Report an Environmental Concern or Illegal Dumping

Spills and leaks from contaminants can be dangerous if left unattended. In addition, spilled chemicals can also pollute our streams and underground drinking water supplies, as well as harm pets, plants and wildlife.

Click here to report an environmental concern or illegal dumping in the City of Milwaukie

Prevent Spills

• Keep unused containers closed tightly.
• Store materials inside or under cover.
• Never use storm drains or gutters, ditches, or swales for waste disposal.
• Keep waste container lids closed. 

Common illicit discharges include:

• Motor oil
• Hydraulic Fluid
• Sewage
• Paint
• Concrete slurry
• Sediment
• Construction materials

Spills Happen!

Your safety is of utmost importance in addressing spills and leaks. Stop work and move upwind immediately if you feel any symptoms (nausea, coughing, stinging eyes, nose or throat, dizziness). Call for help.

Call 911 or Public Works On-Call Emergency at 503-348-8833 if the spill is hazardous or an emergency.

For non-emergency discharges or dumping, please contact the police non-emergency line at 503-786-7500.

If you are aware of the origin of the spill and it is not an emergency:

• Try to stop the leak if you can safely. Keep people and vehicles away to prevent contact with the spilled substance. Use a drip pan if you spot a leak or drip; repair the leak promptly.
• Turn off any nearby equipment that could ignite a flame or explosion.
• Never hose down a spill — this can send hazardous pollutants to our waters.
• Protect waterways: Place absorbents such as kitty litter and barriers between the spill and any nearby storm drain, ditch or swale. Clean up the spill immediately.

Environmental Emergencies

An environmental emergency is a situation that poses an immediate threat to public health or the environment resulting from the release or potential release of oil, hazardous chemicals or radioactive materials into the air, land or water. Environmental emergencies may include:

• Oil or chemical spills onto soil or into surface water, groundwater, or storm drains and sanitary sewers;
• Leaking or reacting drums of known or unknown chemical or hazardous waste;
• Leaking underground storage tank;
• Fires involving tires, PCBs, pesticides or other chemicals;
• Accidents involving the transportation of chemicals, oil or other petroleum products;
• Illegal disposal or handling of asbestos, and biomedical, radioactive or hazardous waste;
• Mercury spills.

If you witness or have an environmental emergency please call 911.