Report a Chemical Spill
Other Resources
What spills need to be reported?
Who can help me decide how to respond to a spill?
How do I report a spill?
Where can I get more information?
What spills need to be reported?
The requirement to report a chemical spill is based on the potential for harm to human health or the environment from the spill. Therefore, it is impossible to give simple guidance.
Who can help me decide how to respond to a spill?
The National Response Center can help you decide how to respond to a
spill. They can be reached at at 1-800-424-8802. In addition, CHEMTREC
maintains a large database of Material Safety Data Sheets, chemical information
references resources, and networks of chemical and hazardous material
experts. CHEMTREC provides acess to technical information regarding chemical
products as well as telephone access to product specialists, chemists,
or other experts. (1-800-424-9300 in the U.S. or 703-527-3887 outside
the U.S.)
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensations, and Liability Act requires that all releases of hazardous substances (including radionuclides) exceeding reportable quantities be reported by the responsible party to the National Response Center. Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 302 promulgates reportable quantities and reporting criteria. All the Extremely Hazardous Chemicals (EHS) that overlap with the CERCLA listed chemicals table (40 CFR Part 302.4) should be reported to NRC as well as to the LEPC and SERC.
For small pesticide spills or for more information, call the pesticide manufacturer or the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) at 1-800-858-7378.
The National Response Center
(NRC)
is the sole federal point of contact for reporting oil
and chemical spills. If you have a spill to report, contact NRC at 1-800-424-8802
(toll-free) or check out their Web site for additional information on
reporting requirements and procedures. For those without 800 access, please
contact the NRC at 202-267-2675.
Where can I get more information?
For more information, contact the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) at 1-800-858-7378. Also see EPA's Environmental Emergencies Web page.