Federal spill reporting regulations are most often based on specific chemicals and specific amounts (reportable quantity – RQ) spilled. Spills of hazardous materials, without regard to RQ, during transportation under circumstances such as death, injury, significant property damage, evacuation, highway closure, etc., are reportable. Also, spills that violate water quality standards, including spills that cause a film, sheen, discoloration, or deposition of sludge in water or adjoining shoreline, require reporting. Finally, there may be specific spill reporting requirements in specific permits.

States and municipalities differ in their reporting requirements. The State of Idaho, for example, requires that any hazardous material spill that has or is likely to affect water be reported immediately. Above-ground petroleum spills from “petroleum tank systems” exceeding 25 gallons and other petroleum system releases (for example underground leaks) must be reported within 24 hours. Above-ground releases less than 25 gallons must be reported if cleanup cannot be accomplished within twenty-four (24) hours. Releases of dielectric oil over twenty-five (25) gallons from oil filled electric equipment or any dielectric oil release causing a threat to waters of the State must be reported within 48 hours of discovery.

A centralized spill reporting telephone number in Idaho is 800-632-8000.