The unlawful dumping contaminated the critical river and other local lakes, the Department of Justice said. The true number of discharges is unknown.

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (CN) — East St. Louis’ sewer system has repeatedly discharged untreated sewage into the Mississippi River and other waterways, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the state of Illinois claim.

Federal and state governments are asking residents to share their experiences with sewage problems and give input on solutions.

The DOJ is suing the city once home to Miles Davis and Tina Turner after an EPA investigation found excess sewage in the water.