Reporting pollution
In most cases, concerns about pollution should be referred to the source or person causing the problem. The contact telephone numbers on this page should be used when an approach to the person causing the problem has not been or is unlikely to be successful.
Duty to report
Polluters must report certain pollution incidents to the appropriate regulatory authority. These are pollution incidents causing or threatening material harm to the environment. For information on who is under a duty to report, and when the duty to report applies, see Duty to Notify Pollution Incidents.
Quick links: WATER | AIR | NOISE | WASTE & LITTER | CHEMICAL & RADIATION | OTHER
DECC environment hotline
To report any of the types of pollution for which the DECC has responsibility, ring 131 555 (local call cost throughout NSW except from mobile phones), or (02) 9995 5555 (if calling from outside NSW).
The DECC treats as confidential the details of any informer who provides information in relation to the enforcement or administration of the environmental laws. With permission details may be given to the local council or other regulatory authority if the incident reported is within their jurisdiction.
Emergencies
If adequate resources are not available to contain material released in a pollution incident, and if it threatens public health, property or the environment, the NSW Fire Brigades should be contacted for emergency assistance - phone 000. See also:
- Emergency Pollution Clean-up Program
- Register of environmental cleanup and restoration service providers
Further information
For further information contact your local office of the DECC.