What is the purpose of a Notice of Federal Interest (NOFI)?

The Notice of Federal Interest (NOFI) serves a critical role in environmental management, particularly in incidents involving pollution or hazardous materials. Its primary purpose is to notify the responsible party about their potential liability regarding the contamination or incident in question. This notice essentially indicates that the federal government acknowledges an interest in the situation and underscores the legal implications for the entity responsible for the release or spill. By doing so, it ensures that the responsible party is aware of their obligations and potential penalties if they fail to take appropriate measures to address the issue, such as cleanup or compliance with regulations.

In contrast, notifying the public about the incident is generally handled through different communication strategies, and while encouraging volunteers might be part of a broader response effort, it is not the main focus of a NOFI. Similarly, transferring responsibility for cleanup actions to state agencies involves different legal and procedural frameworks, which do not align with the purpose of a NOFI, as this notice specifically pertains to liability rather than responsibility transfer.