Illegal Dumping

Tree limbs dumped in a brush pileDischarging anything into the storm drain system is illegal. Lenexa’s storm drain system is a complex series of inlets and pipes that eventually drains to ponds, lakes and streams. The gutters on your street are not treated for pollution, so it’s vital to make sure only rain goes down the drain.

The Federal Clean Water Act requires municipalities in urban areas to control water pollution. In 2006, we adopted Article 4-5-J, which specifically prohibits the discharge or dumping of pollutants into our storm drain system. The ordinance protects the health and safety of residents, preserves the economic and ecological value of our water resources and complies with the city’s NPDES permit.

Resources

Prohibited pollutants include:

  • trash

  • yard waste

  • lawn chemicals

  • pet waste

  • wastewater

  • petroleum products

  • cleaning products

  • paint products

  • hazardous waste

  • sediment from exposed ground


How trash and leaves affect storm drains

No matter where you live, there's a drainage system in place to help stormwater find its way to the river. Storm drains, ditches and culverts all are prone to blockage, and leaves and trash are the prime culprits.

Leaves and trash in storm drains can:

  • alter drainage patterns by blocking flows and pipes, which can cause street flooding

  • pollute and damage our streams and waterbodies

  • cause downstream properties to flood


Report illegal dumping

If you notice a strange substance flowing into a storm drain inlet or see someone pouring something into a storm sewer, please report it in one of the following ways:

During business hours

After hours