Reporting requirements expanded for chemical spills
New water protections will require the public to report spills of fuel, oil, waste or hazardous chemicals — or face financial penalties.
Jaché Adams, the Minister of Public Works and Environment, told the House of Assembly the Water Resources (Discharge Reporting, Abatement and Remediation) Regulations 2025 will require reporting spills into water or onto unsealed grounds.
Under the regulations, failing to report a large spill, or knowingly providing false information, could result in a fine of up to $20,000.
Mr Adams said: “Let me be clear. The goal of these regulations is not punishment. The goal is protection.
“Protection for families who depend on groundwater. Protection for homeowners who could face serious costs from contamination.
“Protection for fishermen, farmers and tourism workers whose livelihoods depend on clean water. Protection for the natural environment that sustains our health, our economy and our future.”
Mr Adams told the House that the measures are intended address the spilling of chemicals which can seep into the ground and contaminate groundwater, ponds, marshes and surrounding areas.
He said: “This is not abstract. It is the same water many families rely on during dry periods, and the same ocean where our livelihoods, recreation and traditions depend.”
The regulations require that spills be reported to the Pollution Control Section of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources within 24 hours, or the next business day.
The rules also formalise reporting of the 650 underground and above-ground fuel storage tanks across the island through a pollution liability register, managed by the department.
Mr Adams said: “This register will allow the Government to monitor these tanks, identify risks early and prevent leaks before they become serious environmental or financial problems.
“These regulations also establish clear standards for cleaning up contaminated soil, based on risk and location.
“Areas used for industry or commercial purposes will have different requirements than residential neighbourhoods, where stronger protections are deemed to be necessary.
“For example, soil contamination near an industrial site may be managed differently than a spill beneath a family home, where children may be playing and groundwater supplies are nearby.
“This risk-based approach ensures safety without imposing unnecessary burdens.”
Mr Adams said that the clean-up standards were based on the Risk-Based Corrective Action guidelines that have been in use for decades by organisations including Sol and Rubis, Bermuda’s petroleum suppliers, Belco, the electrical utility, and airport managers Skyport.
He added: “The difference now is that these expectations will apply to everyone. Any business, contractor or individual who causes a spill will be responsible for cleaning it up. That is the fair and responsible thing to do.
“To further support this work, the regulations will introduce a self-declaration approval process which allows environmental monitoring companies and excavation contractors to confirm that they follow the RBCA process for spills larger than 20 gallons.
“This will streamline remediation efforts while ensuring strong oversight remains in place.”
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