Grand Junction, CO Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- GJMC Ch. 13.28, Storm Water Management
- Core rule
- Only uncontaminated storm water may enter storm drains
- Enforcing official
- City Manager (Public Works/Utilities)
- Spill duty
- Contain, clean up, notify City Manager
- Penalty basis
- Fine or imprisonment per § 1.04.090
- Each day
- Separate offense while violation continues
Summary
In the City of Grand Junction, Municipal Code Chapter 13.28 bans releasing anything but uncontaminated storm water into the storm drainage system, lists common contaminants by name, and requires anyone responsible for a spill that could reach a storm drain to report it and clean it up.
§ 13.28.020. Illicit discharges prohibited into storm drainage system. (a) Prohibitions. (1) No person shall release or cause to be released into the storm drainage system any discharge that is not composed entirely of uncontaminated storm water, except as allowed in subsection (b) of this section. Common storm water contaminants which cannot be released into the storm drainage system include herbicides and lawn chemicals, construction debris and wastes, wastewater, oil, petroleum products, cleaning products, paint products, hazardous waste, sediment, dirt and other toxic substances, including substances defined as “pollutants.” ... (d) Release Reporting and Cleanup.Any person responsible for a known or suspected release of materials which results in, or may result in, illegal discharges to the storm drainage system shall take all necessary steps to ensure the discovery, containment, abatement and cleanup of such release.
Full Breakdown
Grand Junction Municipal Code § 13.28.020(a)(1) prohibits releasing into the storm drainage system any discharge not composed entirely of uncontaminated storm water, naming herbicides and lawn chemicals, construction debris and wastes, wastewater, oil, petroleum products, cleaning products, paint products, hazardous waste, sediment and dirt as contaminants that cannot enter the system. Subsection (a)(3) bans constructing, using, maintaining or continuing any illicit connection to the storm system, including connections made in the past, and (a)(4) bars connecting sanitary sewage or industrial waste lines to storm drains, requiring removal of any existing connection.
A list of exemptions in (b) carves out uncontaminated landscape irrigation runoff, foundation and sump pump discharge, diverted stream flows, occasional noncommercial vehicle washing, dechlorinated pool and hot tub water, emergency firefighting flows, and City-run cleanup programs like spring cleanup and leaf pickup. Section 13.28.020(d) requires anyone responsible for a known or suspected release that results in or may result in an illegal discharge to take all necessary steps for discovery, containment, abatement and cleanup, and to notify the City Manager followed by a written report of the remedial action taken.
The City Manager may also require site-specific best management practices at commercial, industrial and residential facilities under common ownership, including POA-owned detention ponds, under (e).
Violations & Fines
Violations are enforced by the City Manager under § 13.28.040, which authorizes inspections, compliance advisories and notices of violation, administrative orders (including stop-work orders and fines), and criminal prosecution. Section 13.28.040(m) makes any violation a municipal offense punishable by a fine or imprisonment under the limits set in § 1.04.090, with each day of continuing violation a separate offense; abatement costs the City incurs to fix a violation are billed to the property owner and can become a lien.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can't legally go into a Grand Junction storm drain?
Do I have to report a chemical spill that might reach a storm drain?
Is washing my car in the driveway allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Grand Junction
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