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Discharge of Oil or Hazardous Substances

Public Law 96-510 and Public Law 92-500 (CERCLA) requires immediate notification of the appropriate agency of the United States Government of a discharge of oil or hazardous substances “Any such person who fails to notify immediately such agency of such discharge shall, upon conviction, be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.”

Pursuant to Chapters 376 and 403, Florida Statutes:

  • The pilot or the master of a vessel, or person in charge of any terminal facility must notify the Florida Marine Patrol or the United States Coast Guard within one hour of the pollutant discharge…
  • Any owner or operator of a facility who has knowledge of any release of a hazardous substances from a facility in a quantity equal to or exceeding the reportable quantity in a 24 hour period shall notify the State Warning Point within one working day of the release…
  • The owner or operator having a discharge of petroleum or petroleum products exceeding 25 gallons on a pervious surface must report such discharge to the Department of Environmental Protection or the State Warning Point.
Discharge of Oil and Hazardous Substances Prohibited Telephone Numbers for Reporting Violations
Federal U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center (800)424-8802 (24 Hours)
State of Florida State Warning Point (800)320-0519 (24 Hours) or Florida Marine Patrol (800)342-5367 (24 Hours, In State)
REPORT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION
  1. Name, address, and telephone number of person reporting
  2. Name, address, and telephone number of person responsible for the discharge or release, if known
  3. Date and time of the discharge or release
  4. Type or name of substance discharged or released
  5. Estimated amount of the discharge or release
  6. Location or address of discharge or release
  7. Source and cause of the discharge or release
  8. Size and characteristics of area affected by the discharge or release
  9. Containment and cleanup actions taken to date
  10. Other persons or agencies contacted