Reporting Spills, Releases and Emergencies

Immediate reporting allows Alberta Environment, and local first response teams, to respond quickly and prevent further damage to the environment through timely containment and effective clean up.

Failure to report may result in enforcement action.

HOW TO REPORT

Releases must be reported to Alberta Environment at the first available opportunity, as soon as you know, or should know, about the release. Reports can be made:

• By phoning 1-800-222-6514 (24-hour toll-free number)
• In person at an Alberta Environment office

When reporting, you will be asked to provide:

• The location and time of the release
• A description of the circumstances leading to the release
• The type and quantity of substance released
• The details of any action proposed or taken at the release site
• A description of the immediate surrounding area

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU REPORT

Alberta Environment responds to all reports.

The first priority is always to ensure that any spill or release is contained and appropriately cleaned up. Alberta Environment also ensures all appropriate authorities are notified to ensure proper response efforts are underway.

After the situation is being appropriately managed and is under control, Alberta Environment will work to gather more information about the release incident to determine the cause of the release and how to prevent future releases.

Once the investigation is complete, a decision is made on whether enforcement action is necessary, and what that enforcement action should be.

FACTS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

• Release Reporting Factsheet
• Release Reporting Guide