COUNTYWIDE : 3 County Hot Lines Available to Public

County health officials have announced that three 24-hour hot lines are available to the public to report illegal hazardous waste dumping as well as obtain information on beach closures and chemical discharges.

One line was created for each of three problems: a solid-waste hot line for reporting the illegal disposal of toxic waste, a recreational water line for recorded information on beaches closed because of spills, and a Proposition 65 hot line for reporting chemical discharges that pose a health danger.

By dialing the solid-waste number, a caller can anonymously leave a message providing information about businesses that illegally dump hazardous waste. The number is (714) 667-3710.

Once a report is made, the county’s hazardous materials team will inspect the business to ensure that it is complying with environmental laws, and if violations are found, prosecution is likely.

Robert E. Merryman, county director of environmental health, said the goal is to help protect the county’s landfills from hazardous materials, which can leak into ground water.

The recreational water line, (714) 667-3752, provides recorded, up-to-date information on the status of beach closures.

The message also provides phone numbers for reporting sewage and waste spills or illnesses linked to swimming in the ocean or other waters in Orange County.

By calling the Proposition 65 line, (714) 667-3765, government employees can report instances of illegal discharge of hazardous waste that pose a risk to public health.

The public can also receive information on the state law, which requires industries and governments to warn people exposed to cancer-causing chemicals.

Merryman urges anyone witnessing the dumping of hazardous waste to call 911 for immediate emergency assistance.

For information on where to dispose of household chemicals, call (714) 744-0516.

Environmental Hot Lines

Here are four numbers the Orange County health department has established to report hazardous waste violations and to educate the public. Number: Purpose (714)667-3710: To report businesses suspected of illegally dumping toxic waste. Anonymity of caller is protected. (714)667-3752: Provides up-to-date recorded information on beach closures. (714)667-3765: Provides information on Prop. 65 laws. Government employees can report chemical discharges that pose health risks. (714)744-0516: Provides locations for disposing hazardous household chemicals. Source: Orange County Environmental Health Agency