Cleaning up a spill or release

What to do during a spill or release

As a City of Calgary contractor, you must take measures to prevent pollution of air, land and waterways, including the stormwater system. If a spill occurs, you need to contact the appropriate regulatory agencies.

Spill or release reporting

Reporting a spill or release is a requirement under the Alberta Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. A substance release that exceeds legislated thresholds and/or has caused, is causing, or may cause an adverse effect on the environment must be reported to Alberta Environment. An adverse effect is defined as "impairment of or damage to the environment, human health or safety or property."

Reporting to The City of Calgary

Release reporting is a requirement of The City of Calgary Sewer Service Bylaw, The City's Environmental Policy and The City of Calgary Substance Release Reporting Procedure.

As a City of Calgary contractor, you must notify The City's Project Designate of a spill or release at the earliest possible opportunity. Familiarize yourself with the contractor responsibilities for release reporting.

Cleaning up

You are also responsible for taking remedial action and properly disposing cleanup materials in accordance with federal, provincial and municipal requirements. For more information about contractor responsibilities, please view our Contractor Environmental Responsibilities Package (CERP).

Examples of hazardous materials

Here are some examples of hazardous materials that may cause an adverse effect on humans and the environment.

  • Gasoline/Diesel
  • Paint
  • Propane
  • Antifreeze/glycol
  • Solvents
  • Oil containing PCB's
  • Lubricating oil
  • Chemicals
  • Acids or caustics
  • Hydraulic fluid
  • Sewage
  • Fertilizers
  • Petroleum products and synthetic oils
  • Erosion and sedimentation materials
  • Excessive smoke, fumes, odors
  • Freon/CFC's
  • Ammonia
  • Chlorine/chlorinated water
  • Industrial wastes
  • Hot asphalt
  • Pesticides and herbicides

Please note: This list is not all-inclusive, and other substances may cause an adverse effect on the environment.

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