For complaints about Agricultural Pollution in Ohio please contact the Division of Soil and Water Conservation at 614-265-6610.

• Additional Information on Agricultural Pollution - Including Statutes and Rules​​

Please have the following information available:

• A description of the alleged violation (ex: manure pollution from a manure application, manure application during prohibited conditions, sediment pollution, pollution from an animal feeding operation, etc.)
• A description of the possible pollutant (ex: liquid manure, solid manure, sediment, etc.)
• The location. In rural areas a street address is not always available. Please identify the nearest intersection and directions (ex: about ¼ mile west of the intersection of State Route 1 and Township Road B on the south side of the road.) 
• The body of water being polluted, if applicable. Most of the agriculture pollution rules require pollution to waters of the state for a violation to occur. Waters of the state could be a stream, lake, pond, wetland, watercourse, waterway, well, spring, irrigation system, drainage system or other bodies or accumulations of water, surface and underground. Please be prepared to identify what water is being polluted (ex: the Scioto River, the ditch along the south side of Township Road B, etc.) 
• The date and time that you observed the potential violation.

Who investigates the complaint?

The Division of Soil and Water Conservation works with local Soil and Water Conservation Districts to investigate and enforce the agricultural pollution laws. After receiving a complaint that alleges a violation of agricultural pollution laws, the Division or the local Soil and Water Conservation District will typically perform an investigation within three business days.

Are you witnessing an environmental emergency?

An environmental emergency is an immediate and significant threat to public health and/or the environment due to the release of materials to the environment. If you are witnessing an emergency that requires immediate response, please report it immediately to Ohio EPA’s 24-hour spill hotline at 1-800-282-9378 or 614-224-0946. Ohio EPA’s Environmental Response Unit is a specialized group of staff stationed throughout Ohio who can respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Can I remain anonymous?

You do not have to provide any personal information for the Division of Soil and Water Conservation to review your complaint. However, by providing your name and contact information, ODA will be able to contact you to clarify information or gather additional information from you to help investigate your concerns.  All the information submitted, including your contact information may be considered public information and may be released upon request.