What are the five elements that constitute a violation?

The correct choice focuses on the specific legal framework surrounding pollution violations, particularly concerning the discharge of hazardous substances. This choice accurately captures a critical aspect of environmental regulations by emphasizing that there must be a discharge or release of oil or hazardous substances into U.S. navigable waters and that there must be an identifiable responsible party associated with the source of that discharge.

This reflects the principles established under laws such as the Clean Water Act, which holds parties accountable for releases that can affect navigable waters, requiring proper identification and remediation of harmful discharges. This accountability is central to preventing pollution and ensuring that responsible parties take appropriate action to mitigate any environmental harm caused.

In contrast, other options either lack specificity regarding legal definitions and regulatory scope or do not adequately highlight the necessity of a responsible party being involved, which is essential in establishing a violation of environmental laws. Choices that refer to discharges regardless of quantity or unauthorized releases into any environment are broader and do not clearly align with the criteria that comprise a violation in the context of U.S. environmental regulations focused on navigable waters.