Whom should you notify in the event of a spill?

In the event of a spill, notifying the DEEP, Oil and Chemical Spills Response Division is crucial because this agency is specifically tasked with managing and responding to oil and chemical spills in Connecticut. Their expertise allows for a swift and appropriate response to mitigate environmental impact, ensure safety, and manage cleanup operations effectively. They have the resources and knowledge needed to handle such incidents, which may involve hazardous materials requiring specialized handling and regulatory compliance.

While notifying your supervisor and local first responders like the fire department is important in some contexts, they may not be equipped with the knowledge or resources specific to oil and chemical spills as the DEEP is. Moreover, while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) addresses broader environmental concerns, spill management at the state level falls primarily under the authority of the DEEP. This focused response structure is essential for ensuring that spills are dealt with efficiently and appropriately, protecting public health and the environment.