How to report an incident
A person (including any licensee) responsible for an actual or potential pollution incident is required by law to notify the EPA as soon as possible. You can also report pollution to the EPA even if you're not responsible.
Depending on the severity of the incident, this can be done via:
- 24/7 service: (08) 8204 2004 or 1300 623 445 (for non-metropolitan callers)
If you're a licensee and you know your coordinator, you should notify them directly via telephone or email.
If you’re unsure if an accident is actually a 'pollution incident', it is best to contact the EPA anyway, and we will assist you.
The EPA needs the following information for all actual or potential incidents:
- name, address and daytime telephone number of the person reporting the incident
- incident details (please indicate if the incident is still occurring)
- date and time of incident
- details of the source of pollution if you have them – business name, address, etc
- location of the incident
- activities at the time of the incident
- any measures or action taken to deal with the incident.
The penalties for not reporting an actual or potential incident are severe – for a body corporate $250,000 and for an individual $150,000.
Notification of an incident is necessary even if doing so may incriminate the person. Notifications may not be used as evidence in legal proceedings.