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Environmental Emergencies: Who You Should Call (and Why It Matters)

Published July 22, 2025

We’ve all had that moment: a strange chemical smell in the air, a plume of smoke rising where it shouldn’t, or a sudden burst of noise that shakes the ground. Maybe it’s an oil spill. A fire. An explosion. Or just something that feels… off.

You think, I should do something… but what?

And let’s face it—Ghostbusters aren’t taking calls.

I’ve been talking recently with my colleagues, Dr. Stephen Baruch and Dr. Edward Faeder, about this very issue. With real-time information flowing from every corner of the planet, we’re more aware than ever of environmental incidents. But awareness alone doesn’t help if we don’t know how to respond.

So here’s a list: a practical, plain-English starting point of who to call, and when. These numbers are especially relevant if you live or work in California (U.S. EPA Region 9), but many of them are national resources.

Consider bookmarking or printing this blog. It could be a lifesaver—or at least a day-saver—the next time something goes wrong.

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🚨 First Things First: Is There Immediate Danger?

Call 911
If you’re witnessing an active emergency that poses a threat to human health or the environment, always call 911 first.

Then:

📞 National Response Center
Phone: 1-800-424-8802
Website: https://echo.epa.gov/report-environmental-violations
This is the federal point of contact for reporting oil spills, hazardous substance releases, and environmental emergencies.

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🌎 For California Residents

📞 California State Warning Center
For hazardous material spills, sewer overflows, or incidents requiring emergency coordination:
Phone: 1-800-852-7550

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🏠 Environmental Hotlines You Should Know

Below are a selection of EPA hotlines that cover a wide range of topics—from lead paint to radon testing, fraud reporting, and even import issues related to vehicle engines.

Lead Hazards & Safety

• National Lead Information Center (NLIC): 1-800-424-LEAD (5323)

Asbestos

• Asbestos Ombudsman Hotline: 800-368-5888 | Email: asbo@epa.gov

Water Quality

• Drinking Water Hotline: Email: safewater@epa.gov
• Safe Drinking Water Radon Info: 1-800-426-4791

Radon

• Purchase Radon Kits: 1-800-SOS-RADON (767-7236)
• Fix-It Hotline: 1-800-644-6999
• Live Help: 1-800-55RADON (557-2366)

Pesticides

• National Pesticide Info Center: 1-800-858-7378 | Email: npic@ace.orst.edu

Hazardous Sites & Cleanup

• Superfund Dockets: 202-566-0276 | Email: superfund.docket@epa.gov
• Assessment, Cleanup & Redevelopment (ACRES) Help Desk: 703-284-8212 | acres_help@epa.gov

Pollution Prevention

• P2 Hub Helpline: 202-566-0799 | Email: p2hub@epa.gov
• More info

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💼 Support for Businesses & Citizens

Small Business Help

• Small Business Ombudsman: 800-368-5888 | asbo@epa.gov

Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

• Inspector General Hotline: 888-546-8740 | Email: OIG_Hotline@epa.gov

Toxic Substances & Chemical Hazards

• Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA): 202-554-1404 | tsca-hotline@epa.gov
• Integrated Risk Info System (IRIS): 202-564-2707

Toxics Release Inventory (TRI)

• Help Center: tri.help@epa.gov
• TRI Guidance Site

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🚗 Transportation & Import Concerns

Vehicle & Engine Imports

• Imports Hotline: 734-214-4100
• SmartWay Transport (Freight Efficiency Program): 734-214-4767

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🧾 Want EPA Records or Info?

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

• Phone: 202-566-1667
• Website: www.epa.gov/foia

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🗺 EPA Regions

California falls under EPA Region 9, which covers:

• Arizona
• California
• Hawaii
• Nevada
• Pacific Islands (Guam, American Samoa)

If you’re unsure which region you’re in, you can check here: EPA Regional Contacts

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📝 Final Thoughts

This list isn’t exhaustive—but it’s a start.
If there’s an agency or hotline you think should be included, let us know in the comments or email me directly.

Stay aware, stay prepared—and don’t wait until you smell smoke or see oil on the water to ask, “Who do I call?”