Emergency Response
Chapter IV of the Wyoming Water Quality Rules and Regulations (WWQRR) regulates the containment, cleanup and disposal of oil or hazardous substances released to waters of the state, or which threaten to enter waters of the state.
Definitions
A "release" is defined as, but is not limited to, any sudden spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emptying, emitting, discharging, dumping, addition of, escaping, leaching or unauthorized disposal of any oil or hazardous substance which enters or threatens to enter waters of the state. Intentional discharges of oil or hazardous substances are regulated by WYPDES permits. Click here for further information about WYPDES permits.
"Oil" means insoluble or partially soluble oil of any kind including, but not limited to, crude or fuel oil, lubricating oil, oily sludge, asphalt, crude oil condensate, gasoline, aviation fuel, kerosene, diesel motor fuels, road oil, waste oil, oil mixed with federally defined, non-hazardous wastes and derivatives of mineral, animal or vegetable oils.
"Hazardous substance" means any substance or water, which after release, constitutes a threat to public health or welfare, or other aquatic life or wildlife because of its quantity, concentration, chemical, corrosive, flammable, reactive, toxic, infectious, or radioactive characteristics. The term also includes all substances so designated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The term does not include oil.
"Waters of the state" means all surface and groundwater, including waters associated with wetlands, within Wyoming.
What spills are reportable?
Pursuant to Chapter 4 of the WWQRR, the following spills/releases are reportable to the DEQ:
- Releases of "oil" and "hazardous substances" which enter waters of the state.
- Releases that are determined to be a threat to enter waters of the state and are: a) considered a "hazardous substance", or b) any amount greater than either 10 barrels of any combination of crude oil/petroleum condensate/produced water OR 25 gallons of refined crude oil products.
- Suspected releases from above or underground storage tanks are regulated by Chapter 17, WWQRR. For more information on underground storage tanks, click here.
- Please note that non-reportable spill events are still required to be addressed immediately by containing, removing, and disposing of the released product according to DEQ regulations.
What are your requirements if you have a reportable spill?
- Immediately take appropriate action to stop and contain the release.
- Immediately notify the division of the type, quantity and location of the release, and of the response, containment and cleanup actions which have been taken or are proposed to be taken. Call 307-777-7781 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. During non working hours this number should ONLY be used for spills and emergencies.
- Immediately proceed to correct the cause of the release.
- Within seven (7) days following a release, submit a complete written report to the division describing the reportable release and steps taken to prevent a reoccurrence.
Are there any other requirements for reporting spills?
There are also federal reporting requirements that you must comply with should you have a spill. You can call the following numbers to obtain information on your federal reporting requirements:
National Response Center 1-800-424-8802 or the
US. EPA Region VIII (303) 293-1788
Other help
If you are unsure about whether the substance that has been released is reportable or would be considered a hazardous substance, you should contact the Wyoming DEQ Emergency Response Coordinator at 307-777-5885.
Forms /Information |
| Spill Reporting Form |