Spills

Spills occur from time to time during the transporting, storing, and handling of materials.  A spill is best described as an abnormal release of any substance, hazardous or non-hazardous, into the natural environment. 

What does that mean?

• A spill is any substance that wouldn't occur naturally in the place it is found, regardless of it's toxicity or hazard concentration.
• Typically, spills involve oils, fuel, grease, paint, wastewater, solvents, pesticides etc.
• Sometimes construction debris, dust, smoke, gasses/vapours, sewage, soils etc. are considered spills.
• Recently, Kingston has seen new construction techniques that have caused the release of Styrofoam particles onto neighbouring properties. When significant, this is a reportable spill. 

Spills that involve materials such as fuels (oil, diesel, or gasoline), paint, or other chemicals can be particularly harmful to the environment and residents.

Materials can enter the natural environment:

• into local water bodies via storm sewers and ditches;
• directly to the earth or water bodies;
• into buildings and water treatment facilities via sewer laterals, mains and foundation drains; and,
• into the air via exhausts, ventilation systems, and chimneys.

A minor spill that occurs on private property on an asphalt, concrete or other impervious surface where it can be contained and cleaned up without leaving the property, may be considered a "housekeeping" spill, and usually does not need to be reported. 

Who to Contact

If you suspect there has been a spill to the natural environment or your property, contact the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks  Spills Action Center at 1-800-268-6060. 

Find more information on the Ontario website for reporting various forms of pollution, illegal dumping, and spills.

Illegal Dumping

Illegal dumping that occurs within the City of Kingston has the potential to harm the environment and incurs unnecessary expenses to the City.  It is an offense under City bylaws to dump waste materials such as garbage or construction and demolition debris on City properties, roadways, and right-of-ways. In addition, city bylaws prohibit the disposal of wastes into storm sewer catch basins and ditches. The City takes these illegal actions very seriously and will prosecute offenders whenever possible. 

Who to Contact

If you see someone dumping waste materials into storm sewers, onto City roadways or right-of-ways, please report it immediately. Please contact us by emailing contactus@cityofkingston.ca or calling 613-546-0000.  After hours, you may contact the Spills Action Center at 1-800-268-6060.