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Help Us keep Our Environment Safe
Call the Environmental Response Line At 954-519-1499
Or
Fill Out A Complaint Form On-Line
EXAMPLES OF ENVIRONMENTAL VIOLATIONS TO WATCH OUT FOR:
• Hazardous Material Releases
• Incidents involving Solid Waste
• Discovery of Contamination
• Sanding or Spray Painting
• Dust
• Open Burning
• Odor
• Smoking Vehicles
• Discharges into Storm Drains
• Discharges into Septic Tanks and Sanitary Sewer Drains
• Water Quality Violations
• Domestic Wastewater (Sewage) Releases
• Impacts to Beaches
• Impacts to Sea Turtles
• Impacts to the Reef Community
• Impacts to Wetlands or Mangroves
• Tree Abuse or Removal
• Unlicensed Tree Trimmers
• Fish Kills
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RELEASE
Hazardous materials are substances that, because of their chemical nature, pose a potential risk to life, health, and/or the environment if they are released. The hazards associated with these substances can exist during production, storage, transportation, use, or disposal. Examples of some common hazardous materials include: motor oil, diesel fuel, gasoline, pool chlorine, paint thinner, anti-freeze, mercury thermometers, pesticides, and herbicides.
 
Definition: Incidents involving the release (leaks, spills, accidents) or potential release of hazardous materials into the environment. Hazardous material releases may occur from a variety of incidents including vehicular accidents, leaking containers, improper secondary containment, improper fueling, equipment failure, illegal disposal, improper maintenance, and train derailments.
Specific Cautions: Do not approach any hazardous materials release, inhale vapors, or touch or taste the released materials. Always keep your safety foremost in your mind and call 911 if the release is an emergency situation.
Details to Note : From a safe distance:
- Note the location of the incident including cross streets, city, and zip code (if known)
- Time and date the incident occurred (if known)
- Origin of the release including the type of facility
- Company name, vehicle type, tag number, model
- Any other information which may assist is the identification of the hazardous substance released or the cause of the release
When you call the environmental response hot line at 954-519-1499, please mention any and all of these details in your report.
Environmental Effect: Releases can contaminate the air and ground or can migrate to and contaminate storm drains, canals, lakes, and groundwater potentially threatening our drinking water supply. Additionally, certain hazardous material releases can cause severe burning of the eyes, noise, throat, and skin or may cause other adverse and irreversible health effects.
INCIDENTS INVOLVING SOLID WASTE
Definition: Incidents involving solid waste, include the depositing, dumping, or storage of construction and demolition debris,vegetative debris, garbage, rubbish, refuse, or other discarded material by a company who should otherwise deposit the material at a landfill, recycling facility, or other authorized solid waste acceptance location.
 Example of discarded solid waste
Specific Cautions: Do not attempt to confront the operator. Keep your safety foremost in your mind.
Details to Note: From a safe distance:
- Note the location of the incident including cross streets, city, and zip code (if known)
- Time and date the incident occurred (if known)
- Facility name
- Phone number
- Tag number or markings on transport vehicles
When you call the environmental response hot line at 954-519-1499, please mention any and all of these details in your report.
Environmental Effect: Improperly handled solid waste can end up buried in unauthorized locations or dumped on vacant lots, run-off from the deposited solid waste could impact surface water and ground water quality.
**Local Code Enforcement should be notified for all other incidents involving the depositing of solid waste.
DISCOVERY OF CONTAMINATION
Definition: Incidents involving the detection of petroleum products or chemicals in the soil, surface water, or groundwater, such as oil spills on land or water, chemical spills, or leaking underground storage tanks. Discolored soil or petroleum odors in groundwater are signs that contamination may be present.
Example of contamination in water, with absorbent pads placed on contamination to soak it up
Specific Cautions: Do not touch, smell, or taste contaminants, contaminated soil, or water.
Details to Note: From a safe distance:
- Note the location of the incident including cross streets, city, and zip code (if known)
- Time and date the incident occurred
- Look for visibly stained soils and note size of contaminated area
- Labels, names, phone numbers, or markings from any suspected source
When you call the environmental response hot line at 954-519-1499, please mention any and all of these details in your report.
Environmental Effect: Contamination of our natural resources can migrate to storm sewers, canals, lakes, and impact our groundwater, and potentially threaten our drinking water supply.
SANDING OR SPRAY PAINTING
Businesses and residents are allowed to sand and spray paint outside. However, they are required to take reasonable precautions to contain the dust and paint droplets (a.k.a overspray) generated from sanding and spray painting activities.
A business or person may sand or paint a vehicle outside as long as reasonable precautions are in place to prevent the paint dust or droplets from drifting off of their property or impacting the environment. Examples of reasonable precautions may include, but are not limited to:
- Application of water to suppress the dust and filters over storm drains to trap the dust particles
- Use of hoods, fans, or filters
- Enclosure or covering around or over the area being sanded or spray painted
Definition: Incidents involving pollutants which exist in a droplet or dust form. These pollutants escape into the environment from sanding, scraping, or spray painting operations.
Specific Cautions: Do not approach the area or confront the person conducting the sanding or spray painting activity. If at all possible move up wind of the source of the pollution.
Details to Note: From a safe distance:
- Note the location of the incident including cross streets, city, and zip code (if known)
- Time and date the incident occurred (if known)
- Look for any unconfined paint or dust escaping into the environment
- Where sanding or spray painting is conducted on the water, the immediate area should be surrounded by a floating boom (see picture of boom below) and/or curtain in such a manner that the over spray is contained
When you call the environmental response hot line at 954-519-1499 , please mention any and all of these details in your report.
Environmental Effect: Contamination of water may affect wildlife. Airborne particles may affect visibility, air quality, and public health.
DUST
Dust, technically defined as finely divided solid material that is airborne, may occur from a variety of activities around the county, such as:
- Dry cutting of pavers or concrete
- Large trucks, buses, and heavy equipment traveling on unpaved surfaces
- Operations at construction and demolition debris recycling facilities
- Concrete batch plants
Definition: Incidents involving the release of dust into the outdoor atmosphere without taking reasonable efforts to prevent a release. Examples of reasonable efforts are:
- Applying water to unpaved surfaces
- Connecting a water source to the concrete/paver cutting saw
- Covering loaded trucks
- Covering process and sorting areas
- Paving and maintenance of roads, parking areas, and yards
Specific Cautions: If at all possible, do not inhale the dust. Move to an area not impacted by the dust.
Details to Note: From a safe distance:
- Note the location of the incident including cross streets, city, and zip code (if known)
- Time and date the incident occurred (if known)
- Company name, type of business, or phone numbers
- Color of the dust
When you call the environmental response hot line at 954-519-1499, please mention any and all of these details in your report.
Environmental Effect: Heavy dust or other airborne particles affect visibility, public health, and air quality.
OPEN BURNING
Definition: Outside burning of garbage, trash, vegetative debris, or demolition waste is prohibited and should be reported. Very few open burning operations are allowed in Broward County and these require obtaining a permit prior to conducting. These include small ceremonial bonfires, fire-fighter training exercises, agricultural burning, and prescribed silviculture burning.
Specific Cautions: Do not confront any individual causing the problem. Do not breathe the smoke.
Details to Note: From a safe distance:
- Note the location of the incident including cross streets, landmarks, city, and zip code (if known)
- Time and date the incident occurred (if known)
- Type of material being burned
When you call the environmental response hot line at 954-519-1499, please mention any and all of these details in your report.
Environmental Effect: Smoke or other airborne particles affect visibility, public health, and air quality.
ODOR
Definition: Incidents involving the release of air pollutants from a stationary commercial establishment or business that cause objectionable odors. An example would include odors from a malfunctioning sewage lift station. Odors from a restaurant or a residential property are not regulated by Broward County.
Specific Cautions: Do not confront any individual causing the problem. Do not breathe the contaminated air.
Details to Note: From a safe distance:
- Note the location of the incident including cross streets, landmarks, city, and zip code (if known)
- Time and date the incident occurred (if known)
- Relate the odor to common things ( sewage, bleach, roofing tar, etc.) if possible
When you call the environmental response hot line at 954- 519-1499, please mention any and all of these details in your report.
Environmental Effect: Odors may be a sign that a pollutant is being emitted into the atmosphere. These pollutants may decrease air quality and cause air pollution.
SMOKING VEHICLES
Definition: Incidents involving gasoline-powered motor vehicles which generate visible emissions of smoke from the exhaust pipe for more than a continuous period of 5-seconds or diesel-powered motor vehicles which generate visible emissions of smoke from the exhaust pipe for more than a continuous period of 5 seconds while in the cruise mode or idle mode.
Specific Cautions: Do not confront the individual operating the motor vehicle.
Details to Note: From a safe distance:
- Note the location of the incident including cross streets, landmarks, city, and zip code (if known)
- Time and date the incident occurred
- Tag number, vehicle make, model, and color
When you call the environmental response hot line at 954-519-1499, please mention any and all of these details in your report as they are required for follow-up actions.
Environmental Effects: The exhaust from motor vehicles account for more than 50% of the air pollution in Broward County. Additionally, ten percent (10%) of vehicles cause about 50% of the total air pollution generated by motor vehicles.
Smoking Vehicle Complaint Form
DISCHARGES INTO STORM DRAINS
Storm drains (also referred to as storm sewers) are used to control stormwater runoff only. Stormwater runoff is water from the rain which flows from streets, lawns and rooftops over the ground or pavement without soaking into the ground. The storm drain system includes residential swale areas, roadside ditches, gutters, inlets, catch basins, and underground pipes that collect stormwater and carry it away from our streets, parking lots and yards into nearby waterways. Water entering storm drains does not go through a sewage treatment plant, but flows directly into nearby waterways without treatment. Therefore, nothing should ever be placed or allowed to enter into a storm drain except rain water - “only rain down the drain”.
 
| Example of a storm drain |
Example of a discharge from a storm drain leading into the New River |
Definition: Incidents involving potential illicit discharges into storm drain systems. This may occur in residential, commercial and industrial areas. The pouring of illegal chemicals, oils, paints, etc., into storm drains is of prime concern. Unfortunately, many people use storm drains to dispose of used oil, grass cuttings, dog feces, etc.
Specific Cautions: Do not confront individuals. Do not approach anyone dumping or disposing of hazardous materials into a storm drain. Call 911 and then call 954-519-1499.
Details to Note: From a safe distance:
- Note the location of the incident including cross streets, landmarks, city, and zip code (if known)
- Time and date the incident occurred (if known)
- Physical depiction of the person conducting the activity, company name or logo, and description of any vehicles nearby
- Labels or markings on containers, if visible
When you call the environmental response hot line at 954-519-1499, please mention any and all of these details in your report.
Environmental Effect: Most storm drains discharge directly into surface water bodies. Anything put into a storm drain system has the potential to negatively impact surface water quality, may kill aquatic organisms or impair their health, growth or ability to reproduce, can foul drinking water and make recreational areas unsafe and unpleasant.
DISCHARGES INTO SEPTIC TANKS AND SANITARY SEWER DRAINS
Septic tanks work when bacteria decompose domestic wastes and reduce the volume by about 60%. The liquid in a septic tank (effluent) flows by gravity to a drain field. Bacteria continue to reduce potentially harmful bacteria and viruses but do not eliminate or break down chemicals. Therefore, businesses and residents should not put chemicals such as gasoline, paint products, stain removers, petroleum products, cleaners or pesticides down a septic tank. These chemicals will pass through the system and may contaminate the groundwater.
 
Sanitary sewer drains lead to a wastewater treatment plant to meet State and County standards. The treated effluent is either discharged to the Atlantic Ocean via an ocean outfall, injected deep into the earth or re-used for irrigation or industrial uses. Hazardous materials should never be poured down the sewer and must be disposed of properly.
Definition: Incidents involving the disposal of hazardous materials into septic tanks or sanitary sewer drains.
Specific Cautions: Do not approach anyone dumping or disposing of hazardous materials into a septic tank or sanitary sewer drain. Call 911 and then call 954-519-1499.
Details to Note: From a safe distance:
- Note the location of the incident including cross streets, city, and zip code (if known)
- Time and date the incident occurred (if known)
- Physical depiction of the person conducting the activity, company name or logo, and description of any vehicles nearby
- Labels or markings on containers, if visible
When you call the environmental response hot line at 954-519-1499, please mention any and all of these details in your report.
Environmental Effects: Drainfields associated with a septic tank are located just above groundwater. Chemicals dumped into a septic tank will pass through the system and may contaminate groundwater.
WATER QUALITY VIOLATIONS
Some activities can lead to a decrease in water quality. Any redirection of surface water flow and dredge and fill projects, such as dock construction requires EPD approval.
Definition: Incidents involving impacts to surface water that affect the quality of the water. Such incidents include discharges, runoff, dewatering operations, dredging, and filling of a waterway. Rainwater is the only discharge allowed into surface water. The appearance of cloudy water, called turbidity, is from suspended sediments or particles in the water and may decrease water quality. Examples of incidents to report include:
 Example of turbidity
- Construction related activities resulting in the discharge of sediments into surface water (turbidity)
- The placement of solid waste (garbage, wood, concrete materials or any other type of non approved fill material) in waterways
- Discolored or cloudy water
See HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RELEASES for information concerning the discharge of oil or chemicals into surface water.
Specific Cautions: Do not approach or confront any individual or construction site. Keep safety foremost on your mind.
Details to Note : Please note:
- Note the location of the incident including cross streets, city, and zip code (if known)
- Time and date the incident occurred (if known)
- Any construction activities in an area, including company names if visible
- Businesses or residents washing or dumping materials into surface water
- A dredge or barge located in a waterway
When you call the environmental response hot line at 954-519-1499, please mention any and all of these details in your report.
Environmental Effect: Discharges can reduce the water quality of surface water or groundwater, and potentially threaten our drinking water supply. Sediments clouding the water from turbidity make it difficult for fish to see and feed properly. Sediments can also damage fish gills and impair the feeding and breathing processes in aquatic insects that fish eat. In addition, sediments and particles can cover plant leaves, reducing the amount of sunlight reaching desirable aquatic plants.
DOMESTIC WASTEWATER (SEWAGE) RELEASES
Definition: The applicability of a Domestic Wastewater (sewage) release is multipart and includes:
- Discharge of untreated wastewater (sewage) to ground, surface waters or ground water.
- Operational problems or failure of pumping stations resulting in alarms, and subsequent overflow of the collection system.
- Treatment plant related incidents, such as improper disposal of residuals or effluent.
- Discharge of untreated wastewater (sewage) from live-aboard boats and on-site septic systems.
 Example of a list station
Specific Cautions: In no case should persons come in contact with untreated wastewater. Only authorized personnel should evaluate the situation and take appropriate action. Avoid walking or playing in surface water after significant rain events.
Details to Note: From a safe distance:
- Note the location of the incident including cross streets, city, and zip code (if known)
- Time and date the incident occurred (if known)
- Any alarms or flashing lights observed
When you call the environmental response hot line at 954-519-1499, please mention any and all of these details in your report.
Environmental Effect: Improper discharges of domestic wastewater (sewage) could contaminate surface and groundwater and can lead to serious health threats.
IMPACTS TO BEACHES
Definition : Incidents involving unnatural erosion of the beach area, discharges across the beach, excavations of the beach area, and destruction of dune vegetation. Such incidents may include:
- Erosion or gullying of the beach due to discharge of storm water or air-conditioning condensate
- Heavy equipment on the beach, digging or pushing sand by bulldozers, front-end loaders, backhoes, etc. Excludes normal beach cleaning operation and equipment
- Removal of dune plants/vegetation; excessive trimming of sea grapes or mangroves on the beach; picking, cutting or otherwise destroying sea oats
Specific Cautions: None
Details to Note: From a safe distance:
- Note the location of the incident including cross streets, landmarks, city, and zip code (if known)
- Time and date the incident occurred (if known)
- Physical depiction of the person conducting the activity
- Company name or logo, and description of any vehicles nearby
When you call the environmental response hot line at 954-519-1499, please mention any and all of these details in your report.
Environmental Effect: Loss of the beaches can result in the destruction of sea turtle (an endangered species) nesting habitat, vegetative dune communities, and a loss of storm protection for residential, recreational, and commercial properties.
IMPACTS TO SEA TURTLES
Definition: Incidents involving:
- Poaching of sea turtle nests
- Handling, touching or harassing nesting sea turtles, sea turtle eggs, or hatchlings
- Heavy equipment on the beach during sea turtle nesting season, March 1 through October 31, except normal beach cleaning activities below the high tide line
- Stranded sea turtles, those washed up on the beach, dead or injured
- Disoriented hatchlings
 
Specific Cautions: State (Ch. 370, F.S.) and Federal (Endangered Species Act, 1973) Law state that "No person may take, harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture or attempt to engage in any such conduct to marine turtles, turtle nests, and/or marine turtle eggs." Only persons who are properly permitted may conduct activities that influence marine turtles. If a questionable incident is observed do not approach or confront the violator but call the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at (1-888-404-3922 or *FWC from a cell phone), the local Police Department, or the "Sea Turtle Hotline" at 954-328-0580.
Details to Note: From a safe distance:
- Note the location of the incident including cross streets, landmarks, city, and zip code (if known)
- Time and date the incident occurred (if known)
- Poachers excavating a nest (usually at night and usually by hand) during nesting season
- Persons harassing an adult nesting sea turtle on the beach
- Persons in possession of sea turtle eggs or hatchlings
- Beach cleaning activity before dawn
When you call the environmental response hot line at 954-519-1499, please mention any and all of these details in your report.
Environmental Effect: Potential loss of an endangered species.
IMPACTS TO THE REEF COMMUNITY
Definition: Incidents involving:
- Illegal collection or possession of octo-corals (sea fans etc.) or stony corals
- Damage to the reef by physical contact such as:
- Small boat anchors
- Large anchors of ships waiting for Port Everglades berth assignments anchored outside of the designated anchorage
- Large ships grounding on the reef
Impacts to the reef community by small boats can be avoided if boat owners and captains utilize one of the numerous, permanent mooring buoy anchors installed near the reef throughout the County.
Only individuals that possess current permits for collection of corals or "live rock" may take live, healthy stony corals and octo-corals. Known violations should be reported to the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at (1-888-404-3922 or *FWC from a cell phone), Large ships waiting berthing in Port Everglades must use the designated anchorage south of the Port channel. Suspected or confirmed violations should be reported directly to the U.S. Coast Guard, Station Fort Lauderdale at 954-927-1611 . For corner coordinates of the ship anchorage please click here . The requirements are that the ship's anchor be located in the anchorage. The ship itself may swing outside of the boundaries.
Specific Cautions : Do not approach or confront an individual collecting coral or causing reef damage. Keep your distance from any ship anchored off of Port Everglades.
Details to Note: From a safe distance:
- Note the location of the incident including landmarks, city, and zip code (if known)
- Time and date the incident occurred (if known)
- Name of the ship or boat causing reef damage
- Description of the ship or boat (size, color, flag)
- Company name if visible on the ship or boat
When you call the environmental response hot line at 954-519-1499, please mention any and all of these details in your report.
Environmental Effect: Potential loss of slow growing coral and upsetting the balance of the reef community, which is very valuable to the marine environment.
IMPACTS TO WETLANDS OR MANGROVES
Definition: Incidents involving alterations or changes to wetlands, such as:
- Dredging and filling (the removal of any materials or placement of any materials) into any water body including rivers, canals, lakes, marshes, swamps, or other wetland areas,
- Cutting/alteration or clearing of mangroves,
- The presence of turbidity (cloudy water) or murkiness in canals or waterways.
- The placement of solid waste (garbage, wood, concrete materials or any other type of waste) in waterways, and
- The clearing of vegetation along canal or lake banks.
Specific Cautions: Do not confront individuals.
Details to Note: Please make detailed observations concerning the following:
- Note the location of the incident including landmarks, waterway, city, and zip code (if known)
- Time and date the incident occurred (if known)
- The type of equipment operating (bulldozer, backhoe, crane with dredge bucket, barge with crane and bucket) in or adjacent to waterway
- If turbidity or murkiness/cloudiness observed in the waterway adjacent to/or on which alleged violation is occurring
- The names of businesses and phone numbers printed on equipment being operated
- Soil, wood, or other construction debris such as concrete being placed in waterway
- The clearing of land in wetlands, low lying areas, or areas adjacent to waterways. Types of mangroves being cut or cleared if known
When you call the environmental response hot line at 954-519-1499, please mention any and all of these details in your report.
Environmental Effect: Mangroves help to filter upland run-off, stabilize bottom sediments, maintain water quality and protect shorelines from erosion. Loss of wetlands results in loss of breeding, nursery and feeding areas for fish and wildlife.
TREE ABUSE OR REMOVAL
Tree protection and preservation is regulated by Broward County except in municipalities that have received certification from the Environmental Protection Department. To find out if a municipality is certified call the Biological Resources Division at (954) 519-1230 . Broward County retains jurisdiction on all properties owned or controlled by Broward County , the Broward County School Board, and any site designated as a Local Area of Particular Concern, Urban Wilderness Inventory Area, Natural Resource Area, or Environmentally Sensitive Land or Historic Tree. The removal of a tree in most instances requires a permit. For more information please click here (Please insert link to BRD Uplands web page).
Definition: Incidents involving:
- Tree removal (excluding nuisance species such as Brazilian Pepper, Australian Pine, Melaleuca, Bischoffia, Earleaf Acacia, Norfolk Island Pine and Schefflera)
- Improper tree pruning (e.g. topping, hatracking, leaving stubs, splitting limb ends, removing tree bark, overlifting a tree and shaping a tree)
- Tree damage during construction
- Land clearing in forested areas
Specific Cautions: Do not confront individuals.
Details to Note: From a safe distance:
- Note the location of the incident including landmarks, block number, city, and zip code (if known)
- Time and date the incident occurred (if known)
- Types of trees being removed or abused
- Company names printed on vehicles or land clearing equipment
- License plate numbers of any vehicles parked on site
When you call the environmental response hot line at 954-519-1499, please mention any and all of these details in your report.
Environmental Effect: Loss of trees results in a loss of oxygen production and air purification, an increase in soil erosion, an increase in airborne particulates, a loss of habitat for wildlife and a loss of aesthetic comfort. Since trees which shade homes reduce energy consumption, a loss of trees can increase energy consumption thus increasing pollution.
UNLICENSED TREE TRIMMERS
The Environmental Protection Department licenses and regulates anyone who contracts to perform tree trimming or removal services in Broward County. Prior to obtaining a Tree Trimmers License an educational course must be completed.
Definition: Incidents involving the pruning or cutting of trees by commercial tree trimmers who have not obtained a license from Broward County.
Specific Cautions: Do not confront individuals.
Details to Note: From a safe distance:
- Note the location of the incident including landmarks, block number, city, and zip code (if known)
- Time and date the incident occurred (if known)
- Any identifying information on the unlicensed business or person conducting tree trimming or pruning
- License plate numbers of any vehicles parked on site and time and date incident occurs
When you call the environmental response hot line at 954-519-1499, please mention any and all of these details in your report.
Environmental Effect: Improper tree trimming or pruning can result in the loss and damage of trees. A loss of trees results in a loss of oxygen production and air purification, an increase in soil erosion, an increase in airborne particulates, a loss of habitat for wildlife and a loss of aesthetic comfort. Since trees which shade homes reduce energy consumption, a loss of trees can increase energy consumption thus increasing pollution.
FISH KILLS
A sudden appearance of dead fish in a lake, pond, or canal is alarming. Most fish kills, however, result from natural events, such as the sudden lowering of oxygen levels in the water known as inversion. An inversion occurs when a combination of conditions occur simultaneously. Weather patterns, water temperature, depth and quality of water, amount and type of plant growth, fish community structure, and the presence of viruses and bacteria are all necessary to trigger a fish kill. In developed areas, runoff that contains high amounts of nutrients can produce dense growths of algae. When sunlight is available, algae use nutrients and produce oxygen through a process called photosynthesis. Most of the oxygen fish use is provided by algae. However, during large rainstorms or prolonged cloudiness, low sunlight causes algae to switch from photosynthesis to respiration. Not only does this reduce oxygen production, but the algae actually consume oxygen needed by fish. When this occurs, fish may be observed gasping for breath at the water surface. Stress induced bacterial or viral infections can cause these fish to continue to die for 3-4 days after the occurrence. This is a natural phenomenon and there is nothing that can be done to prevent fish from dying.
Definition: Incidents involving a large amount of dead fish on canals or lakes resulting from spills or illegal discharges of toxic substances. This is often caused when fertilizers or pesticides are applied to adjacent lawns and rains wash the chemicals into the water body.
Specific Cautions: Do not come in contact with the dead fish or the impacted waterway.
Details to Note: From a safe distance:
- Note the location of the incident including landmarks, block number, city, and zip code (if known)
- Time and date the incident occurred (if known)
- Numbers and types of fish affected
- Other types of dead animals such as ducks or turtles
- The presence of dead vegetation along the canal or lake banks
- Weather conditions such as heavy rains and extreme heat conditions
- Any discoloration of the affected waterway
- The overabundance of algal growth in the affected waterway
- Specific location of waterway including street address and city
- Any suspicious activities by individuals near the waterway, i.e., dumping or discharging any liquids
- Names on vehicles of suspicious persons and/or license plate numbers
When you call the environmental response hot line at 954-519-1499, please mention any and all of these details in your report.
Environmental Effect: Fish kills may result in a total loss of fish species and/or a disruption of the food chain within the water body.
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