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State Spill Reporting Directory

Find your state's emergency spill reporting hotline, written follow-up deadlines, and state-specific reporting thresholds. Every state has different requirements. Some are stricter than federal. Use this directory to make sure you're calling the right number and meeting the right deadlines.

Select Your State

About This Directory

Every state has its own environmental spill reporting requirements, and many are significantly stricter than federal CERCLA thresholds. For example, New York requires reporting of ANY petroleum spill regardless of quantity, while New Jersey has no de minimis exemption for hazardous substance releases.

This directory provides the primary emergency hotline number, written follow-up deadline, governing statute, and state-specific reporting thresholds for all 50 states plus the District of Columbia. All phone numbers are verified against state agency websites.

When in doubt, always report. The penalties for failing to report a spill are far more severe than the inconvenience of making a phone call that turns out to be unnecessary. Most state hotlines are staffed 24/7 and operators can help you determine if your release is reportable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to report to both state and federal agencies?
Yes. If a release exceeds the CERCLA reportable quantity, you must notify both the National Response Center (NRC) at 1-800-424-8802 and your state environmental agency. Many states have lower reporting thresholds than federal, meaning some spills require state reporting even when they don't trigger federal CERCLA notification.
How quickly do I need to report a spill?
Most states require immediate verbal notification (within 15 minutes to 2 hours of discovery). Written follow-up deadlines vary by state: some require written reports within 24 hours (New York for petroleum), while others allow up to 30 days. Check your specific state's requirements in the directory above.
What happens if I don't report a spill?
Penalties for failure to report vary by state but can include fines from $10,000 to $75,000 per day per violation, criminal prosecution, and liability for all cleanup costs. Some states treat knowing failure to report as a criminal offense. Federal penalties under CERCLA can reach $50,000 per day and up to 3 years imprisonment.
What information do I need when I call?
Have the following ready: your name and contact information, facility name and location, time and date of the release, material released (chemical name, UN number if known), estimated quantity, media impacted (soil, water, air), actions taken so far, and any injuries or evacuations. The operator will walk you through additional questions.

Need cleanup help fast? Find environmental contractors in our provider directory. Already reported? Check what to do in the first 30 minutes and use our RQ Calculator to check federal thresholds.