Reports from citizens are vital for effective enforcement of environmental laws. You can help by keeping an eye out for signs of pollution like oil spills, sewage discharges, and illegal dumping. If you encounter an incident, please report it to the appropriate authority.
Watershed Watch Hotline:
Do you have information about pollution or land use violations? Support the Watershed Watch! Call 1-877-CPT BILL (1-877-278-2455) toll-free, to report any incidents of pollution or questionable environmental activity within the Hackensack Watershed. This includes acts in upland neighborhoods and towns. The line is open 24 hours a day, and, if you prefer, you may call anonymously.
Pollution Emergencies:
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection: 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337)
New York Department of Environmental Conservation: 1-800-TIPP DEC (1-800-847-7332)
Oil and Chemical Spills:
National Response Center: 1-800-424-8802
Marine Pollution & Security:
To report incidents on the Hackensack River, south of Court St. bridge in Hackensack
New Jersey State Police Newark Bay Station: 1-973-578-8173
Poaching and Wildlife Violations:
To report crabbing in the Hackensack & Passaic Rivers
Operation Game Thief: 1-800-222-0456
Marine Mammal Stranding:
Marine Mammal Stranding Center: 1-609-266-0538
Sick or Injured Wild Birds:
New Jersey: The Raptor Trust: 1-908-647-2353
New York: NY DEC Region 3: 1-845-256-3098