If you think a violation is occurring, your first point of contact is New York State's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).  DEC maintains its own specialized force of environmental police officers, known as Environmental Conservation Officers (or ECOs).  ECOs focus specifically on enforcing New York's environmental laws, including those relating to environmental quality, hunting, fishing and trapping and protection of natural resources.

The DEC divides New York State into nine regions, each with ECOs that you can contact directly.  If you see signs of possible criminal activity, contact your local ECO immediately.  He or she will take it from there. Find your local ECO here.

If you can't get a hold of your ECO, you can also call the DEC Dispatch Center at 1-877-457-5680 or e-mail them at r5dsptch@gw.dec.state.ny.us

If you think you are witnessing an emergency or a situation that requires an immediate response, call the DEC's 24-hour anonymous TIPP ("Turn In Poachers and Polluters") HOTLINE: 1-800-TIPP DEC (847-7332). 

Citizens may also report potential violations to the DEC by completing this online complaint form: Report an Environmental Violation Online

While reporting to the DEC is easy and effective, there are several other places you can also contact to bring attention to environmental hazards, including your local District Attorney's office, the Office of the New York State Attorney General, and others. Contact information for these places can be found in Section 4: Additional Resources for Reporting.

Of course, if your or another person's health is at risk in an emergency situation, call your local police by dialing 911.