costs, including attorney's fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can't I discharge into a storm drain in Bloomington?
Is connecting a sewage line to the storm system illegal?
What happens if I have a spill that could reach stormwater?
How much can CBU fine me for a stormwater violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bloomington
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