What is the first step a reporting party should take upon discovering a discharge?

When a reporting party discovers a discharge, the first step they should take is to notify the National Response Center (NRC) as soon as they become aware of the incident. This action is crucial because it ensures that the appropriate authorities are informed and can initiate a response to the discharge quickly. The NRC acts as a centralized reporting point for oil spills and hazardous substance releases, facilitating coordinated efforts to address the emergency.

Prompt notification helps mitigate potential harm to the environment and public health, as it allows trained responders to assess the situation and start containment or cleanup procedures as necessary. By following this protocol, individuals contribute to a systematic approach to managing environmental incidents.

Other options, while they may be important steps in the response process, should occur after informing the NRC. Immediate cleanup might interfere with ongoing investigations or could be ineffective without proper protocols. Documentation is vital for records but comes after the notification of authorities, and informing the public could cause unnecessary alarm if not managed by official channels. Thus, the priority must be to alert the NRC first.