A spill is a discharge of a pollutant that is abnormal in quantity or quality into the natural environment (the sanitary and storm sewer system, roadway, ditches, swales, ground and waterways). A spill can pollute drinking water, streams, beaches, soil and can harm humans, fish and wildlife. Examples of spills include:
- Sand or silt (often from construction)
- Hazardous materials
- Cleaning detergents, soaps & degreasers
- Vehicle fluids (car leaking gas or oil)
- Sewage overflow (often just looks like water flowing out of a maintenance access hole or a grassy area, but usually has a slight odour)
Although large spills are generally associated with the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) sectors, a great number of smaller spills from residents are the result of improper disposal of hazardous materials. The Household Hazardous Waste Facility is open at the landfill site on Saturdays and provides for the proper disposal of household hazardous waste.
Learn about source water protection, which includes spill response preparedness & more.
Reporting a Spill
Cleanup Responsibility
The owner or control of the spill shall do everything practicable to:
- prevent,
- eliminate,
- improve the adverse effect and,
- to restore the natural environment to the way that it was before the spill.
As per Section 100 of the Environmental Protection Act and Section 446 of the Municipal Act, the Municipality has the right to compensation for all reasonable cost and expenses incurred for spill clean-up.
Proper Disposal of Wastes from Spills
Any waste generated from a spill must be disposed of accordingly. Waste generated from a spill must be removed by an Ontario Ministry of the Environment approved licensed hauler and disposed at a licensed waste facility capable of receiving that waste.