Cleaning Up a Spill or Substance Release

Our Contractor Environmental Responsibilities Package (CERP) outlines requirements to manage spills and releases as well as discovered contamination during excavation.  Responding and reporting as soon as possible is important to reduce the impact to humans and the environment.

Spill and substance releases

Contractors are required to report spills or releases to regulators, their project designate and 3-1-1.  Familiarize yourself with the contractor responsibilities for release reporting to understand how and when to report.

Contractors are also responsible for taking corrective action and properly disposing cleanup materials in accordance with legislated requirements.

Examples of hazardous materials that may cause adverse effects when released into the environment include:

  • Gasoline/Diesel
  • Paint
  • Propane
  • Antifreeze/glycol
  • Solvents
  • Oil containing PCBs
  • Lubricating oil
  • Chemicals
  • Acids or caustics
  • Hydraulic fluid
  • Sewage
  • Fertilizers
  • Petroleum products and synthetic oils
  • Erosion and sedimentation materials
  • Excessive smoke, fumes, odors
  • Freon/CFCs
  • Ammonia
  • Chlorine/chlorinated water
  • Industrial wastes
  • Hot asphalt
  • Pesticides and herbicides

Please note: This list is not all-inclusive, and other substances may cause an adverse effect on the environment.

Contamination discovery

If contamination is discovered during excavation, City contractors must report the discovery to the Fire Department (911 for emergencies or 403-264-1022 for non-emergencies) and their project designate as soon as possible. Signs of possible contamination may include:

  • Rusted barrels and containers.
  • Stained or discolored earth in contrast with adjoining soil.
  • Fill material containing debris.
  • Household trash covered by earth or industrial waste debris.
  • Non-earthy odors which emanate when the earth is disturbed.
  • Oily residue intermixed with earth.
  • Sheen on groundwater.
  • Structures such as asbestos cement pipe, abandoned pipes and underground storage tanks.
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