Environmental Violations and Complaints
Are you concerned about an environmental situation within your community but don't know where to go for answers? Here is a list of numbers to call to report any type of activity you suspect may not be in compliance with federal environmental regulations. Information is also provided on the difference between environmental violations and environmental emergencies.
What is the difference between environmental violations and environmental emergencies?
An environmental violation is a situation which does not comply with an existing environmental law or regulation. An environmental emergency is a sudden threat to the public health, or the well-being of the environment, arising from the release or potential release of oil, radioactive materials, or hazardous chemicals into the air, land, or water.
Examples of environmental emergencies include:
- Oil and chemical spills
- Radiological and biological discharges
- Accidents causing releases of pollutants
| If you are involved in or witness an environmental emergency, you must call the National Response Center at:1-800-424-8802. For more information, see the Concerned Citizens page on Environmental Emergencies. |
| Willful or negligent violations of the law may be environmental crimes. To learn more information on what might be an environmental crime, review What is an Environmental Crime? If you believe the action you are reporting is a crime, file a Criminal Tip . This will be reviewed by EPA's criminal enforcement personnel. |
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What types of activities might be considered environmental violations?
An environmental violation occurs when an activity or an existing condition does not comply with an environmental law or regulation.
Environmental violations can include (but are not limited to):
- Smoke or other emissions from local industrial facilities;
- Tampering with emission control or air conditioning systems in automobiles;
- Improper treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous wastes;
- Exceedances of pollutant limits at publicly-owned wastewater treatment plants;
- Unpermitted dredging or filling of waters and wetlands;
- Any unpermitted industrial activity;
- Late night dumping or any criminal activity including falsifying reports or other documents.
If you have a question about a regulation, call one of EPA's Hotlines.
Where do I report a suspected violation?
Many issues are handled at the local level. You may first want to try contacting your local government office for concerns about trash, litter, strange odors, recycling pickup, and household chemical disposal, including paints, pesticides, oil, antifreeze, etc. You can find information about your local government in the blue pages of your telephone book or by contacting your public library.
For concerns that may not be handled at the local level, the next step is to contact your state environmental agency.
State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
State of Washington Department of Ecology
State of Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
If this is an EMERGENCY, call your local Fire Department or 911.
If this is a SPILL of a Hazardous Substance, call the National
Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.
If this concerns an Environmental Justice issue, call the Environmental Justice Hotline at 1-800-962-6215.
If you want a more direct contact to EPA regarding a suspected violation of a federal environmental statute or regulation, use the EPA Report an Environmental violation form.
What if I have a general question?
Search frequently asked questions or submit your own questions or comments.