Report a Spill

If you see sheens or evidence of pollution in the Mississippi River or spills that may result in water pollution, contact the Minnesota Duty Officer immediately at: 800-422-0798 or 651-649-5451.

Substances that may cause pollution include toxic, flammable, corrosive and dangerous industrial chemicals as well as environmentally damaging materials, such as milk, coal, animal parts, batteries, etc.

Even materials spilled on land can cause water pollution as they flow downhill and into nearby stormdrains. Remember, stormdrains connect directly to the Missisippi River.

The Minnesota Duty Officer Program provides a 24-Hour-A-Day, 7-Day-A-Week, answering point for emergency requests for reporting petroleum or hazardous materials spills and other serious accidents or incidents. This fact sheet describes the duty of people to notify the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) when spills and leaks occur.

The information needed by the Duty Officer for a call includes:

  • Name of caller
  • Telephone number for call-backs at the scene or facility
  • Date, time and location of the incident
  • Materials and quantity involved in incident (if known)
  • Incident location physical address, nearest cross streets, section/range, etc.
  • What has happened or what is happening

More Information

The Upper Mississippi River Spill Response Plan and Resource Manual
(PDF, 9 MB, 197 pages)

How to Report a Spill on the Upper Mississippi River:  An Emergency Action Field Guide for Oil, Fuel, and Hazardous Materials Spills
(PDF, 0.2 MB, 2 pages)