When it rains, water falls on our roadways and properties then runs off either into storm drains or onto the soil along the pavement. The same is true for melting snow. As that water moves, it picks up anything on the ground, including trash, motor oil, road salt, and other pollutants. These pollutants are then carried by stormwater runoff into the nearest creek, stream, or river, contributing to water quality issues. 

KDOT is committed to protecting and improving the quality of stormwater runoff by implementing a Stormwater Management Program in compliance with our Transportation Separate Storm Sewer System (TS4) permit. TS4 permit regulates KDOT activities and operations in the six urban areas of the state; Kansas City, Lawrence, Topeka, Manhattan, Wichita, and the urban area of St. Joseph, MO. To implement a successful Stormwater Management Program, KDOT collaborates with staff, contractors, and consultants to protect water quality across all faucets of the agency.  

Stormwater Plan, Report and Permit

• Stormwater Management Plan & TS4 Annual Report: Policies, procedures and actions KDOT implements to manage and reduce stormwater runoff.
• TS4 Permit: Issued by KDHE on behalf of the EPA.

KDOT employs a wide range of techniques and practices as part of our Stormwater Management Program, all aimed at reducing the quantity of stormwater runoff and improving the quality of the stormwater that does run off. 

Resources

Pollution Prevention 

What does KDOT do? 

To protect water quality, KDOT implements a number of techniques to prevent non-stormwater materials (known as illicit discharges) from entering our waterways, such as accidental spills, illicit sanitary connections, and illegal dumping. Other examples of illicit discharge include: 

• Sanitary wastewater (sewage) 
• Septic tank waste 
• Car wash, laundry, and industrial wastewater 
• Improper disposal of automotive fluids and household toxins (e.g., motor oil, antifreeze, pesticides) 
• Spills on roadways or other accidents 
• Contaminated groundwater 

To help with detection and elimination of potential illicit discharges, KDOT maintains Stormwater Outfall Maps for the TS4 permit area, which identifies locations where a conveyance of KDOT’s stormwater system discharges into a water of the state. KDOT inspects these outfalls on a routine basis for illicit discharges.

How can you help? 

KDOT partners, such as contractors and consultants, as well as the public can help detect and eliminate illicit discharges by taking the following actions: 

• Understand the impact: Recognize the environmental damage caused by illicit discharges and the importance of preventing them. Inform family, friends, and coworkers about the harm caused by illicit discharges and proper disposal methods. 
• Stay alert: Watch for signs of illicit discharges, such as stains, unusual odors, or abnormal water flow near storm drains and outfalls. Look for evidence like empty containers, pipes, or hoses leading into storm drains.  
• Report suspicious activity: Note the date, time, and location of any suspected illicit discharges and report them to either the local jurisdiction or to a KDOT supervisor. If possible, document suspicious discharges with photos to aid in reporting. Cooperate with local authorities to eliminate illicit discharges. 
• Avoid hazardous materials: Do not touch or pick up unknown containers, boxes, or bags that could be hazardous. Avoid direct contact with potentially hazardous materials and report them instead. 
• Dispose of waste properly: Use trash cans for solid waste, sanitary sewers for sanitary waste, and hazardous waste facilities for hazardous materials. Never dispose of trash, chemicals, or liquids into storm drains or roadways. Take used oil to a local quick lube, auto shop, or municipal collection center. 

Feedback and Reporting

Do you have ideas on how KDOT can best manage stormwater?  Or, do you have a stormwater concern to report, including suspected illicit discharge on KDOT right-of-way? Let us know using the form linked below: 

Stormwater Management Feedback Form

Do you have concerns and want to report illegal dumping? Contact Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Kansas Spill Reporting Hotline 

1-785-291-3333

Contacts