IS IT UNUSUAL?

Does the pollution seem "not the norm" and maybe different from how things are typically disposed of.

DOES IT SMELL?

Some chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers have a strong odor and may even burn your eyes, mouth or nose. This is a sign of illegal dumping that should be reported.

DOES IT LOOK BAD?

Do you see an odd-colored discharge or sheen from a pipe going into the river or do you see dead fish or animals in the vacinity of the pollution? How about dead grass or plants around the pollution? You may also see a pipe discharging foam or solids. These are all signs that should be reported to your local community for future investigation.

Good on the left - BAD on the right: excess paint or wet concrete poured down the storm drain which goes right to the Rouge River.

DOES IT SEEM SECRETIVE?

Most people that dump things illegally know what they are doing and attempt to be secretive in their actions. You may hear or see a truck pouring something into a sewer, river or on the side of the road late at night. Have you seen someone dumping barrels, cans or bags at a site where it should not go like an alley, river or empty lot and then driving away? These types of activities should be reported to your local community for followup.

Dumping your yard waste on the side of the road,
seen here, or in the woods is illegal. It is much easier to
put it at the end of your driveway to be picked up
by your local community.