There are three main phases in the lifecycle of a contaminated site: discovery, assessment/investigation, and closure. First, a spill or existing contamination is reported to IDEM. This usually happens through the IDEM Spill Line (888-233-7745). Then IDEM investigates the site to assess the severity of the contamination and determine what type of action is required to make the site safe. Finally, when the objectives are met, the site is eligible for closure, which typically signifies that IDEM's direct involvement with the site is finished. Depending on the program involved in the cleanup, IDEM will provide various forms of written acknowledgement that cleanup objectives were accomplished.