Chemical And Petroleum Spills
Accidental releases of petroleum, toxic chemicals, gases, and other hazardous materials occur frequently throughout New York State. Even small releases have the potential to endanger public health and contaminate groundwater, surface water, and soils. What is being done about this problem? How can concerned citizens help? The information presented here can answer these and other questions.
The Problem
Every year, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation receives approximately 16,000 reports of confirmed and suspected releases to the environment. Approximately ninety percent of those releases involve petroleum products. The rest involve various hazardous substances, unknown materials, or other materials such as untreated sewage and cooking grease.
Environmental damage from such releases depends on the material spilled and the extent of contamination. Many of these reports are releases of small quantities, typically a few gallons, that are contained and cleaned up quickly with little damage to the environment. In other instances material releases seep through the soil and eventually into the groundwater, which can make water supplies unsafe to drink. Vapors from spilled materials can collect in houses and businesses, creating fire and explosion hazards. Uncontained spills, especially those that impact surface water, can kill or injure plants, fish, and wildlife, and cause damage to their habitats.
The Response
New York State (NYS) responds to reports of petroleum and other hazardous material releases through the Spill Response Program maintained by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Spill response staff throughout the State investigate such spill reports and take action based on the type of material spilled, the potential environmental damage, and safety risks to the public.
Both immediate response and continued cleanup vary depending on the type of material spilled and the damage caused. Federal and State law require the spiller, or responsible party, to notify government agencies and to contain, clean up, and dispose of any spilled/contaminated material in order to correct any environmental damage.
This may be performed by a qualified contractor hired by the responsible party. Any delay in containing or recovering a release allows contaminants to spread and may result in more extensive damage and more expensive cleanups. DEC can provide additional resources to local agencies during emergencies and will remain involved if continued cleanup of the environment is required. Continued cleanup is the responsibility of the spiller and is required if contamination and environmental damage remain after the initial containment and recovery. Again, this work may be performed by a qualified contractor hired by the responsible party. Continued cleanup may include determining the extent of contamination, selecting a cleanup technology, and completing corrective actions. The DEC will oversee the process to ensure the actions are protective of public safety, health and the environment.
The public can notify DEC of releases to the environment by calling the NYS Spill Hotline. Federal agencies can be notified by calling the National Response Center.
NYS Spill Hotline: 1-800-457-7362
National Response Center: 1-800-424-8802
For further information, contact:
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Division of Environmental Remediation
Bureau of Technical Support
625 Broadway - 11th Floor
Albany, NY 12233-7020
(518) 402-9543
Report and Appendicies
Division of Environmental Remediation
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233
