How to Report a Spill

Washington State Department of Ecology

SPILLS PROGRAM

Mandatory reporting

According to Washington state law, all hazardous material and oil spills must be reported immediately by the spiller. The sooner Ecology knows about an incident, the quicker we can act to try and reduce damages to the environment and protect sensitive natural resources.

What if I spilled oil or hazardous materials?

If you have spilled oil or other hazardous materials to state waters, the ground or the air, you must report it — regardless of the size of the spill. The definition of “oil” includes plant-based oils like vegetable, corn and soybean oils. Even seemingly small spills in the wrong place at the wrong time can cause serious harm.

Businesses covered under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) must report a release of hazardous substances or extremely hazardous substances immediately to the State Emergency Response Commission and submit a written follow-up within 30 days (More information about Emergency Release Notification).

What are state waters?

State waters include pretty much everything: Washington’s marine waters, estuaries, rivers, lakes, streams, creeks, ponds, springs, wetlands, underground (ground) water sources, sewers, storm drains, beaches, ditches, and even snow banks.

What if I don’t report it?

Failure to report a spill you caused will get you a fine and could result in serious financial liabilities. Be safe, don’t hesitate.

What if I see a spill, but I'm not the spiller?

If you see a possibly hazardous spill, voluntarily report it as described on this page, even if you don't know who spilled it.

Click here to report other types of environmental problems

Whom do I call?

You must call the TWO (2) following 24-hour numbers:

1) Washington Emergency Management Division:
(including Emergency Release Notification)
1-800-258-5990 -OR- 1-800-OILS-911

AND

2) National Response Center: 1-800-424-8802

Ecology regional office: for the county where the spill is located.

Southwest Regional Office - 1-360-407-6300
(Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Mason, Lewis, Pacific, Pierce, Skamania, Thurston, and Wahkiakum counties)
Northwest Regional Office - 1-425-649-7000
(Island, King, Kitsap, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties)
Central Regional Office - 1-509-575-2490
(Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas, Klickitat, Okanogan, and Yakima counties)
Eastern Regional Office - 1-509-329-3400
(Adams, Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman counties)
(see map below)

To the best of your ability, please be ready with the following information:

Where is the spill?
What spilled?
How much spilled?
How concentrated is the spilled material?
Who spilled the material?
Is anyone cleaning up the spill?
Are there resource damages (e.g. dead fish or oiled birds)?
Who is reporting the spill?
How can we get back to you?