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Pollution Incidents

Reports from the community can play an important role in investigating pollution incidents.

Call 000 to report major pollution incidents

If you observe a major pollution incident that presents an immediate threat to human health or property, such as toxic fumes or a large chemical spill, call 000 to report it to emergency services. As first responders, Fire and Rescue NSW, the NSW Police and the NSW Ambulance Service are responsible for controlling and containing incidents.

Information to record if you see pollution

If you observe pollution, note as many details of the incident as possible as this will help Council, or other responsible authority, to investigate the incident or issue.

  • Who observed the incident – names and contact details
  • What is the issue, for example dust, noise, odour or illegal dumping
  • When it happened – the time and date, how long it lasted, if it has happened before
  • Where it happened – the address and nearest cross streets
  • How it has impacted your health or comfort or damaged your property

Other information such as weather conditions, descriptions of people that may have been responsible for the incident

Evidence such as photos or videos

First, contact the company or person causing the pollution

If you observe pollution which is not an emergency and it is safe to do so, contact the organisation or person causing the pollution. If it is a licensed premises with an Environment Protection Licence, they are required to have a complaints line and may be able to take immediate action.

Report to the responsible authority

Council may not be responsible for regulating or responding to the pollution that you observe. The EPA or another organisation may be responsible for regulating the pollution and is the appropriate agency to report the incident to. For further information on who to report the pollution to, please contact Council on 02 6354 9999.

You have a duty to report pollution if you cause it or occupy land where it occurs

Anyone engaged in an activity resulting in a pollution incident has a duty to report the incident. If you occupy land where a pollution incident occurs you must also report it. Failure to do so is an offence and carries a fine.

If you hold an environment protection license call the EPA on 131 555

If you don’t hold an environment protection license call Council on 02 6354 9999.

Further Information

If you require any further information, contact Council’s Environment Department on (02) 6354 9999 or via email at council@lithgow.nsw.gov.au