Hazardous Substances Control Program

Pursuant to the County Environmental Health Act (CEHA), the Environmental Health Unit (EHU) responds to and investigates releases of hazardous substances. This includes discharges from underground storage tanks, motor vehicle accidents and fires / accidents at facilities that store hazardous materials. Trained staff provide initial assessment of discharges through the eventual clean up or mitigation of the incident. Efforts are also coordinated with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection – Bureau of Emergency Response.

In Atlantic County, the Office of Emergency Preparedness (ACOEP) is the lead County agency that responds to hazardous materials (HAZMAT) emergencies. ACOEP also coordinates the Atlantic County Regional Hazardous Materials Team. The Environmental Health Unit has four members on the Regional Team.

New Jersey law requires responsible parties to report discharges of hazardous materials immediately to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection hotline at 1-877-WARNDEP (1-877-927-6337).

The Atlantic County Utilities Authority provides household hazardous waste collection days during the year. Click on this link to the Atlantic County Utilities Authority for more information.

Legal References: N.J.S.A. 58:10-23.11f – New Jersey Spill Compensation & Control Act

Helpful Links:

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection - Bureau of Emergency Response