Spills & Environmental Incidents

Spills

Spills occur from time to time during the transporting, storing, and handling of materials.  A spill is an abnormal release of any substance, hazardous or non-hazardous, into the natural environment. A spill is any substance that wouldn't occur naturally in the place it is found, regardless of it's toxicity or hazard concentration. Typically, spills involve oils, fuel, grease, paint, waste water, solvents, pesticides etc. Sometimes construction debris, dust, smoke, gasses / vapours, sewage, soils etc. are considered spills.

Spills that involve materials such as fuels (oil, diesel, or gasoline), paint, or other chemicals can be particularly harmful to the environment and residents. Materials can enter the natural environment:

• into local water bodies via storm sewers and ditches;
• directly to the earth or water bodies;
• into buildings and water treatment facilities via sewer laterals, mains and foundation drains; and,
• into the air via exhausts, ventilation systems, and chimneys.

A minor spill that occurs on private property on an asphalt, concrete or other impervious surface where it can be contained and cleaned up without leaving the property, can be considered a "housekeeping" spill, and does not need to be reported to Municipal staff.

Who to Contact

If you suspect there has been a spill to the natural environment, contact the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Spills Action Center at 1-800-268-6060.

Illegal Dumping

When someone deliberately dumps waste on public or private property without consent, they are dumping illegally. This practice is most common in out-of-the-way places like parks, back roads, and rivers.  The Municipality takes these illegal actions very seriously and will prosecute offenders whenever possible. 

If you witness someone dumping illegally

Write down as much information as you can including:

• License plate number
• Description of the vehicle
• Description of the people
• Description of the items being dumped
• Time the incident happened
• Location the incident happened

Who to Contact

If you see someone dumping waste materials, please report it immediately. Please contact the By-law Enforcement Officer.