Most of us go about our day without giving much thought to the systems quietly protecting our environment and health. But when disaster strikes—whether it’s an oil spill, a chemical leak, or a threat to our drinking water—the Office of Emergency Preparedness & Response is ready to respond.
To report an environmental emergency that poses an immediate threat to health or safety, call our 24-hour emergency hotline: (866) 633-4686.
Our Emergency Response Division is made up of trained professionals who specialize in environmental crises. When hazardous substances threaten our air, land, or water, they are on the scene—day or night—to contain the danger and protect our communities. Their work isn’t just about cleaning up messes. It’s about preparation. That means planning ahead, training first responders, and making sure facilities across the state are doing their part to prevent accidents in the first place.
The Emergency Response team handles a wide range of threats to public health and the environment, including:
- Oil and hazardous chemical spills
- Nuclear power plant incidents
- Emergencies involving drinking water or wastewater systems
- Reports of unidentified substances
- Environmental risks linked to terrorism or sabotage
We work with facilities across Maryland to review security plans, share preparedness guidelines, and ensure around-the-clock emergency contacts are in place. These include:
- Water and wastewater treatment facilities
- Chemical manufacturing plants
- Industrial sites using large amounts of hazardous materials
- Petroleum pipelines and bulk storage sites
- High hazard dams
- Nuclear power plants and users of large quantities of radioactive materials
We continue to collaborate with local emergency responders, state and federal agencies, and private partners to keep these facilities secure and our communities safe.
Training
To stay prepared, the Maryland Department of the Environment continues to train first responders across the state. These trainings help local teams handle emergencies involving unknown substances, dangerous chemicals, or radiation. From basic safety practices to advanced emergency techniques, the
goal is to keep Maryland communities safe—no matter the threat.
Important phone numbers
Call (866) 633-4686 to report:
- Air Pollution Violations
- Fish Kills and Algae Blooms
- Hazardous Material & Oil Spills
- Public Sewer Leaks/Overflows
- Public Water Supply Problems
- Radiation Accidents or Safety Violations
- Sediment, Wetland, Mining &
- Agriculture
- Underground Tank Leaks
For our daily air quality report, call 410-537-3247
For our drought hotline, 877-4DROUGHT
For our recycling hotline, 800-IRECYCLE
For shellfish water quality restrictions, 800-541-1210
