The state Department of Environmental Conservation has launched an online form for citizens to report environmental violations.

Located at www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/67751.html , the new web page assists those who can provide thorough and relevant information about an alleged violation.

The form prompts complainants to describe what occurred, when it happened and where the violation was witnessed. Complainants may remain anonymous or confidential.

Detailed initial complaints assist DEC Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) in a timely and complete investigation of complaints and potential arrests against those who are violating environmental laws.

“This is an expansion of DEC’s successful ‘Turn in Poachers and Polluters’ (TIPP) Hotline,” said Peter Fanelli, DEC Director of Law Enforcement, referring to the long-established telephone tip system.

“Citizens have always played a vital role in helping DEC enforce state environmental laws and regulations. This new web tool gives them one more option for alerting us to potential problems.”

Persons can still make a complaint by phone using the DEC hotline at 1-800-TIPP-DEC (1-800-847-7332).

In fact, if an emergency situation exists and or an immediate response is needed, calling the hotline is the best option. Fanelli emphasized that a person should never put himself or herself at risk to obtain information. Instead, one should gather whatever details possible without trespassing or exposing themselves to harmful materials or situations.

To find the new web form without typing in the URL, log into the DEC website main page at www.dec.ny.gov and type “TIPP” in the search box at the top right hand side of the page, then click on the first document, “Report an Environmental Violation Online.”