City of Callaway adopts ordinance to curb stormwater pollution

The City of Callaway Commission adopted Ordinance No. 873 in October 2025, establishing new regulations and penalties to prevent stormwater pollution from entering community waters. The ordinance specifically targets illicit discharges and connections into the city's stormwater drain system.

This new ordinance aims to protect local waterways by providing clear rules and enforcement mechanisms for businesses and residents. Illicit connections, which are conveyances to the stormwater system typically from indoor sinks and drains, are now explicitly prohibited, even if they were previously permitted.

The City of Callaway Public Works Department is encouraging businesses to conduct thorough inspections of their facilities to identify and remove any illicit connections. To assist with this effort, the department offers assistance and can be reached at 850-871-1033. Residents and businesses are reminded that only rain should go down the drains.

The ordinance also outlines best management practices for businesses to prevent pollution. These include proper cleaning procedures for wash water and equipment, ensuring floor mats and garbage cans are cleaned in designated sinks or floor drains, and not washing them in parking lots, alleys, sidewalks, or streets. Businesses are also advised to regularly inspect and clean trash from around their premises and to use the least toxic cleaning products available.

Furthermore, the newsletter details practices for managing fats, oil, and grease (FOG). Regular maintenance of sewer lines and grease traps is crucial to prevent overflows into the storm drain system. Pouring FOG into floor drains, sinks, or parking lot inlets is prohibited. Businesses should use dry methods for oil and grease cleanup, maintain their grease traps, and recycle grease and oil.

The city emphasizes the importance of good housekeeping practices, particularly in areas like trash containment, material storage, vehicle maintenance, and loading docks. A schedule for regular garbage and waste material pickup and disposal, along with routine inspections of containers for leaks, is recommended. Covering garbage, waste materials, and debris is also a key measure.

Businesses may be selected for random illicit discharge spot inspections, or inspections may occur as a result of observed behavior, detection of illicit discharge in the area, or a call to the Public Works Department. The City's Planning Department prepared and edited the Callaway Stormwater Newsletter. Residents with questions or who wish to report illegal dumping can call 850-871-1033.