EPA Hotlines

Acid Rain Hotline
202-564-9620, 202-564-9620 (fax), (then press 3)
email: Mail Form
The Acid Rain Hotline records questions and document requests covering all areas of the Acid Rain Program. The Hotline assists callers who have specific technical or policy questions by forwarding those inquiries to experienced EPA Acid Rain Division personnel, who review them and respond to the caller, typically within 24 hours. Utilities may find the Hotline especially useful for obtaining information that may help them comply with the acid rain regulations. Order Process: Dial the main hotline phone number. Listen to categories. Leave technical questions in the mail box; request documents from a menu, if desired. All documents are free and will be mailed promptly.

Aerometric Information Retrieval System (AIRS) - Airs Quality Subsystem (AQS) - Hotline
1-800-334-2405
AIRS is an information management system which is the national repository for data about airborne pollution in the United States, and to a limited extent, in various other countries. As with many systems, the completeness of the data in this data base depends on what data has been submitted. AIRS comprises three major subsystems. This hotline is dedicated to AQS and GCS systems:
AQS - Air Quality Subsystem- measurements of ambient concentrations of air pollutants and associated meteorological and monitoring site data.
GCS - Geo-Common Subsystem- reference information that is used with all of the AIRS subsystems. Reference information includes codes and code descriptions to identify places, pollutants, processes, geo-political entities, etc. The EPA compiles and maintains this information.

Aerometric Information Retrieval System (AIRS) - AIRS Facility Subsystem (AFS) - Helpline
1-800-367-1044
AIRS is an information management system which is the national repository for data about airborne pollution in the United States, and to a limited extent, in various other countries. As with many systems, the completeness of the data in this data base depends on what data has been submitted. AIRS comprises three major subsystems. This hotline is dedicated to the AFS subsystem. AFS - The AIRS Facility Subsystem contains estimates of aerometric emissions, regulatory compliance data, and permit tracking data on point sources in the U. S.

Air Risk Information Center Hotline (Air RISC)
919-541-0888, 919-541-1818 (fax)
The Air RISC provides technical assistance and information in areas of health, risk, and exposure assessment for toxic and criteria air pollutants. Services include: the hotline for direct access to EPA experts; detailed technical assistance for more in-depth evaluations or information; and general technical guidance in the form of documents, reports and training materials related to health, risk and exposure assessment.

Antimicrobial Information Hotline
1-703-308-0127, 703-308-6467(fax)
email: Info_Antimicrobial@epa.gov
The Antimicrobials Information Hotline provides direct answers to questions concerning current antimicrobial issues. Please call during normal business hours (Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or leave a message after hours. The information provided can cover issues relevant to any or all antimicrobial pesticides including health & safety issues, registration and reregistration issues, as well as information on pesticide laws, rules, and regulations relating to antimicrobials.

Asbestos Abatement/Management Ombudsman
1-800-368-5888, 202-566-2822 (Washington, DC Area Local), 202-566-0954 (fax)
The assigned mission of the Asbestos Ombudsman is to provide to the public sector, including individual citizens and community services, information on handling, abatement, and management of asbestos in schools, the work place, and the home. Interpretation of the asbestos in schools requirements is provided. Publications to explain recent legislation are also available. Services are provided to private citizens, state agencies, local agencies, local public and private school systems, abatement contractors, and consultants.

Center for Exposure Assessment Modeling (CEAM) Help Desk
706-355-8400
email: ceam@epa.gov
The Center for Exposure Assessment Modeling (CEAM) works to meet the scientific and technical exposure assessment needs of the EPA other state environmental and resource management agencies. CEAM provides proven predictive exposure assessment techniques for aquatic, terrestrial, and multimedia pathways for organic chemicals and metals and distributes environmental simulation model and database software for urban and rural nonpoint sources, conventional and toxic pollution of streams, lakes and estuaries, tidal hydrodynamics, geochemical equilibrium, and aquatic food chain bioaccumulation.

Clean Air Technology Center (CATC) Infoline formerly Control Technology Center
919-541-0800 (English), 919-541-1800 (Spanish), 919-541-0242 (fax)
email: catcmail@epa.gov
The CTC provides technical support and assistance to state and local agencies and others in evaluating air pollution problems and pollution prevention and control technology applications at stationary air pollution sources. Secifically, hotline assistance provides quick access and consultation with appropriate EPA staff on air pollution technology questions. It also provides information on EPA's RACT/BACT/ LAER Clearinghouse (RBLC), Federal Small Business Assistance Program (SBAP), and International Technical Information Center for Global Greenhouse Gases.

Clearinghouse for Inventories and Emission Factors (CHIEF) Help Desk
919-541-5285
email: info.chief@epa.gov
The Clearinghouse for Inventories and Emission Factors is a means of exchanging information regarding air pollutant emissions between state and local pollution control agencies, private citizens, universities, contractors, and foreign governments. It addresses criteria pollutants and toxic pollutants from both stationary and area sources. The Clearinghouse offers several electronic air emission estimation tools, including the Factor Information Retrieval (FIRE) database, TANKS database, and Air CHIEF CD-ROM.

Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA) hotline
1-800-424-9346, 703-412-9810 (Washington, DC Area Local), 1-800-553-7672 (TDD), 703-412-3323 (TDD)
email: Mail Form
This hotline provides information about the regulations and programs implemented for the following environmental statutes:
- Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
- Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA, or Superfund)
- Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)/Superfund Amendments Reauthorization Act (SARA) Title III This hotline also provides referrals for documents related to these programs. Translation is available for Spanish-speaking callers.

Endangered Species Hotline
1-800-447-3813
email: opp-web-comments@epa.gov or Mail Form
This hotline provides an introduction to the Endangered Species Protection Program (ESPP) and its goals to protect endangered species from harmful pesticides and to minimize the impact of the Program on pesticide users. It answers questions related to the ESPP and the Endangered Species Act.

Energy Star
1-888-STAR-YES, (1-888-782-7937), 202-775-6650 (Washington, DC Area Local)
email: energystar@optimuscorp.com
ENERGY STAR was a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products, in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. EPA partnered with the US Department of Energy in 1996 to promote the ENERGY STAR label, with each agency taking responsibility for particular product categories. ENERGY STAR has expanded to cover new homes, most of the buildings sector, residential heating and cooling equipment, major appliances, office equipment, lighting, consumer electronics, and more product areas. Call to receive helpful information regarding your household products.

Environmental Financing Information Network (EFIN)
202-564-4994
email: efin@epa.gov
The EFIN Center operates an infoline that provides callers with referrals, assistance with accessing and searching the EFIN database, and a point of contact for ordering documents.

Environmental Justice Hotline
1-800-962-6215
email: environmental-justice-epa@epa.gov
Established to receive calls from concerned citizens about justice issues in their communities, the purpose of the Hotline is to make information easily accessible to the public and to the media, and to assist in the resolution of environmental justice issues. The Hotline is answered by staff of OEJ. A procedure has been established to ensure thorough follow-up. A brochure describing the Hotline (in both English and Spanish) is available.

EPA Enforcement Economic Models Helpline
1-888-ECONSPT, (1-888-326-6778)
email: benabel@indecon.com
EPA Enforcement Economic Models helpline offered by OECA provides information and assistance with enforcement financial computer models that calculate an individual's, municipality's or corporation's financial ability to pay environmental penalties. This service is primarily targeted at local state, and federal agency employees. This service is staffed by a agency contractor.

EPA Grants and Fellowships Hotline (NCER Hotline)
1-800-490-9194
This hotline provides easy access to research funding opportunities--grants and fellowships as well as past and present research projects and programs.

EPA Imported Vehicles and Engines Public Help Line
202-564-9660 (Automated Voice)
The EPA Imported Vehicles and Engines Public Help Line is an automated telefax system which lets callers order documents about the importation of vehicles. Additional information can be found on the EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality's (OTAQ) [formerly the Office of Mobile Sources (OMS)] Web site at http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/imptop.htm and the U.S. Customs Service's Web site at http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/imp-exp2/informal/car.htm . The Importation Section of the EPA Vehicle Programs and Compliance Division, which can be reached at 202-564-9240 during business hours (Eastern Standard Time), may also be helpful.

Federal Facilities Docket Hotline
1-800-548-1016
The Federal Agency Hazardous Waste Compliance docket is a key component in identifying and resolving environmental problems at federal facilities that engage in hazardous waste activity or have the potential to release hazardous substances into the environment. The docket contains information submitted by federal agencies to EPA under Sections 3005, 3010, and 3016 of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and under Section 103 of CERCLA.

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), 202-401-1895 (fax)
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
301-345-2870
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.

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 Alternative Fuels Hotline
1-800-423-1363, 703-934-3069 (Washington, DC Area Local)
email: hotline@afdc.nrel.gov
Many alternative fuels are being used today in place of fossil fuels like oil. The U.S. Department of Energy classifies the following fuels as "alternatives" to gasoline: biodiesel, electric fuel, ethanol, hydrogen, methanol, natural gas, propane, p-series, and solar fuel. This hotline, offered by DOE, provides information on these fuels, as well as other related resources with more detailed information.

National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP, formerly NCEPI)
1-800-490-9198
email: ncepimal@one.net
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
1-800-SALUD-12, (1-800-725-8312) (Spanish/English)
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: nlic@optimuscorp.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), 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 website 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: 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.

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.

Ozone Protection Hotline
1-800-296-1996, 301-231-6377 (fax)
email: hotline@tidalwave.net
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
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, 202-566-0794 (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, Superfund and 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: Mail Form
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) was enacted in 1976 to address the issue of how to safely manage and dispose of the huge volumes of municipal and industrial waste generated nationwide. The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) also known as SARA Title III, was enacted in November 1986. This law provides an infrastructure at the state and local levels to plan for chemical emergencies. This hotline is dedicated to providing information and fielding requests to the appropriate office.

Safe Drinking Water Hotline
1-800-426-4791, 703-412-3333 (fax)
email:Mail Form or hotline-sdwa@epa.gov
The SDW Hotline provides information about EPA's drinking water regulations and other related drinking water and ground water topics to the regulated community, State and local officials, and the public. 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, 202-566-2822 (Washington, DC Area Local), 202- 566-0954 (fax)
email: tessier.larry@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.

Tools for Schools (IAQ) Technical Assistance Hotline
1-866-837-3721
e-mail: 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.

WasteWise Helpline
1-800-EPA-WISE, (1-800-372-9473), 703-308-8686 (fax)
email: ww@cais.net
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
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.