Preventing the discharge of pollutants to receiving waters is essential to protecting designated beneficial uses. In order to maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of Orange County's aquatic resources, and protect public health, the County has a team of specially trained personnel who respond to water pollution incidents on a 24 hour basis, 365 days a year. The OC Public Works Water Pollution Response Unit has a primary goal of protecting public health and the environment but investigations may in some instances lead to civil or criminal prosecution. The Unit works closely with the Orange County District Attorney's Office Environmental Protection Unit as well as other local, State and Federal agencies in responding to and investigating water pollution incidents.
To report a spill to the OC Public Works Water Pollution Response Unit, visit the MyOCeServices link below or call the 24-Hour pollution reporting hotline at 1-877- 89-SPILL(77455). Any report submitted through MyOCeServices will notify the pollution response team via email. In case of a chemical emergency, call 911:
In Orange County, with very few exceptions, it is prohibited by Federal, State, and local laws to discharge anything other than clean stormwater runoff to the storm drain system. Please view the following document for a list of discharges that are not prohibited under certain circumstances:
Additionally, the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), tracks the spill and release of hazardous materials on a statewide basis:
