Richmond, CA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Richmond operates an Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) program as required by Provision C.5 of the MRP NPDES permit. An illicit discharge is any discharge to the storm drain system that is not composed entirely of stormwater, with limited exceptions (firefighting flows, uncontaminated groundwater, landscape irrigation runoff, etc.). Prohibited discharges specifically include sewage, wash water from commercial cleaning operations, concrete washout, paint, solvents, petroleum products, antifreeze, untreated wash water from auto repair and fleet facilities, and sediment from uncontrolled construction. The city investigates reports of illicit discharges and conducts field screening of outfalls. Enforcement is escalating: verbal warning, written notice of violation, administrative citation (starting at $100 and escalating to $500+), administrative penalty order (up to $10,000 per day), and criminal prosecution for willful violations. Residents and businesses should report suspected illicit discharges through the city's non-emergency dispatch or the Contra Costa Clean Water Program hotline. Spills should also be reported to the California Office of Emergency Services when releases could reach waters.