![[logo] US EPA](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508181347im_/http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Signs of Environmental Violations - Safety Tips
Criminal Investigations
EPA does not want you to put yourself in harm's way. Please review these safety tips and do not try and investigate potential environmental law violations on your own - report them using the EPA's Report an Environmental Violation form. Access the form by clicking on the Report Environmental Violations icon anywhere on EPA's web site.
REMEMBER: SAFETY COMES FIRST
- If you are not sure that an area is safe, stay away
- Do not enter confined spaces or low-lying areas
- Do not lean over open waste containers, or kick, rock or puncture waste containers
- If trained to enter, wear appropriate protective gear
- Do not take samples unless trained
- Keep others away from the scene until assistance arrives
- Be sure to keep children and pets away
- Do not track toxic material into your car
For more information on environmental crime, see What is an Environmental Crime? or review the Report an Environmental Violation - General Information. (PDF) (2pp, 498K, About PDF)
Do You Know Who to Contact?
If you witness an emergency, like oil, chemical spills and/or the release of radioactive materials, call the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.
Go to the Environmental Emergencies Web page for more information on emergencies, responses to emergencies, key response groups and related links.