Washington State Department of Ecology

On-Line Guide for Homeowners and Small Businesses:
What to do if you discover toxic wastes on your property

CONTENTS
FAQs (Start Page)

BEFORE BUYING
PROPERTY:
Suggested Reading
Search Records
Inspect the Property
Ask Questions
Sellers' Disclosures

BASIC STEPS:
Get Preliminary Info
Report the Problem
Assess Situation
& Evaluate Options
Get the Work Done

Common Situations

Certain situations occur with more regularity, including spills, illegal drug labs, leaking underground storage tanks (LUSTs), and failed home heating oil tanks.

Spills of Hazardous Substances

An uncontrolled spill of a hazardous substance is considered an emergency situation. In this situation, please go to the "How to Report a Spill" page immediately and follow the instructions there. You will find the appropriate telephone numbers and a list of questions you may be asked.

The Ecology Spill Response program and/or your local jurisdiction will evaluate and respond to emergency situations as soon as possible.

Drug Labs

Discovery of an illegal drug lab is also an emergency situation. The Department of Health brochure "Is There a Meth Lab in My Neighborhood?" (.pdf) includes information about how to identify illegal drug labs. If you suspect such a situation, please see the "How to Report a Spill" page immediately and follow the instructions there.

The Ecology Spill Response program and/or the Department of Health (HSEES Program, Clandestine Drug Lab Program) and/or your local jurisdiction will evaluate and respond to suspected drug lab situations as soon as possible.

Leaking Underground Storage Tanks

Releases of hazardous substances from Underground Storage Tanks must be reported to Ecology within 24 hours of discovery. Please see "How to Report Environmental Incidents" for reporting instructions. (For detailed requirements, see: Reporting suspected releases WAC 173-360-360, reporting confirmed releases WAC 173-360-372, and reporting spills and overfills WAC 173-360-375).

Home Heating Oil Tanks

Home heating oil tanks are not regulated by Ecology. Please contact the Pollution Liability Insurance Agency (PLIA) for assistance.

Area-Wide Contamination Zones

In some areas of the state, contamination has become dispersed over large areas of land. Please see:

Maps of Area-Wide Soil Contamination

Examples:
Tacoma Smelter Plume (soil contamination with arsenic and lead)
Former Orchard Lands (potential lead arsenate pesticide contamination)

On-Line Guide for Homeowners and Small Businesses: What to do if you discover toxic wastes on your property