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Report a Chemical Spill

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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 Exit EPA 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.

How do I report a spill?

The National Response Center (NRC) Exit EPA disclaimer 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.

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