Hazards and Spills
When pollutants are spilled into the environment, the Ministry of Environment’s primary role is to ensure that whoever is responsible for the spill contains it and cleans up the site in accordance with ministry guidelines.
The Spills Action Centre, staffed on a 24-hour basis, receives and records province-wide reports of spills and co-ordinates appropriate responses. Spills are defined as releases of pollutants into the natural environment originating from a structure, vehicle, or other container, and that are abnormal in light of all circumstances.
Spills must be reported immediately to the Ministry of Environment and to the municipality when they cause or are lively to cause any of the following:
- impairment to the quality of the natural environment - air, water, or land;
- injury or damage to property or animal life;
- adverse health effects;
- safety risk;
- making property, plant, or animal life unfit for use;
- loss of enjoyment of normal use of property; or
- interference with the normal conduct of business.
If you believe you may have a spill or other environmental emergency, call the Spills Action Centre.
Spills Action Centre
5775 Yonge Street 5th floor
North York ON M2M 4J1
Toll Free: 1-800-268-6060
Tel: 416-325-3000
Fax: 416-325-3011
The Spills Action Centre handles reports of spills and other environmental emergencies. Inquiries about other environmental issues should be directed to the Ministry of Environment’s Public Information Centre.
