Reporting Environmental Concerns and Problems

Report an Environmental Emergency
If you are involved in or witness an environmental emergency, call DEEP's Emergency Response Unit 24 hours a day at 866-DEP-SPIL (866-337-7745) or 860-424-3338. (Should these numbers be unavailable for any reason, call 860-424-3333.)

What is an environmental emergency?
An environmental emergency is a situation that poses an immediate threat to public health or the environment resulting from the release or potential release of oil, hazardous chemicals or radioactive materials into the air, land or water. Environmental emergencies may include:

• Oil or chemical spills onto soil or into surface water, groundwater, or storm drains and sanitary sewers;
• Leaking or reacting drums of known or unknown chemical or hazardous waste;
• Leaking underground storage tank;
• Fires involving tires, PCBs, pesticides or other chemicals;
• Accidents involving the transportation of chemicals, oil or other petroleum products;
• Illegal disposal or handling of asbestos, and biomedical, radioactive or hazardous waste;
• Mercury spills.
• More information on reporting spills
• Licensed Spill Clean-Up Contractors

The following emergencies should be reported directly to the State Environmental Conservation Police at 860-424-3333:

• Boating accidents and drownings;
• Illegal or criminal activity on DEEP property (parks, forests, boat launches, etc.) such as motor vehicle or boating violations, narcotics, domestic abuse, assault, etc.

Report an Environmental Concern or Problem

Please note that many environmental issues are handled at the local level and not necessarily by DEEP.  For concerns about trash, litter, noise, recycling pickup, and household chemical disposal including paints, pesticides, oil, antifreeze, etc., you should first try contacting your local selectmen, code enforcement officers, health department, or fire or police officials.  You can find local contact information in the blue pages of your phone book and at the following websites:

Municipal Websites

Contact information for Local Health Departments

Municipal Recycling Contacts

Municipal Aquifer Protection Contacts

If you have concerns regarding environmental issues in your community or work place that have not been resolved by your local officials and would like to notify DEEP about them, you may contact the Department at the telephone numbers listed below. Please be prepared to provide the following information. Caution: never put yourself at risk to get any of the information. Gather whatever information you can without trespassing or exposing yourself to harmful materials or situations.

• What? Describe the nature of the problem, violation or suspicious activity as completely as possible, including all information you think would be helpful. Complete, detailed reports can help determine the type of investigation needed. Photographs or videotape can be very helpful.
• Where? The location of the incident; be specific as possible including road or stream names and directions so our inspectors can locate the problem.
• When? The date and time the incident occurred or when you first noticed it. The sooner an incident is reported the greater likelihood that an environmentally protective response can be made.
• Who? A description of any people suspected to be involved, noting clothing and distinguishing features. If you know the company or individual(s) causing the problem, please give us that information. Also indicate which local officials you have previously contacted in your town regarding this environmental issue including: names, dates, information/photographs, action taken, etc.
• Vehicles or vessels? Any vehicles, vessels, etc. involved? Provide a description including registration or plate number, color, make, model, and the direction it was traveling.
• Containers? Indicate the size, shape, color and number of containers; the type (plastic, metal, etc.); condition (bulging, rusted, missing covers, etc.); any leaking material.
• Your contact information? All information provided to DEEP becomes part of the public record. You may file a complaint anonymously; in that case, however, DEEP will not be able to provide you with feedback and, if you do not supply sufficient information regarding the problem, we may not be able to investigate the complaint. Please note: in many cases you can be identified by your email address; if you wish to remain anonymous, you may need to file your complaint by phone.

The Connecticut Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) is a nine-member board that works independently of DEEP.   If you observe an environmental problem that no other agency/municipality seems to be solving effectively, you can contact the CEQ to see if they can help.  The CEQ will investigate and, if appropriate, recommend that a relevant agency take corrective action.