public works
General Information
Hazardous Spills
How Do I Report a Hazardous Spill or Illicit Dumping?
Unfortunately, accidents happen and sometimes they involve hazardous materials. On occasion there are also incidents of intentional dumping of toxic wastes. Sometimes the incident may be as simple as someone dumping an unknown (or known) waste product into an inlet such as leaves, grass clippings, or paint. All of these situations must be dealt with swiftly, and as citizens of Altamonte Springs, we must get involved to keep our area beautiful and prevent pollution of our waters. If you see something suspicious, or witness such an accident, there are simple steps to take and phone numbers available.
The Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) has highly trained Hazmat personnel equipped to suit up, analyze substances, contain and clean up hazardous spills and releases. If you witness such a spill or release, call 911 immediately and give an address and description of what happened. If you see someone pour an unknown substance down an inlet, or if you see or smell an unknown substance in an inlet, call the SCFD immediately (911) and give the dispatcher a description of the scene and an address. The SCFD will determine further steps needed for containment and clean up. Never try to get samples of the substance yourself, leave that task to the professionals!
If you see someone pouring a substance into an inlet, and you know what the substance is, such as dirt, debris, concrete, motor oil, or paint, call the Public Works Department at (407) 571-8607 immediately and give a detailed description of the scene with the closest address to the inlet. Print and place the following table near your phone or tape onto your refrigerator:
Scene |
Description |
Call |
Hazardous spill or release |
Spill or intentional release of unknown substance |
911 |
Unknown substance in inlet |
Someone pouring unknown substance into inlet, or unknown substance found in inlet |
911 |
Known substance in inlet |
Known substances such as oil, paint, concrete, leaves or debris, trash, household products found in inlet |
407-571-8607 |
Whether a hazardous spill or an illegal dump is an accident or intentional, it is the responsibility of all of us to respond swiftly to protect the environment that surrounds our beautiful city, and all we need to do is pick up the phone. For more information please call (407) 571-8331 or email dmarshall@altamonte.org.
