Comprehensive List of Government and Free Private Hotlines
for Environmental, Safety, Hazardous Materials, Emergency Response and Transportation Questions

EPA Model Clearinghouse
919-541-5693, 919-541-0044 (fax)
Established at the request of the EPA Regional Offices, the EPA Model Clearinghouse reviews dispersion modeling techniques for criteria pollutants in specific regulatory situations. This is a service to the EPA Regional Offices only.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Information Center
1-877-EERE-INF (1-877-337-3463)
The EERE Information Center answers questions on EERE's products, services, and 11 technology programs, refers callers to the most appropriate EERE resources, and refers qualified callers to the appropriate expert networks.

Ground Water and Ecosystem Restoration Information Center (GWERIC)
580-436-8502, 580-436-8503 (fax)
email: gwerd_pub@epa.gov
GWERIC, developed by and through the Ground Water and Ecosystems Restoration Research Division, maintains a repository of highly specialized scientific and technical information relating to ground-water and ecosystem restoration. This information includes fact sheets, project summaries, environmental research briefs, reports, models and user's guides, issue papers, journal articles, symposium papers, conference proceedings, book chapters, presentations, posters, and other documents, and is easily searched using the GWERIC Search Form.

Hazardous Waste: RCRA / UST, Superfund and EPCRA Hotline
Telephone: (800) 424-9346 or (703) 412-9810. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)/Underground Storage Tanks (UST), Superfund and EPCRA hotline answers factual questions about EPA regulations and programs under RCRA, Superfund, and EPCRA, and responds to requests for relevant documents. Specifically, the hotline responds to inquiries about waste minimization programs required under RCRA, source reduction and hazardous waste combustion, Section 6607 of the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, which expanded data collection under EPCRA 313, and other components of the waste management regulatory .programs

Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse (IAQINFO)
1-800-438-4318
email: iaqinfo@aol.com
The IAQ INFO provides access to public information on indoor environments through a range of services including: an operator-assisted hotline; distribution of relevant EPA publications at no charge; literature searches on a topic for further reference; referrals to appropriate government agencies, research, public interest, and industry representatives; and information about training courses and materials.

Inspector General Hotline
1-888-546-8740, 202-566-2476 (Washington, DC Area Local), 202-566-2549 (fax)
email: Mail Form
The Inspector General Hotline was established to receive and control complaints alleging fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement within the Environmental Protection Agency.

Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) Hotline
202-566-1676, 202-566-1749 (fax)
email: Hotline.IRIS@epa.gov
IRIS is a database of human health effects that may result from exposure to various substances found in the environment. The hotline can assist you in using IRIS and understanding the methods used by the EPA for deriving values and the limitations of use.

International Innovation Gateway - This Web site is a gateway to information and resources on innovative environmental projects and programs from around the world.

Land Use Controls (LUCs) [also known as Institutional Controls (ICs)]
e-mail: lucs@icma.org
Established by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) through cooperative agreements with EPA, this site provides a clearinghouse of information on land-use controls (LUCs). LUCs are legal covenants that restrict land use to protect public health and the environment. They are often used in combination with physical or engineering measures. LUCs ensure that future land uses and on-site activities do not violate physical barriers, impair the effectiveness of the remedy, or otherwise expose people and the environment to contamination in a manner that poses an unacceptable risk.

Local Government Reimbursement Program Helpline
1-800-431-9209
email: lgr.epa@epa.gov
In 1987, Congress established the Local Government Reimbursement program under Superfund. The purpose of this program is to help defray expenses incurred by local municipalities in responding to hazardous substance threats such as chemical fires and explosions, tire fires, or fires at landfills. The reimbursement limit is $25,000 per response. The Agency employed its major contractor to help inform local governments about the program.

Methods Information Communication Exchange Service (MICE)
703-676-4690, 703-318-4682 (fax)
email: mice@cpmx.saic.com
The Methods Information Communication Exchange (MICE) Service provides answers to questions and takes comments over the telephone on technical issues regarding the EPA Office of Solid Waste's methods manual known as "Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste: Physical/ Chemical Methods" or SW-846. Questions regarding the status of the methods, organic analyses, inorganic analyses, characteristics tests, and quality control issues are answered by chemists, groundwater monitoring specialists, and sampling experts who are experienced and knowledgeable in SW-846 procedures.

Mexico Border Hotline
1-800-334-0741 (English/Spanish)
email: border.team@epa.gov
This hotline answers questions concerning the the U.S.-Mexico Border XXI Program. This binational effort is working to ensure sustainable development through protection of human health and the environment and proper management of natural resources in both countries.

National Compliance Assistance Clearinghouse
202-564-0697
email: Mail Form
The National Compliance Assistance Clearinghouse is your guide to compliance information on the Internet. It provides quick access to compliance tools, contacts, and planned activities from across EPA as well as other compliance assistance providers.

National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP, formerly NCEPI)
1-800-490-9198, 301-604-3408 (fax)
email: nscep@bps-lmit.com
The National Service Center for Environmental Publications maintains and distributes EPA publications in hardcopy, CD ROM and other multimedia formats. The publication inventory includes over 7,000 titles, NSCEP also develops and distributes the annual EPA National Publications Catalog.

National Hispanic Indoor Air Quality Hotline
1-866-528-3187 (Spanish/English)
email: Mail Form
The National Hispanic Indoor Air Quality Hotline provides bilingual (Spanish/English) information about indoor air pollutants that consumers may find inside their homes, offices or schools.

National Lead Information Center Hotline
1-800-424-LEAD, (1-800-424-5323)
email: epa-hotline@abvi-goodwill.com
The Environmental Health Center (EHC) of the National Safety Council manages the National Lead Information Center (NLIC) under a cooperative agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency. The Hotline distributes a basic information packet on lead that includes the EPA brochure "Lead Poisoning and Your Children," three fact sheets, and a list of state and local contacts for additional information.

National Pesticide Information Center
1-800-858-7378, 541-737-0761 (fax)
email: npic@ace.orst.edu
A cooperative effort of Oregon State University and the EPA, this hotline offers science-based information about a wide variety of pesticide-related subjects and serves as a source of factual chemical, health, and environmental information about more than 600 pesticide active ingredients incorporated into over 50,000 different products registered for use in the United States since 1947.

National Poison Control Hotline
1-800-222-1222 (emergency only), 202-362-3867 (for administrative and materials requests), 202-362-8563 (TDD)
The National Poison Control Hotline was established to respond to emergency calls from concerned citizens about poison prevention. Housed in The National Capital Poison Center in Washington, DC, this hotline is manned 24 hours a day/7 days a week by registered nurses or pharmacists with backgrounds in critical care. All specialists have passed a national certification exam in toxicology. The Poison Center staff has access to a 24 hour interpreter service, with over 140 languages available, so callers who do not speak English are able to receive immediate help for emergency calls.

National Radon Hotline
1-800-SOS-RADON, (1-800-767-7236), 1-800-55-RADON (helpline), 1-866-528-3187 (Spanish/English), 202-293-2270 (EHC), 202-293-0032 (fax)
email: airqual@nsc.org
Run by the National Health Center of the National Safety Council, this hotline provides answers to questions regarding radon. Their Web site also offers fact sheets, educational materials, and activity reports.

National Response Center Hotline
1-800-424-8802, 202-267-2675 (Washington, DC Area Local)
email: Mail Forms or lst-nrcinfo@comdt.uscg.mil
The National Response Center is the federal government's national communications center, which is staffed 24 hours a day by U.S. Coast Guard officers and marine science technicians. The NRC receives all reports of releases involving hazardous substances and oil that trigger the federal notification requirements under several laws. Reports to the NRC activate the National Contingency Plan and the federal government's response capabilities. This hotline provides information and answers questions regarding Facility Response Plan rulemaking, SPCC plans, Oil Pollution Act of 1990, NCP Product Schedule, emergency response notification system (ERNS), and additional questions related to EPA's oil spill program.

National Small Flows Clearinghouse Hotline
1-800-624-8301, 304-293-4191 (West Virginia Local)
Managed by West Virginia University, the National Small Flows Clearinghouse provides information and technical assistance to help small communities and homeowners reach practical, affordable solutions to their waste water treatment problems. Hours: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. EST Monday-Friday.

National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) Clearinghouse for GIS Data
email: nsdi@epa.gov
A component of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure, this service provides information about geospatial data available from the EPA. Geospatial data is used in Geographic Information System (GIS) to identify the geographic location and characteristics of natural or man-made features and boundaries on the earth.

Office of Water Resource Center (OWRC)
202-566-1729, 202-566-1736 (fax), 1-800-832-7828 (Wetlands Helpline)
email: center.water-resource@epa.gov
OWRC is a contractor-operated facility providing document delivery, information/ referral, and reference services to public users and EPA staff interested in Office of Water Program information. The Center catalogs and distributes documents published by three of the Office of Water's Program Offices: Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water, Office of Science and Technology and Office of Wastewater Management.

Ozone Protection Hotline
1-800-296-1996, (202) 343-9210 (Washington, DC Area Local)
The Stratospheric Ozone Information Hotline offers consultation on ozone protection regulations and requirements under Title VI of the Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) of 1990. Title VI covers the following key aspects of the production, use, and safe disposal of ozone-depleting chemicals: 1) production phaseout and controls; 2) servicing of motor vehicle air conditioners; 3) recycling and emission reduction; 4) technician and equipment certification; 5) approval of alternatives; 6) a ban of nonessential uses; 7) product labeling; and 8) federal procurement. The hotline also sends out publications: Title VI of CAAA and all published rules, Federal Register notices, science and policy reports, and fact sheets.

Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) Helpline
1-888-EPA-PAYT, (1-888-372-7298)
email: canterbury.janice@epa.gov or Publications Order Form
In communities with pay-as-you-throw programs (also known as unit pricing or variable-rate pricing), residents are charged for the collection of municipal solid waste-ordinary household trash-based on the amount the throw away. This creates a direct economic incentive to recycle more and to generate less waste. EPA supports this new approach to solid waste management because it encompasses environmental sustainability, economic sustainability, and equity. The hotline provides information and tools to support this ongoing effort.

Pollution Prevention Information Clearinghouse (PPIC)
202-566-0799, 202-564-8899 (fax)
email: ppic@epa.gov
The Pollution Prevention Information Clearinghouse (PPIC) is a free, nonregulatory service of the U.S EPA. PPIC is dedicated to reducing or eliminating industrial pollutants through technology transfer, education, and public awareness. A Reference and Referral Telephone Service is available to answer questions, take orders for documents distributed by PPIC, or refer callers to appropriate contacts.

RCRA / UST, Superfund and EPCRA Hotline
Telephone: (800) 424-9346 or (703) 412-9810. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)/Underground Storage Tanks (UST), Superfund and EPCRA hotline answers factual questions about EPA regulations and programs under RCRA, Superfund, and EPCRA, and responds to requests for relevant documents. Specifically, the hotline responds to inquiries about waste minimization programs required under RCRA, source reduction and hazardous waste combustion, Section 6607 of the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, which expanded data collection under EPCRA 313, and other components of the waste management regulatory .programs

Reasonably Available Control Technology/ Best Available Control Technology/ Lowest Achievable Emission Rate Clearinghouse (RBLC)
919-541-0800, 919-541-0242 (fax)
The RBLC provides information on the application of pollution prevention and control technologies to stationary air pollution sources through the OAQPS Technology Transfer Network (TTN) Bulletin Board System (BBS). The RBLC offers an on-line database with menu based searching, downloading of user-selected information, complete data viewing capabilities, context sensitive help functions, and data entry capabilities. It also offers a brochure, an informational flyer, the RBLC User's Manual (EPA- 456/B-98-002), and annual reports documenting additions and changes to the system (1999 edition: EPA456/R-99-004).

Safe Drinking Water Hotline
1-800-426-4791, 703-412-3333 (fax)
email:Mail Form Hours: 9:00 a.m -5:00 p.m. EST Monday-Friday
This hotline provides information about EPA's drinking water regulations and other related drinking water and ground water topics. Technicians are available to provide details on legislation and regulations or provide important contacts for water resources and information on drinking and groundwater.  Specifically, the Hotline clarifies drinking water regulations, provides appropriate 40 CFR and Federal Register citations, explains EPA-provided policies and guidelines and gives update information on the status of regulations. The Hotline can also provide State and local contacts.

Small Business Ombudsman Hotline
1-800-368-5888, 202-566-2075 (Washington, DC Area Local), 202-566-1505 (fax)
email: suber.angela@epa.gov
The mission of the EPA Small Business Ombudsman Clearinghouse/Hotline is to provide information to private citizens, small communities, small business enterprises, and trade associations representing the small business sector regarding regulatory activities. Mailings are made to update the audience on recent regulatory actions. Special attention is directed to apprising the trade associations representing small business interests with current regulatory developments. Technical questions are answered following appropriate contacts with program office staff members. Questions addressed cover all media program aspects within EPA.

Storet Water Quality System Hotline
1-800-424-9067
email: STORET@epa.gov
The EPA maintains two data management systems containing water quality information: the Legacy Data Center (LDC)and STORET. STORET contains data collected beginning in 1999, along with older data that has been properly documents and migrated from the LDC. Both systems contain raw biological, chemical and physical data on surface and ground water collected by federal, state and local agencies, Indian Tribes, volunteer groups, academics, and other. All 50 States, territories, and jurisdictions of the US, along with portions of Canada and Mexico are represented in these systems.

Storm Water Hotline
Telephone: (800) 245-6510. Hours: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. EST Monday-Friday
The Region 6 Multi-Sector General Permit Hotline serves as a clearinghouse for information concerning U.S. EPA Storm Water General Permits. Information specialists are available to answer technical questions concerning permit eligibility, specific permit requirements, and more. In addition, callers may order many storm water-related documents and guidance manuals.

Stratospheric Ozone Information Hotline
Telephone: (800) 296-1996
Fax: (202) 775-6681
Hours: 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. EST Monday-Friday
The Stratospheric Ozone Information Hotline provides in-depth information on ozone protection regulations and requirements under Title VI of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. Information on the transition to non-ozone-depleting chemicals in various use sectors, as well as retrofitting equipment and refrigerant management is also available. In addition, the hotline serves as a distribution center and point of referral for an array of information pertaining to other general aspects of stratospheric ozone depletion and its protection. The Hotline maintains a library of relevant policy and science documents, reports, articles, and contact lists.

Superfund Document Center
202-566-0276, 202-566-0224 (fax)
email: superfund.docket@epa.gov
The Superfund Docket maintains the rulemaking materials from the Superfund and Oil Spill Programs for the Office of Emergency and Remedial Response (OERR) within the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER). The Docket fulfills the requirement for public participation under CERCLA by serving as the EPA public access point for Superfund rulemaking material, which is contained in individual "dockets."

Superfund and EPCRA Call Center
Note: The RCRA, Superfund and EPCRA Call Center will no longer provide support for the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Underground Storage Tanks (UST), and Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUST) programs at the close of business on March 31, 2005. For more information, see the Federal Register Notice - March 4, 2005 [PDF File, 2 pages, 63 KB, About PDF]. It will still respond to Superfund and EPCRA questions. 1-800-424-9346, 703-412-9810 (Washington, DC Area Local), 1-800-553-7672 (TDD) , 703-412-3323 (Washington, DC Area Local TDD) For RCRA information, please try the RCRA FAQs Database. This database enables users to search frequently asked questions or submit their own question or comment on a variety of RCRA issues and topics.

Tools for Schools (IAQ) Technical Assistance Hotline
1-866-837-3721
email: tfs_help@epa.gov
A Technical assistance information hotline for users of the IAQ Tools for Schools Kit, the Tools for Schools Technical Assistance Hotline provides information and answers questions on topics including mechanical systems, ventilation, pollutant sources, and application of the Kit. The hotline can be accessed weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm central time through a toll-free telephone number, 1-866-837-3721.

Toxic Release Inventory - User Support Service
202-566-0250
email: tri.us@epa.gov
TRI-US offers specialized assistance to individuals seeking Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data collected by EPA under Section 313 of EPCRA (Emergency Planning and Community Right To Know Act). It provides comprehensive search assistance for the TRI on-line and CD-ROM databases. In addition to access, user support and search assistance, TRI-US conducts training and demonstrations for both the TRI CD-ROM and the National Library of Medicine/ TOXNET databases.

Toxic Release Inventory - Community Right To Know - EPCRA Hotline
1-800-424-9346, 703-412-9810 (Washington, DC Area Local), 1-800-553-7672 (TDD) , 703-412-3323 (Washington, DC Area Local TDD)
email: tri.us@epa.gov
The Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) is a source of information concerning waste management activities and toxic chemicals that are being used, manufactured, treated, transported, or released into the environment. Two statutes, Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA) and section 6607 of the Pollution Prevention Act (PPA), mandate that a publicly accessible toxic chemical database be developed and maintained by US EPA.

Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Hotline
202-554-1404, 202-554-5603 (fax)
email: tsca-hotline@epa.gov
The TAIS provides technical assistance and information about programs implemented under TSCA, the Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Act (ASHAA), the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), the Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Reauthorization Act (ASHARA), the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (Title X of TSCA), and EPA's 33/50 program. The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) assistance information service provides technical assistance and general information about programs implemented under TSCA. The service also provides copies of TSCA information and regulations through its clearinghouse function.

Used Filter Hotline
Telephone: (800) 99-FILTER (993-4583)
Hours: 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. EST
This hotline, sponsored by the Filter Manufacturers Council, provides commercial generators of used oil filters with a summary of the state's filter management regulations, referrals to companies that provide filter management services, referrals to state agencies, and a brochure entitled AHow to Choose a Filter Management Service.

Water Efficiency Clearinghouse - WaterWiser
1-800-926-7337, 303-347-0804 (fax)
email: bewiser@watewiser.org
Operated by the American Water Works Association and the US Bureau of Reclamation, the WaterWiser program offers information on water conservation.

WasteWise Helpline
1-800-EPA-WISE, (1-800-372-9473), 703-308-8686 (fax)
email: OSWWasteWise@epa.gov
WasteWise is a free, voluntary, EPA program through which organizations eliminate costly municipal solid waste, benefiting their bottom line and the environment. WasteWise provides free technical assistance to help you develop, implement, and measure your waste reduction activities. WasteWise offers publicity to organizations that are successful in reducing waste through EPA publications, case studies, and national and regional events.

Wetlands Information Hotline
1-800-832-7828, 202-566-1730 (Washington, DC Area Local), 202-566-1736 (fax)
email: wetlands.helpline@epa.gov. Hours: 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. EST Monday-Friday
The EPA Wetlands Helpline is a contactor operated, toll-free telephone service and e-mail correspondent, which answers requests for information about wetlands regulation, legislation and policy pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, wetlands values and functions, and wetlands agricultural issues.