Call 1-800-222-6514 to report an environmental emergency (available 24/7, toll-free in Alberta.)
Overview
Alberta’s government plans for and responds to environmental emergencies across the province.
Legislation sets out emergency responsibilities and authorities for government ministries. The Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas is responsible for addressing risks related to public safety, the environment and the economy as a result of environmental emergencies.
We work with municipalities, the Government of Canada, private industry and regulatory agencies to minimize risks to Albertans and the environment.
Emergency responses
Spills and pollution events
Alberta's government responds to hazardous material and harmful substance spills and pollution events that may impact the environment or human health. This includes:
- spills into waterbodies or on public lands
- landfill fires and industrial fires
- drinking water incidents
- train derailments and road spills
- dam failures
- poor air quality events
- aquatic invasive species
- incidents related to foreign animal disease
The Alberta Environment Support and Emergency Response Team provides support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to oversee all aspects of these incidents, including the initial emergency response, clean-up and containment and long-term monitoring and remediation.
The person responsible for spills and pollution events must cover all associated clean-up costs, but Alberta's government is able to take control of a situation if the person responsible cannot or will not act.
Weather-related events
Alberta's government also responds to weather-related events like floods, drought, fires and more.
During an emergency, we provide expertise on topics including, but not limited to:
- air and water quality
- river forecasting
- wildlife
- drinking water treatment
- waste management
- wastewater treatment and discharge
Guiding legislation
- Emergency Management Act
- Government Emergency Management Regulation
- Disaster Recovery Regulation
- Water Act
- Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act
- Fisheries (Alberta) Act
- Species at Risk Act
Resources
Contact
Environmental hotline
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Phone: 1-800-222-6514 (toll-free in Alberta)
Environment and Protected Areas’ outreach services
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Toll-free: 310-3773 (in Alberta)