“STOP” (Sportsmen and Sportswomen to Oppose Pollution) is a public awareness program in which the Office of the Attorney General is asking everyone who uses and enjoys the great Kentucky outdoors to report suspected sources of pollution.
What are sources of pollution?
Illegally discarded chemical drums, bulk liquids, sewage, blackwater discharges, illegal garbage dumps and other hazardous waste improperly dumped.
What will happen if I see and report pollution?
Your report to the STOP hotline can include your contact information or remain anonymous. The Office of the Attorney General, Civil and Environmental Division, will investigate and determine the best course of action. Agents from the Department of Criminal Investigations (DCI) will investigate the matter or it may be referred to the appropriate regulatory agency such as the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, the Department of Fish and Wildlife or the United States Environmental Protection Agency — Criminal Investigations Division.
Environmental powers and duties
Per KRS 15.255, the Office of the Attorney General has the following powers and duties:
- To prevent or remedy damage to the environment caused by any person, group, association or agency, whether state or federal.
- To counsel state environmental agencies and commissions, including the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, the Department of Mines and Minerals, the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Public Service Commission.
- To exercise the common-law powers of the Attorney General to protect the environment.
- To bring public nuisance or other actions in Circuit Courts in the name of the Commonwealth upon complaint by private citizens when there may be a substantial impact on the environment of the Commonwealth.
What can I do?
- Report Pollution to the STOP hotline at 866-749-STOP (866-749-7867).
- Report spills or pollution that pose an immediate public safety threat or require a HAZMAT response to 911 or the local police or fire department.
- Do not approach, try to clean up or personally investigate potentially hazardous pollution sites.
- Do not assume someone else will report the problem. Make the call.