Illegal Dumping & Spills

Protecting Arvada's streams from illegal dumping is critical to maintaining a healthy environment. Accidental spills and illegal dumping should be addressed as soon as possible.

If you have experienced an accidental spill, or see illegal dumping of potentially hazardous materials in progress, please call 911.

Spill Basics

• Communicate - If you've had an accidental spill, or witness a spill or dumping, contact the proper authorities. Notify people around the spill that it has occurred, especially if you think the spill may pose a threat.
• Control and Contain - If it is in your power, and safe to do so, try to minimize the spill and keep it from getting worse. Do not attempt to contain or control the spill if unknown or hazardous materials are involved.
• Clean-Up - When dealing with a non-hazardous and minor spill, there are many techniques for clean-up. Always wear protective gear and follow safety standards. Hazardous material should only be cleaned up by specially trained and licensed professionals. Do not attempt to clean-up hazardous material.

Hazardous Spills

A hazardous material is any substance or agent (biological, chemical, radiological, and/or physical), which is capable of posing an unreasonable risk to humans, the environment and property. Examples of hazardous material:

• Chemicals
• Oil
• Gasoline

Non-Hazardous Spills

If you have, or witness, a non-hazardous spill, please call 720-898-7820. If the spill is minor, kitty litter and other absorbent materials can help to contain the spill. Any absorbing agent should be properly cleaned and disposed of.