EPA Hotlines
Hotlines and Service Lines for Specific Topics
- Asbestos Hotline
Phone: 800-368-5888 or 202-566-1970 (in DC area)
Hours: 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. EST
Type of Coverage: A member of the ASBO staff will answer calls.
Description: The Asbestos and Small Business Ombudsman (ASBO) operates a toll-free hotline for the convenience of small businesses, trade associations, and the general public, seeking free, confidential help as it relates to asbestos and a variety of environmental regulatory topics. - The Assessment, Cleanup and Redevelopment Exchange System (ACRES) Help Desk
Phone: 703-284-8212
E-mail: acres_help@epa.gov
Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST, Monday - Friday, excluding federal holidays.
Description: The hotline provides guidance on using the Assessment, Cleanup and Redevelopment Exchange System (ACRES) database and answers any ACRES-related questions.
Additional Notes: Leave a message and they will respond within 24-48 hours. - Central Data Exchange (CDX) Hotline
Phone: 888-890-1995
E-mail: helpdesk@epacdx.net
Hours: Available for data submission technical support between the hours 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Eastern
Type of Coverage: Staffed by live operators. - Drinking Water Hotline
Phone: 800-426-4791
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. EST, Monday - Friday
Type of Coverage: An Information Specialist will answer calls.
Description: The Safe Drinking Water Hotline provides the general public, regulators, medical and water professionals, academia, and media, with information about drinking water and ground water programs authorized under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The Hotline is operated under contract by Outreach Process Partners, LLC and housed in its Annapolis, MD offices. - Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) Information Center
Phone: 800-424-9346 (select option #4 from menu) - Toll Free; 703-412-9810 in the Washington, DC Area / International
Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST, Monday – Friday, Closed Federal Holidays
Type of Coverage: Staffed by live Information Specialists. Assistance is also available through the Emergency Management Frequently Asked Question Database, which provides answers to frequently asked questions and an option to submit questions electronically to the Information Center.
Description: A publicly accessible service that provides up-to-date information on regulatory requirements of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) including release notification, emergency planning, MSDS reporting, and Tier II chemical inventory reporting. The Information Center does not provide regulatory interpretations. It does, however, maintain up-to-date information on the availability and distribution of publications and other resources pertaining to its program areas.
Additional Notes: This hotline is shared and managed by the following EPA Programs: the Toxics Release Inventory, EPCRA, Risk Management Plans, Superfund, and Oil Spill Prevention. - Environmental Justice Hotline
Phone: 800-962-6215 - Toll Free
E-mail: EJHotline@epa.gov
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday – Friday, Closed Federal Holidays; After-hours services are available via voicemail
Type of Coverage: Staffed by live Contractor to the EPA
Description: A publically accessible service that provides communities with information that may assist in addressing potential environmental and/or public health issues, as well as fosters the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of low-income, minority, tribal and indigenous communities that may experience environmental and/or public health concerns.
Additional Notes: You can find additional information resources at www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/resources/index.html. - Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
Phone: 202-566-1667
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., ET, Monday – Friday, Closed Federal Holidays.
Type of Coverage: Staffed by live FOIA Specialists.
After hours Coverage: The phone line has voice mail where a message can be left, and a FOIA Specialist will retune the call during the next business day.
Description: EPA's National Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Program provides the public with access to EPA records. EPA also posts records on-line, which were the subject of a previous request through FOIAonline. Any person has the right to submit a FOIA request. Requests can be submitted on-line through FOIAonline or mailed to the appropriate FOIA Office, as set out on our Website under "EPA FOIA Contract Information".
Additional Notes: The Agency's FOIA website can be located at www2.epa.gov/foia. - Inspector General Hotline - Recognizing Fraud, Waste and Abuse
Phone: 888-546-8740
Fax: 202-566-2599
E-mail: OIG_Hotline@epa.gov
Type of Coverage: The EPA Office of Inspector General (OIG) hotline is staffed by federal law enforcement agents.
Description: The EPA OIG hotline receives complaints of fraud, waste, and abuse in EPA programs and operations including mismanagement or violations of law, rules, or regulations by EPA employees or program participants. Complaints may be received directly from EPA employees, participants in EPA programs, or the general public. - Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) Hotline
Phone: 202-566-1676
E-mail: hotline.iris@epa.gov
Hours: 8:30 a.m - 4:30 pm EST, Monday - Friday, (except for holidays and days the EPA facility is closed)
Type of Coverage: The hotline is staffed by a contractor who answers emails or the phone during operating hours, and callers may leave a message during non-operating hours.
Description: The Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) Program provides information on the health effects of chemicals, and IRIS assessments include information about health hazards as well as toxicity values that can be used in human health risk assessment. The IRIS Hotline provides information on chemicals included in the IRIS database. The information provided by the IRIS Hotline may include background information on chemical assessments, toxicity values, application of toxicity values, and other assessment support information. Requests for information on chemicals that are not included in IRIS or for information that is not part of the IRIS chemical assessment will not be addressed by this hotline. - Lead Information Center Hotline
Phone: 800-424-LEAD [5323]
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST, Monday - Friday, (except federal holidays)
Fax: 585-232-3111
Type of Coverage: Staffed by specialists
Description: The National Lead Information Center (NLIC) provides the general public and professionals with information about lead, lead hazards, and their prevention. The NLIC operates under a contract with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with funding from EPA and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). - Methods Information Communication Exchange (MICE)
Phone: 703-818-3238, press 0 for immediate access to leave a message, or continue to listen for other options.
Fax:703-818-8813
E-mail: mice@techlawinc.com
Hours: 24 hours answering machine (Calls are routed to the appropriate scientific expert)
Type of Coverage: Staffed by live technical experts on SW-846 methodologies (e.g., Chemists, Statistician, Sampling expert, Geologists, Environmentalists and Quality Assurance Manager)
Description: MICE is operated by ORCR's Methods Team's contractor, TechLaw, Inc. TechLaw's staff are knowledgeable in SW-846 procedures that are used to evaluate wastes in support of RCRA testing and related monitoring.
Additional Notes: SW-846 is used in support of RCRA. The hotline is available and used by other EPA offices (e.g., Superfund), EPA Regional labs, other Federal Agencies (e.g., DOD), States, commercial labs, industry, attorneys, and other foreign and domestic entities. - National Response Center (NRC)
Phone: 800-424-8802
Hours: 24 hours a day
Type of Coverage: Staffed by U.S. Coast Guard officers and marine science technicians
Description: The National Response Center (NRC) is the sole federal point of contact for reporting all hazardous substances releases and oil spills. The NRC receives all reports of releases involving hazardous substances and oil that trigger federal notification requirements under several laws. - Oil Information Center
Phone: 800-424-9346 (select option #2 from the menu) - Toll Free; 703-412-9810 in the Washington, DC Area / International
Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST, Monday – Friday, Closed Federal Holidays
Type of Coverage: Staffed by live Information Specialists. Assistance is also available through the Emergency Management Frequently Asked Question Database, which provides answers to frequently asked questions and an option to submit questions electronically to the Information Center.
Description: A publicly accessible service that provides up-to-date information on the regulatory requirements of the Oil Pollution Prevention Program including Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plans, Facility Response Plans (FRPs), and oil discharges. The Information Center does not provide regulatory interpretations. It does, however, maintain up-to-date information on the availability and distribution of publications and other resources pertaining to its program areas.
Additional Notes: This hotline is shared and managed by the following EPA Programs: the Toxics Release Inventory, EPCRA, Risk Management Plans, Superfund, and Oil Spill Prevention. - Pesticides Hotline
Phone: 800-858-7378
E-mail: npic@ace.orst.edu
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. PST, Monday - Friday
Description: The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) Exit provides objective, science-based information about pesticides and pesticide-related topics to enable people to make informed decisions about pesticides and their use. NPIC is a cooperative agreement between Oregon State University and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. - Radon Hotline
Phone:
- 1-800-SOSRADON (1-800-767-7236)* Purchase radon test kits by phone.
- 1-800-55RADON (557-2366)* Get live help for your radon questions.
- 1-800-644-6999* Radon Fit-It Hotline. For general information on fixing or reducing the radon level in your home.
- 1-800-426-4791 Safe Drinking Water Hotline. For general information on drinking water, radon in water, testing and treatment, and standards for radon drinking water. Operated under a contract with EPA
- 785-532-6026
E-mail: Radon@ksu.edu
Type of Coverage: * Operated by Kansas State University in partnership with EPA
Description: Radon Hotlines and Information Resources: View Frequent Questions / Ask a Question; Radon Hotlines (Toll-Free); Find a Radon Service Provider Near You; Radon Publications - Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Dockets
Phone: 202-566-0270
Fax: 202-566-9744
E-mail: rcra-docket@epa.gov
Hours: The EPA Docket Center is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.
Location: The EPA Docket Center is located at: WJC West Building, Room 3334 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20004
Description: Provides documents involved in the different stages of OSWER rulemakings.
Additional Notes: Please make an appointment so that the material you wish to view is ready when you arrive. - Risk Management Plan (RMP) Information Center
Phone: 800-424-9346 (select option #6 from menu) - Toll Free; 703-412-9810 in the Washington, DC Area / International
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday – Friday, Closed Federal Holidays
Type of Coverage: Staffed by live Information Specialists. Assistance is also available through the Emergency Management Frequently Asked Question Database, which provides answers to frequently asked questions and an option to submit questions electronically to the Information Center.
Description: A publicly accessible service that provides up-to-date information on the regulatory requirements of the Risk Management Program including Risk Management Plans, hazards assessments, chemical accident prevention, and emergency response programs. The Information Center does not provide regulatory interpretations. It does, however, maintain up-to-date information on the availability and distribution of publications and other resources pertaining to its program areas.
Additional Notes: This hotline is shared and managed by the following EPA Programs: the Toxics Release Inventory, EPCRA, Risk Management Plans, Superfund, and Oil Spill Prevention. - Small Business Ombudsman Hotline
Phone: 800-368-5888 or 202-566-1970 (in DC area)
Hours: 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. EST
Type of Coverage: A member of the ASBO staff will answer calls.
Description: The Asbestos and Small Business Ombudsman (ASBO) operates a toll-free hotline for the convenience of small businesses, trade associations, and the general public, seeking free, confidential help as it relates to asbestos and a variety of environmental regulatory topics. - Stratospheric Ozone Hotline
Phone: 800-296-1996 or 202-343-9210 (in DC area)
E-mail: ODS-tips@epa.gov (Reporting a violation); spdcomment@epa.gov (Technical or policy-related questions)
Description: Ways to Contact EPA's Stratospheric Protection Division - Superfund Dockets
Phone: 202-566-0276
Fax: 202-566-9744
E-mail: superfund.docket@epa.gov
Hours: The EPA Docket Center is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.
Location: The EPA Docket Center is located at: WJC West Building, Room 3334 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20004
Description: Provides documents involved in the different stages of OSWER rulemakings.
Additional Notes: Please make an appointment so that the material you wish to view is ready when you arrive. - Superfund Information Center
Phone: 800-424-9346 (select option #5 from menu) - Toll Free; 703-412-9810 in the Washington, DC Area / International
Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST, Monday – Friday, Closed Federal Holidays
Type of Coverage: Staffed by live Information Specialists. Assistance is also available through the Superfund Frequently Asked Question Database, which provides answers to frequently asked questions and an option to submit questions electronically to the Information Center.
Description: A publicly accessible service that provides up-to-date information on the regulatory requirements of the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund) including the Superfund response process under the National Contingency Plan, the National Priorities List, and release notification. The Information Center does not provide regulatory interpretations. It does, however, maintain up-to-date information on the availability and distribution of publications and other resources pertaining to its program areas.
Additional Notes: This hotline is shared and managed by the following EPA Programs: the Toxics Release Inventory, EPCRA, Risk Management Plans, Superfund, and Oil Spill Prevention. - Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Information Center
Phone: 800-424-9346 (select option #3 from menu) - Toll Free; 703-412-9810 in the Washington, DC Area / International
Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST, Monday – Friday, Closed Federal Holidays
Type of Coverage: Staffed by live Information Specialists. Assistance is also available through the TRI Frequently Asked Question Database, which provides answers to frequently asked questions and an option to submit questions electronically to the Information Center.
Description: A publicly accessible service that provides up-to-date information on the regulatory requirements of the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Program, assists regulated facilities with Form A and Form R completion, and helps users locate, understand and use data found in the various online TRI data tools. The Information Center does not provide regulatory interpretations. It does, however, maintain up-to-date information on the availability and distribution of publications and other resources pertaining to its program areas.
Additional Notes: This hotline is shared and managed by the following EPA Programs: The Toxics Release Inventory, EPCRA, Risk Management Plans, Superfund, and Oil Spill Prevention. - Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Imports and Exports Hotline
Phone: 202-554-1404
Fax: 202-554-5603
E-mail: tsca-hotline@epa.gov
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday – Friday
Description: TSCA Import & Export Requirements Hotline provides general information on requirements under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for persons who import and/or export chemical substances into and out of the United States. Various legal requirements under TSCA and associated implementing regulations can apply to a wide range of chemical substances and can impact importers and exporters. - Vehicles and Engines Imports Hotline
Phone: 734-214-4100
Fax: 734-214-IMPO (4676)
Type of Coverage: Staffed by the Imports Team
Description: EPA's Importing Vehicles and Engines and the Imports Helpline welcomes your comments and inquires. We strive to respond to every comment with an answer or an appropriate referral as quickly as possible. Most comments will be responded to within two business days.
Region-specific Customer Service Lines
- EPA Region 1 (New England) Customer Service Line
Phone: toll-free line - 888-372-7341; Outside New England call 617-918-1111 – answered by Region 1 public affairs office staff
Website with Contact Us Form: www.epa.gov/region1/contact/index.html
Type of Coverage: Staffed between the hours of 8am-5pm (EST), Mon-Fri (except federal holidays). After-hours voice mailbox is checked daily, Mon – Fri.
Description: Serving Region 1 (CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT). - EPA Region 2 Customer Service Line
Phone: toll-free line - 877-251-4575 – answered by Region 2 public affairs office staff
Additional Region 2 Hotline Numbers
Website with Contact Us Form: www.epa.gov/region2/contactr2.htm
Type of Coverage: Staffed between the hours of 7am-5pm (EST), Mon-Fri (except federal holidays). After-hours voice mailbox is checked daily, Mon – Fri.
Description: Serving Region 2 (NJ, NY, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands).- Enforcement/Compliance Citizen Complaint Hotline (serving NJ, NY, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands)
212-637-4040 – answered by administrative staff in Region 2's Division of Enforcement and Compliance Assistance 8-5; after hours voicemail - Region 2 Public Liaison – formerly known as Superfund Ombudsman (serving NJ, NY, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands)
888-283-7626 – answered by Region 2's liaison in Superfund 7:30 am – 6:00 pm; after hours voicemail
- Enforcement/Compliance Citizen Complaint Hotline (serving NJ, NY, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands)
- EPA Region 3 (Mid-Atlantic) Customer Service Line
Phone: toll-free line - 800-438-2474; Outside Mid-Atlantic Region call 215-814-5000
Website with Contact Us Form: www.epa.gov/region3/comments.htm
Description: Serving Region 3 (DE, DC, MD, PA, VA, and WV). - EPA Region 4 (Southeast) Customer Service Line
Phone: toll-free line - 800-241-1754; Outside Region 4 call 404-562-9900
Fax: 404-562-8335
Email: lovett.queen@epa.gov
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST, Monday – Friday, Closed Federal Holidays, no after-hours response
Website with Contact Us Form: www.epa.gov/region4/home/contact.html
Description: Serving Region 4 (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, and TN). - EPA Region 5 Customer Service Line
Phone: toll-free line - 800-621-8431; Outside Region 5 call 312-353-2000
Website with Contact Us Form: www2.epa.gov/aboutepa/forms/contact-epa-region-5
Type of Coverage: Staffed between the hours of 8:30am-4:30pm (CT), Mon-Fri (except federal holidays).
Description: Serving Region 5 (IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, and WI). - EPA Region 6 (South Central) Customer Service Line
Phone: toll-free line - 800-887-6063; Outside Region 6 call 214-665-6444
Description: Serving Region 6 (AR, LA, NM, OK, and TX). - EPA Region 7 (Midwest Region) Customer Service Line
Phone: toll-free line - 800-223-0425; Outside EPA Region 7 call 913-551-7003
Website with Contact Us Form: www.epa.gov/region7/contact.htm
Description: Serving Region 7 (IA, KS, MO, and NE). - EPA Region 8 (Mountains and Plains) Customer Service Line
Phone: 303-312-6312 or toll-free line 800-227-8917; Spanish-speaking residents press 5.
Fax: 303-312-7910
Website with Contact Us Form: www2.epa.gov/region8/contact-region-8
Email: r8eisc@epa.gov
Type of Coverage: Staffed between the hours of 9am and 4pm (MST), Mon-Fri (except federal holidays). After-hours voice mailbox is checked daily, Mon – Fri.
Description: Serving Region 8 (CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, and WY). Receive comments, tips, complaints and questions on any environmental topic from the general public; local, state and national organizations, businesses, special interests; local, state and federal agencies, and EPA employees. - EPA Region 9 (Pacific Southwest) Customer Service Line
Phone: toll-free line - 866-372-9378; Outside EPA Region 9 call 415-947-8000.
Website with Contact Us Form: www2.epa.gov/region-9-documents/forms/epas-region-9-contact-us
Type of Coverage: Staffed between the hours of 9:30am-5pm (PST), Mon-Fri (except federal holidays).
Description: Serving Region 9 (AZ, CA, HI, NV, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Marshall Islands, and Republic of Palau). - EPA Region 10 (Pacific Northwest) Customer Service Line
Phone: toll-free line - 800-424-4372; Outside EPA Region 10 call 206-553-1200
Website with Contact Us Form: yosemite.epa.gov/r10/homepage.nsf/webpage/Contact+Us?opendocument
Type of Coverage: Staffed between the hours of 8:30am-4:30pm (PST), Mon-Fri (except federal holidays).
Description: Serving Region 10 (AK, ID, OR, and WA).