Last Updated 08/21/2026
Excerpt from the City of Warren Municipal Code
Article III Sewers- Division 4 Storm Sewers
Sec 41-141- Use of Best Management Practices
All users shall implement Best Management Practices to minimize the contribution of pollutants to the public storm sewers to the maximum extent practicable. Best Management Practices means schedules of activities, prohibitions of practices, maintenance procedures, and other management practices to prevent or reduce the pollution of “waters of the United States.” BMPs also include treatment requirements, operating procedures, and practices to control plant site runoff, spillage or leaks, sludge or waste disposal, or drainage from raw material storage.
Sec 41-145- Authority of Inspectors
For the administration of this article, authorized representatives of the city shall be permitted ready access to a user’s premises at any time a storm sewer user is in operation or has storm water discharge for purposes of inspection, observation, measurement, documentation, records examination and copying, sampling and testing. Where a user has security measures in force that require proper identification and clearance before entry onto the premises, the user shall make necessary arrangements with security personnel so that upon presentation of proper identification, personnel from the city, state department of natural resources and EPA will be permitted to enter without delay.
Sec 41-161- Notification of Violation
Upon discovery of a violation of these ordinances or a wastewater permit issued hereunder, the superintendent may serve a written notice of violation upon the user. The superintendent may require the user to submit an explanation of the violation and a plan for the satisfactory correction and prevention of the cause of the violation. Submission of an explanation or plan shall not relieve the user of any liability for prior or subsequent violations.
Sec 41-169- Penalty
(a) The violation of any provision of chapter 41, except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), is a municipal civil infraction punishable by a fine of up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) per violation, plus costs not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500.00) and other sanctions.
(b) The following violations of this chapter are a misdemeanor which shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500.00) or imprisonment for a term not exceeding ninety (90) days, or both, plus costs and other sanctions:
(1) Any person who at the time of a violation knew or should have known that a pollutant or substance was discharged contrary to any provision of this chapter, or contrary to any notice, order, permit, decision or determination promulgated, issued or made by the POTW under this chapter;
(2) Any person who intentionally makes a false statement, representation, or certification on an application for, or form pertaining to a permit, or in a notice, report, or record required by this chapter, or in any other correspondence or communication, written or oral, with the POTW regarding matters regulated by this chapter.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does Warren require regarding Best Management Practices for stormwater?
All users must implement Best Management Practices to minimize pollutant contribution to the public storm sewers to the maximum extent practicable. This covers a broad range of measures, including activity schedules, prohibited practices, maintenance procedures, treatment requirements, and operating procedures to control plant site runoff, spills, leaks, sludge disposal, and drainage from raw material storage.
What is the city's legal authority to inspect a property's storm sewer discharge in Warren?
Authorized city representatives can access a user’s premises at any time the property is operating or discharging stormwater, for inspection, observation, measurement, documentation, sampling, and testing. If a property has security measures requiring identification and clearance, the user must arrange for city, state Department of Natural Resources, and EPA personnel to enter without delay once they present proper identification.
What happens after Warren issues a notice of violation?
The superintendent can require the user to submit both an explanation of the violation and a plan for correcting and preventing it going forward. Submitting that explanation or plan doesn’t relieve the user of liability for the violation itself or for any related violations before or after it.
What penalties can Warren impose for a stormwater violation?
Most violations are treated as a municipal civil infraction, carrying a fine of up to $10,000 per violation plus up to $500 in costs and other sanctions. Knowingly discharging a prohibited pollutant, or making a false statement on a permit application or required report, is treated more seriously as a misdemeanor, carrying a fine up to $500, up to 90 days imprisonment, or both, on top of costs and other sanctions.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Regulations change frequently — AQUALIS makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of this content, and any reliance on it is at your own risk. Consult a qualified professional or your local regulatory authority to confirm requirements applicable to your specific property.
